According to the Zillow Home Value Index, Massachusetts’ most affordable communities showcase a stark contrast to the state’s high-priced coastal markets, with all 25 most affordable communities concentrated in the western part of the state. These communities, anchored by cities like Springfield and North Adams, demonstrate the significant east-west price divide in Massachusetts real estate, while also highlighting the broader trend of substantial home value appreciation across all market segments.
The data reveals interesting patterns in these more affordable markets. While the price spread between the most affordable community (North Adams at $240,528) and the highest-priced in this group (Rowe at $325,710) is relatively modest at roughly $85,000, the appreciation rates vary dramatically. Athol leads all communities with a remarkable 147.5% increase since 2015, while Heath shows the most modest appreciation at 58.0%. Springfield, the region’s largest city and economic hub, represents an important benchmark in this group, maintaining relatively affordable prices despite significant urbanization and amenities. Perhaps most notably, even these most affordable communities have seen substantial price appreciation since 2015, reflecting the broader pressure on housing costs across all segments of the Massachusetts market. This list is in descending order.
#25. Rowe
Home values in Rowe have climbed from $193,101 in June 2015 to $226,949 in June 2020, reaching $325,710 by November 2024, representing a 68.7% increase over the nine-year period. This steady appreciation reflects the growing appeal of this rural community while still maintaining its position as one of the state’s more affordable towns.
Rowe is a small, rural town in Franklin County nestled in the Berkshire foothills. The town maintains its historic New England character and is known for its preservation of open space, with the Pelham Lake Park offering extensive recreational opportunities for residents.
#24. Ware
Ware’s home values have seen substantial growth, starting at $169,772 in June 2015, rising to $213,506 in June 2020, and reaching $324,108 by November 2024, marking a 90.9% increase over the nine-year span. This appreciation reflects the town’s growing appeal while maintaining relative affordability within the Massachusetts market.
Known historically as “The Town That Can’t Be Licked,” Ware has a rich industrial heritage centered around its mills along the Ware River. The town serves as a commercial hub for several surrounding rural communities and maintains a distinctive downtown area with historic architecture.
#23. Plainfield
Plainfield’s home values have increased steadily, moving from $198,366 in June 2015 to $240,178 in June 2020, and reaching $323,551 by November 2024, representing a 63.1% increase over the period. This modest but consistent growth has helped maintain the town’s position as one of Massachusetts’ more accessible housing markets.
Plainfield is a small hilltown in Hampshire County, characterized by its rural atmosphere and scenic landscapes. The town is home to several working farms and offers extensive outdoor recreation opportunities, including access to the Westfield River.
#22. Middlefield
Home values in Middlefield have grown from $182,103 in June 2015 to $219,830 in June 2020, ultimately reaching $321,937 by November 2024, marking a 76.8% increase. This appreciation reflects the growing interest in rural communities while keeping prices relatively accessible for homebuyers.
Middlefield is a quiet, rural community in the Berkshire highlands. The town is known for its pristine natural settings and historical sites, including the Middlefield Fair, one of the oldest agricultural fairs in the country.
#21. Dalton
Dalton has experienced steady home value growth, rising from $178,820 in June 2015 to $211,763 in June 2020, and reaching $321,423 by November 2024, representing a 79.7% increase. This appreciation demonstrates the town’s increasing desirability while maintaining relatively affordable housing options.
Dalton is known as a historic paper-making town and remains home to Crane & Co., which produces paper for U.S. currency. The town combines industrial heritage with small-town charm and offers easy access to Pittsfield and other Berkshire attractions.
#20. Wales
Wales has seen significant home value appreciation, climbing from $169,584 in June 2015 to $213,761 in June 2020, and reaching $320,532 by November 2024, marking an 89.0% increase. This growth reflects increasing interest in rural communities while maintaining relative affordability.
Wales is a small town in Hampden County, centered around Wales Pond. The community maintains its rural character and offers residents a quiet lifestyle with easy access to both Springfield and Worcester.
#19. Athol
Athol has experienced remarkable home value growth, starting at $128,680 in June 2015, rising to $188,778 in June 2020, and reaching $318,493 by November 2024, marking an impressive 147.5% increase – the highest appreciation rate among the state’s most affordable communities.
Athol, situated along the Millers River, has a strong manufacturing heritage and is known for its tool-making industry. The town combines its industrial legacy with extensive outdoor recreation opportunities, making it increasingly attractive to homebuyers seeking affordability and amenities.
#18. Peru
Peru’s home values have shown substantial growth, increasing from $166,914 in June 2015 to $210,285 in June 2020, and reaching $318,026 by November 2024, representing a 90.5% increase. This appreciation reflects growing interest in mountain communities while maintaining relatively accessible price points.
Peru is a small mountain town in the Berkshires, sitting at one of the highest elevations in Massachusetts. The town is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities, particularly winter sports at the nearby Bromley Mountain.
#17. Greenfield
Greenfield’s home values have risen steadily, moving from $176,066 in June 2015 to $205,740 in June 2020, and reaching $316,822 by November 2024, marking a 79.9% increase. This growth demonstrates the town’s increasing appeal while maintaining relatively affordable housing options.
Greenfield serves as the county seat and economic hub of Franklin County. The town features a vibrant downtown area with numerous historic buildings and has become known for its emphasis on sustainable living and local food culture.
