Real Estate Investing in Boston, Massachusetts (02134)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 02134 (Boston, MA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Multiple negative signals. Better options likely exist nearby.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- Elevated vacancy: 8.8% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
- Tenant-protective state: Landlord rating 1.0/5 — slower evictions, more regulations.
What’s happening in Boston, MA (02134)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 02134 Boston
ZIP 02134 inside Suffolk County looks affordable on the surface — median value of $816K — but the discount exists for reasons that a careful buyer should understand before committing.
Distressed markets are won on execution, not on spreadsheets. ZIP 02134 clocks in at the profile where tenant screening, deferred maintenance, and local relationships determine the outcome.
Statewide comparisons place 02134 among MA's softer markets. That context does not make the ZIP uninvestable, but it does raise the bar for due diligence.
The 02134 ZIP's population of 17,637 has faced economic pressure over the last decade. That pressure shows up in rent delinquency patterns that sits at the need for careful underwriting.
Strategically, 02134 can be a high-return sleeve of a diversified portfolio — but it should not be the whole portfolio, and it should not be someone's first deal.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Boston:
Property Strategy for 02134
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $461,982 | $2,780 | 4.3% | +1.9% | $461,982 |
| 2BR | $617,257 | $3,300 | 3.8% | +2.4% | $308,628 |
| 3BR | $786,227 | $3,960 | 3.6% | +3.3% | $262,076 |
| 4BR | $939,580 | $4,370 | 3.3% | +0.3% | $234,895 |
| 5BR | $1,076,414 | — | — | -1.6% | $215,283 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 02134 Compare?
| Metric | 02134 | Boston | Massachusetts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $816,265 | $852,655 | $645,115 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 2.5% | 2.0% | 7.0% |
| Avg Rent | $3,153 | $3,489 | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.0% | 3.1% | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
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Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 02134 (Boston, MA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
Do you own or manage rentals in ZIP 02134 (Boston, MA)?
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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 | $816,265 |
| Monthly Rent | $3,153 |
| Price-to-Rent | 21.6:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 4.6% |
| Cap Rate | 3.0% |
| 5-Year IRR | 5.5% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +0.4% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +3.2% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +2.5% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +4.7% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | +6.0% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +3.3% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.1% ▲ |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (3.0%). 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 02134
Population: 17,637
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 02134
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (5 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Amigos School
Brighton High School
Cambridge Street Upper School
Cunniff
Edison K-8 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
What is the tenant pool like in Boston, MA?
Tenant quality in Boston, MA ranks as solid. Landlords generally report consistent occupancy at market rents of $3,153/mo.
How do landlord-tenant laws work in Boston, MA?
Boston, MA operates under MA law, which is tenant-protective overall for landlords. Expect stable treatment in typical lease and eviction cases.
Is vacancy a concern in Boston, MA?
Boston, MA sees elevated vacancy, which is reasonable relative to the broader MA rental market.
Can I live-in-and-rent in Boston, MA?
House hacking in Boston, MA is reasonable to execute. Prices around $816K and rents of $3,153/mo solid owner-occupant economics.
How much should I expect to pay for a home in Boston, MA?
The median home value in Boston, MA is roughly $816K. That puts it reasonable relative to the MA statewide average.
You know 02134 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 02134 ranks in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
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