Real Estate Investing in Lawrence, Massachusetts
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in Lawrence, MA? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
For Homebuyers
MIXED
Grade C (56/100)
Mixed — home prices are stretched relative to local incomes. Run the math on your specific situation.
For Investors
MIXED
3.0 / 5
(47/100)
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
Risks to Know
2 flags
- Tenant-protective state: Landlord rating 1.0/5 — slower evictions, more regulations.
- Higher unemployment: 7.2% unemployment — tenant risk signal.
What’s happening in Lawrence, MA?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
🏦 30-yr Fixed Rate:
6.67%
as of Aug 13
Source: Freddie Mac PMMS
Avg Investability
★★★★★
Avg Home Value
$477,318
Avg Monthly Rent
$2,335
ZIP Codes
3
Market Trends — Lawrence, MA
Home Value History
Rent History
Local Pulse Report
AI-researched developments and news for Lawrence, MA. Updated on demand as visitors ask.
Growth & development in Lawrence, MA Updated 109 days ago
Lawrence, MA is experiencing significant infrastructure and housing development, alongside some business closures and statewide economic contraction.
Opportunities
- Stone Mill Lofts, an all-electric mixed-income multifamily property with 86 units, opened in October 2024 after a two-year renovation. — This expands housing options, including affordable units, and promotes sustainable living. Multifamily Dive
- Construction began in July 2023 on a mixed-use building at 115-125 Essex St., expected to be completed by June 2024, offering 24 market-rate apartments and ground-floor commercial space, including a food hall. — This adds new housing and diverse commercial options, revitalizing a vacant downtown property. MassDevelopment
- The Lawrence Manchester Rail Corridor project, a 1.5-mile shared-use path, broke ground in August 2025 and is expected to be completed by summer 2028. — This creates new recreational opportunities and improves pedestrian and bicycle connectivity. AASHTO Journal
- The I-495 Andover-Lawrence Bridge Replacements Project began in Spring 2024, aiming to replace six bridges and improve safety and traffic flow by Fall 2027. — This enhances vital transportation infrastructure, improving safety and efficiency for commuters and freight. Mass.gov
- Lawrence CommunityWorks has several ongoing projects, including DyeWorks, which is transforming a vacant building into a community center with a grocery store and health center. — These projects provide affordable housing, essential services, and community spaces, addressing local needs. Lawrence CommunityWorks
Concerns
- Biomanufacturing firm Revvity Inc. is permanently closing its Lawrence facility at 360 Merrimack St., impacting 51 employees, with layoffs expected by January 2026. — This results in job losses and reduces local employment opportunities. Boston Real Estate Times
- Massachusetts experienced a net loss of 5,333 business establishments in Q2 2024, nearly double the national rate of net closures. — This indicates a challenging business environment, potentially limiting economic growth and job creation statewide. Mass Opportunity Alliance
- Plans for a large mixed-use project at the former Journal-World printing plant site, including high-end office space and a food hall, are now uncertain as the developer's contract expired in October 2024. — This stalls potential economic development and the creation of new commercial and recreational spaces. Lawrence Journal-World
Bottom line: Lawrence is actively pursuing new housing and infrastructure, but faces challenges with business closures and stalled large-scale commercial developments.
Local news & events in Lawrence, MA Updated 109 days ago
Lawrence, MA has seen community efforts to address climate change and public health, alongside ongoing concerns about crime, housing, and city governance.
Opportunities
- The "Green Lawrence Blue Merrimack" project, a two-year initiative, is developing a Stormwater Resilience Master Plan to reduce flooding and sewage discharge into local rivers. — This project aims to improve environmental quality and protect residents from the impacts of extreme weather events. Green Lawrence Blue Merrimack
- The "Lawrence Pa'lante: Safer Cooler Streets" project is transforming areas like the "Bennington Triangle" into community parks to combat the urban heat island effect. — These efforts create more green spaces and safer, cooler environments, especially benefiting vulnerable populations. C40 Cities
- Lawrence General Hospital is actively working to decrease opioid overdose deaths and increase access to treatment options in the city. — This expands access to critical healthcare services and addresses a significant public health crisis. Merrimack Health
- Community events like the "Rev it Up Hot Rod Street Fest" and "Art in the Park" continue to offer cultural and recreational opportunities. — These events provide residents with diverse entertainment and opportunities for community engagement. Downtown Lawrence Inc
Concerns
- A Lawrence man was arrested in April 2026 in connection with the death of a 13-year-old girl, charged with distribution of Class B drugs to a minor and indecent assault. — This incident highlights serious safety concerns, particularly regarding drug-related harm and the protection of minors. Lawrence, MA News Flash
- In June 2025, the Lawrence City Council voted to raise taxes and cut services, including summer programs for children, senior services, and funding for the police and public library. — These actions impose increased financial burdens on residents while reducing essential community services and opportunities. The Valley Patriot
- The Lawrence police union called for the mayor's resignation in April 2026 amid allegations of unauthorized "secret" audio recordings in City Hall hallways. — This raises concerns about transparency, privacy, and trust in city governance. CBS News
- Lawrence continues to face significant challenges with an aging housing stock, high rents, and a lack of new construction keeping pace with population growth. — This restricts access to affordable and quality housing options for many residents. CommonWealth Beacon
Bottom line: Lawrence is actively working to improve environmental resilience and public health, but faces ongoing challenges with crime, housing affordability, and political controversies.
Schools in Lawrence, MA Updated 109 days ago
Lawrence Public Schools is undergoing significant facility upgrades and program developments while navigating state receivership and working towards local control.
