Real Estate Investing in Boston, Massachusetts (02118)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 02118 (Boston, MA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Multiple negative signals. Better options likely exist nearby.
Structural challenges here. The numbers may look cheap but operational risk is high. Only for experienced, hands-on investors.
- Elevated vacancy: 8.8% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
- Flat appreciation: Values have barely moved over 5 years (1.3% CAGR).
- Tenant-protective state: Landlord rating 1.0/5 — slower evictions, more regulations.
- Elevated poverty: 21.8% poverty rate — can affect rent collection.
What’s happening in Boston, MA (02118)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 02118 Boston
ZIP 02118 inside Suffolk County looks affordable on the surface — median value of $978K — but the discount exists for reasons that a careful buyer should understand before committing.
The investment case in 02118 is durable only for operators who understand what they are buying. A $978K median suggests accessibility, but management intensity, vacancy drift, and capex surprises are real.
Within MA, ZIP 02118 trails on several market indicators that neighboring Suffolk County submarkets outperform. The gap is real and substantial enough to shape underwriting.
The 02118 ZIP's population of 28,522 has faced economic pressure over the last decade. That pressure shows up in rent delinquency patterns that reflects the need for careful underwriting.
tilts toward the ZIP is not uninvestable, but it is unforgiving. Section 8 landlords, local operators, and specialized value-add funds are the investor types that tend to succeed.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Boston:
Property Strategy for 02118
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $753,954 | $2,210 | 2.1% | +0.7% | $753,954 |
| 2BR | $1,120,234 | $2,630 | 1.7% | +1.7% | $560,117 |
| 3BR | $2,332,491 | $3,150 | 1.0% | +2.5% | $777,497 |
| 4BR | $3,524,179 | $3,480 | 0.7% | +3.1% | $881,045 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 02118 Compare?
| Metric | 02118 | Boston | Massachusetts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $978,285 | $852,655 | $645,115 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 1.3% | 2.0% | 7.0% |
| Avg Rent | $3,872 | $3,489 | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.1% | 3.1% | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
Compare other nearby markets to see if a neighbor offers a better fit.
Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 02118 (Boston, MA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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Property managers serving Suffolk County
Manage rentals here? List your business →CHARLESGATE Property Management provides full-service, customized property management for condominiums, multifamily properties, and investment portfolios in the Greater Boston Area. summary from their website
First Realty Management provides real estate management services for condominiums and commercial properties. summary from their website
MerGo Group offers property management and vacation rental management services in the Boston Metro Area. summary from their website
Listings are shown for convenience — Repit doesn’t endorse or vet these companies. Ratings shown come only from email-verified visitors.
📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $978,285 |
| Monthly Rent | $3,872 |
| Price-to-Rent | 21.1:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.8% |
| Cap Rate | 3.1% |
| 5-Year IRR | 4.4% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +4.1% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +1.3% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +1.3% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +1.7% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | +3.5% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +3.0% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +4.4% ▲ |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (3.1%). Financing reduces your cash-on-cash return below the cap rate. Markets like this may still make sense as IRR plays — factoring in appreciation, depreciation, and a future refinance when rates drop.
Run an IRR Analysis →⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 02118
Population: 28,522
Crime & Safety
Crime & Safety Data Coming Soon
We're integrating comprehensive crime statistics including violent crime rates, property crime, and safety scores to help you make informed investment decisions.
Expected: Q1 2025
🎓 Schools in 02118
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (5 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Cambridge Street Upper School
Condon K-8 School
Dearborn 6-12 STEM Academy
Dever Elementary School
Ellis Elementary School
About Repit School Scores
Traditional school ratings rely heavily on standardized test scores, which often reflect family income more than school quality. Repit takes a different approach.
We evaluate schools based on factors that research shows actually impact educational outcomes:
- Class Size — Smaller classes mean more individual attention
- School Funding — Resources available for programs, staff, and facilities
- Community Factors — Neighborhood characteristics that influence student success
- School Environment — Size, type, and structure
Scores are updated annually using federal education data.
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do rents currently stand in Boston, MA?
The typical rental in Boston, MA commands about $3,872/mo monthly. That rent profile measured cash flow against the $978K purchase basis.
Is rental property easy to operate in Boston, MA?
Landlord-friendliness in Boston, MA is tenant-protective. Eviction timelines and lease enforcement are considered reasonable by most property managers.
What is the typical home price in Boston, MA?
Homes in Boston, MA typically sell near $978K. Prices have moved at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, which consistent long-term demand.
Should investors consider Boston, MA?
With a 2.0/5 investability score, Boston, MA ranks as a solid market for rental property investors. Median prices of $978K and rents of $3,872/mo drive the underlying numbers.
What is the typical renter like in Boston, MA?
Boston, MA offers a consistent renter base at the $3,872/mo rent level. Tenant turnover is reasonable for well-managed properties.
You know 02118 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 02118 compares to every other market. Investor ($19/mo) screens every U.S. ZIP by cap rate, the 1% rule, vacancy and landlord climate, and exports your shortlist.
How 02118 ranks in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
Every ZIP in this metro, ranked. Free.
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