Real Estate Investing in Somerville, Massachusetts (02144)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 02144 (Somerville, MA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- Tenant-protective state: Landlord rating 1.0/5 — slower evictions, more regulations.
What’s happening in Somerville, MA (02144)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 02144 Somerville
The 02144 ZIP in Somerville, MA is a local-operator market. Outside capital chasing a $1.1M entry has to pair deep knowledge with the discount.
For an experienced owner, 02144 can be a a strong candidate for hunting ground — but the discount at $1.1M reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.
The gap between 02144 and stronger Somerville ZIPs is not closing quickly. Investors should weight long-horizon assumptions accordingly.
The 02144 ZIP's population of 25,009 has faced economic pressure over the last decade. That pressure shows up in rent delinquency patterns that sits at the need for careful underwriting.
The right play in 02144 usually involves deep tenant screening, aggressive delinquency response, and a conservative capex buffer. Anything less, and the discount can turn into a trap.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Somerville:
Property Strategy for 02144
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $675,813 | $3,060 | 3.3% | +1.5% | $675,813 |
| 2BR | $845,708 | $3,640 | 3.1% | +1.7% | $422,854 |
| 3BR | $1,165,423 | $4,360 | 2.7% | +2.7% | $388,474 |
| 4BR | $1,409,617 | $4,820 | 2.5% | +1.5% | $352,404 |
| 5BR | $1,586,298 | — | — | +2.2% | $317,260 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 02144 Compare?
| Metric | 02144 | Somerville | Massachusetts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $1,055,290 | $948,154 | $645,115 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 2.2% | 2.5% | 7.0% |
| Avg Rent | $3,784 | $3,517 | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.8% | 2.9% | - |
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 02144 (Somerville, MA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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Property managers serving Middlesex County
Manage rentals here? List your business →Green Ocean Property Management offers investment property management and condo association management services in Boston and surrounding areas like Allston, Brighton, Cambridge, and Quincy. summary from their website
McDonough Property Management offers full-service property management and HOA management in the Greater Boston Area, covering maintenance, inspections, legal compliance, and communication. summary from their website
New England Property Management & Maintenance offers property management for multi/single-family homes, apartments, rental properties, and condo associations in Brookline, MA and Cambridge, MA. 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 | $1,055,290 |
| Monthly Rent | $3,784 |
| Price-to-Rent | 23.2:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.3% |
| Cap Rate | 2.8% |
| 5-Year IRR | 5.0% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +2.6% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +2.3% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +2.2% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +3.4% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | +9.0% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +4.6% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.2% ▲ |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (2.8%). 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 02144
Population: 25,009
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 02144
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (5 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Amigos School
Cambridge Street Upper School
Daniel Butler
Gardner Pilot Academy
Hardy
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
What is the renter demographic in Somerville, MA?
The tenant pool in Somerville, MA is solid, supported by local employment and population fundamentals. Rents of $3,784/mo are well-absorbed by the market.
Is Somerville, MA good for landlords?
The landlord environment in Somerville, MA is tenant-protective. Statewide rules shape most day-to-day operations for rental owners.
How much should I expect to pay for a home in Somerville, MA?
Median home price in Somerville, MA is near $1.1M, with a 5-year CAGR of 0.0%. Prices have been even-keeled and supportive of buy-and-hold strategies.
What is the typical vacancy rate in Somerville, MA?
Vacancy risk in Somerville, MA is elevated. That supports stable cash flow for typical rental holds.
What do rentals go for in Somerville, MA?
Expect rents around $3,784/mo per month in Somerville, MA. With home values at $1.1M, the yield math works out to reasonable levels for rental investors.
You know 02144 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 02144 ranks in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
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