Opportunities
- The new Henry K. Oliver K-8 School is under construction and anticipated to open for the 2025 academic year. — This provides a modern, combined elementary and middle school facility for 1,000 students. Lawrence Public Schools
- The new Francis M. Leahy School K-8 is also under construction, combining elementary and middle schools, with anticipated occupancy in Fall 2025. — This project offers updated facilities and consolidates schools for improved learning environments. Lawrence Public Schools
- Enrollment in Lawrence Public Schools has recovered towards pre-COVID levels, with gains in some elementary/middle grades in 2024-2025. — Increased enrollment indicates growing community engagement and potentially more resources for the district. Ballotpedia, Citizen Portal AI
- The district is implementing high-quality literacy curricular materials like Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts, built on the Science of Reading. — This provides students with evidence-based instructional practices for improved literacy outcomes. Lawrence Public Schools
- Lawrence Public Schools offers half-day preschool programming, with a focus on early childhood development and inclusive environments. — This expands access to early education, supporting the development of young learners. Lawrence Public Schools
Concerns
- Lawrence Public Schools remains under state receivership, though a renewed turnaround plan is in effect until January 2026. — State receivership limits local control over the school district's governance and decision-making. MA Dept. of Elementary and Secondary Education
- High school achievement and growth declined in 2024-2025, despite gains in some elementary and middle grades. — This indicates ongoing challenges in ensuring consistent academic progress across all grade levels. Ballotpedia, Citizen Portal AI
- The district's average testing ranking is 1/10, placing it in the bottom 50% of public schools in Massachusetts for 2026. — Low proficiency scores in math (18%) and reading (19%) suggest students may not be adequately prepared. Public School Review, Niche
- A proposed $94.9 million bond referendum for Lawrence Township (NJ) schools in January 2025 would result in an estimated tax increase of $27 per month for the average homeowner. — This imposes additional costs on residents without their direct consent, even if for school improvements. Patch
Bottom line: Lawrence Public Schools is actively investing in new facilities and educational programs while working to improve academic performance and transition from state receivership to local control.
Civic & policy in Lawrence, MA Updated 109 days ago
Lawrence, MA has seen significant state-level tax adjustments and local zoning changes aimed at increasing housing density and affordability.
Opportunities
- The City of Lawrence adopted a new Land Development Code on January 15, 2025, effective April 1, 2025. — This code allows for more diverse housing types like accessory dwelling units and multi-plexes, potentially increasing housing options and affordability. City of Lawrence
- The new Land Development Code includes maximum parking standards for commercial developments, rather than minimums. — This can reduce development costs and impervious surfaces, promoting more environmentally friendly and affordable construction. City of Lawrence
- Massachusetts increased the child tax credit to $440 per dependent for tax year 2024 and beyond. — This provides financial relief to families with children and dependents, increasing disposable income. Seder & Chandler, LLP; CBS Boston
- The state rental deduction increased from $3,000 to $4,000, effective for tax year 2023. — This offers greater tax savings for renters, potentially easing housing cost burdens. Seder & Chandler, LLP
- A state law effective May 5, 2025, allows individuals to petition courts to seal past eviction records. — This can remove barriers for individuals seeking new housing, expanding their rental opportunities. CBS Boston
Concerns
- Lawrence's residential tax rate decreased from $9.25 in 2024 to $8.80 per $1,000 of assessed value for 2025, but total taxable property valuation increased by 10.1%. — Despite a lower rate, increased property assessments may still lead to higher overall property tax bills for residents. Lawrence, MA; Lawrence Police Department
- Some residents expressed concern that the new land development code could change the character of their neighborhoods. — Increased density and occupancy allowances may alter existing neighborhood aesthetics and potentially strain local resources. YouTube (Lawrence passes new land development code)
- Massachusetts repealed the deduction for interest and dividends from in-state banks, effective January 1, 2024. — This removes a previous tax benefit for residents, potentially increasing their state income tax liability. Seder & Chandler, LLP
- Starting in tax year 2024, most married couples filing jointly federally are required to file jointly in Massachusetts. — This change removes a previous option for some high-income couples to file separately and potentially reduce their state tax burden. Seder & Chandler, LLP; Mass.gov
Bottom line: Lawrence is experiencing a push for increased housing density and state-level tax adjustments, with mixed impacts on residents' financial burdens and housing choices.
AI-generated from public web sources. Always verify with official records. Not financial, legal, or investment advice.
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Property managers serving Essex County
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Beverly, MA
MRS Property Management offers full-service property management and tenant placement for apartments, houses, and commercial rentals across the North Shore area and Southern New Hampshire. summary from their website
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Cnr Property Management
Haverhill, MA
CNR Property Management provides expert property management and maintenance solutions. summary from their website
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Shawmut Property Management
North Andover, MA
This domain is for sale for $2,295 or monthly payments. summary from their website
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Avg Home Value
$477,318
Avg Monthly Rent
$2,335
1% Rule
✗ Below
Landlord Friendly (MA)
★☆☆☆☆
ZIP Codes in Lawrence, MA
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View PlansFrequently Asked Questions About Lawrence, MA
Are there empty rentals in Lawrence, MA?
Rental vacancy in Lawrence, MA is elevated. Investors should budget normal turnover but not chronic empty units.
Is it easy to find good tenants in Lawrence, MA?
Lawrence, MA draws a consistent base of working renters. Demand at the $2,335/mo rent level is reasonable for standard single-family and small multi rentals.
How strong are rents in Lawrence, MA?
Rents in Lawrence, MA run near $2,335/mo. Compared with median home prices of $477K that produces solid gross yields for typical rentals.
What type of investing works in Lawrence, MA?
Lawrence, MA investors pursuing careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The underlying economics ($477K prices, $2,335/mo rents) make it a reasonable choice.
What price range are homes in Lawrence, MA?
Typical homes in Lawrence, MA go for around $477K. The 5-year CAGR of 0.0% consistent price movement.
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