#16. Erving
Erving’s home values have shown consistent growth, rising from $176,588 in June 2015 to $211,488 in June 2020, and reaching $314,308 by November 2024, representing a 78.0% increase. This appreciation reflects the town’s growing appeal while maintaining its position as one of the state’s more affordable communities.
Erving is a small town along the Mohawk Trail, situated on the Miller’s River. The community maintains its industrial heritage while offering residents access to numerous outdoor recreation opportunities, including the nearby Erving State Forest.
#15. Turners Falls
Home values in Turners Falls have increased from $166,648 in June 2015 to $197,373 in June 2020, reaching $307,403 by November 2024, marking an 84.5% increase. This growth demonstrates the village’s rising popularity while maintaining relatively accessible housing prices.
Turners Falls, a village within Montague, is a former mill town experiencing cultural revival. The community features a historic downtown district, canal-side bike path, and has become known for its growing arts scene and riverside recreation.
#14. Wendell
Wendell has seen steady home value appreciation, moving from $170,617 in June 2015 to $196,251 in June 2020, and reaching $306,715 by November 2024, representing a 79.8% increase. This growth reflects increasing interest in rural communities while maintaining relatively affordable housing options.
Wendell is a small, rural community known for its strong environmental focus and alternative lifestyle community. The town features extensive conservation land, including Wendell State Forest, and maintains a reputation for sustainable living practices.
#13. Holyoke
Holyoke’s home values have shown significant growth, climbing from $167,470 in June 2015 to $211,745 in June 2020, and reaching $305,542 by November 2024, marking an 82.4% increase. This appreciation reflects the city’s ongoing revitalization while maintaining its position as one of the state’s more affordable urban areas.
Holyoke, known as “The Paper City,” was one of the first planned industrial cities in the United States. The city is experiencing ongoing revitalization efforts and is home to the Holyoke Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in New England.
#12. Colrain
Colrain has experienced steady home value growth, rising from $169,554 in June 2015 to $199,360 in June 2020, and reaching $303,632 by November 2024, representing a 79.1% increase. This appreciation demonstrates the town’s growing appeal while maintaining relatively affordable housing options.
Colrain is a rural town in Franklin County, characterized by its hillside farms and scenic landscapes. The town maintains strong agricultural traditions and features several historic covered bridges, including the Arthur A. Smith Bridge.
#11. Orange
Orange has seen remarkable home value appreciation, climbing from $134,007 in June 2015 to $188,971 in June 2020, and reaching $301,677 by November 2024, marking a substantial 125.1% increase. This significant growth reflects increasing interest in the community while still maintaining relatively accessible price points.
Orange is a former mill town located along the Miller’s River. The town has seen significant price appreciation and offers residents a mix of historic architecture, downtown amenities, and access to outdoor recreation opportunities.
#10. Chicopee
Chicopee’s home values have shown steady growth, increasing from $159,910 in June 2015 to $201,214 in June 2020, and reaching $298,466 by November 2024, representing an 86.6% increase. This appreciation reflects the city’s stable development while maintaining its position as one of the state’s more affordable urban areas.
Chicopee is the second largest city in Western Massachusetts, known for its industrial heritage and diverse neighborhoods. The city features Westover Air Reserve Base and offers residents a suburban atmosphere with urban amenities.
#9. Millers Falls
Millers Falls has experienced substantial home value growth, rising from $136,123 in June 2015 to $167,051 in June 2020, and reaching $293,376 by November 2024, marking a significant 115.5% increase. This appreciation demonstrates the village’s increasing appeal while maintaining relatively affordable housing options.
Millers Falls is a village within Montague that developed around the falls of the Miller’s River. The community retains its historic mill town character and has seen substantial price appreciation while maintaining its affordable character.
#8. Heath
Heath has shown the most modest appreciation among affordable communities, with home values moving from $184,805 in June 2015 to $204,606 in June 2020, and reaching $292,012 by November 2024, representing a 58.0% increase. This slower growth has helped maintain the town’s position as one of the state’s more affordable communities.
Heath is a rural hilltown in Franklin County known for its scenic beauty and agricultural heritage. The town has seen the lowest price appreciation among the affordable communities but maintains its appeal for those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle.
#7. Pittsfield
Pittsfield’s home values have shown strong growth, climbing from $153,604 in June 2015 to $185,777 in June 2020, and reaching $291,994 by November 2024, marking a 90.1% increase. This appreciation reflects the city’s cultural renaissance while maintaining relatively affordable housing options.
Pittsfield serves as the cultural and commercial hub of the Berkshires. The city offers diverse amenities including the Colonial Theatre, Berkshire Museum, and numerous cultural attractions while maintaining relatively affordable housing prices.
#6. Chester
Chester has experienced steady home value appreciation, rising from $153,167 in June 2015 to $186,777 in June 2020, and reaching $285,566 by November 2024, representing an 86.4% increase. This growth demonstrates the town’s increasing appeal while maintaining its position as one of the state’s more affordable communities.
Chester is a small town in the foothills of the Berkshires, known for its scenic railway and outdoor recreation opportunities. The town offers a quiet, rural lifestyle while maintaining relatively easy access to larger communities.
#5. Springfield
Springfield has seen significant home value appreciation, climbing from $128,202 in June 2015 to $178,287 in June 2020, and reaching $282,083 by November 2024, marking a substantial 120.0% increase. This growth reflects the city’s ongoing development while maintaining its position as one of the state’s more affordable urban centers.
Springfield is the largest city in Western Massachusetts and the region’s economic center. Despite significant price appreciation, the city maintains affordable housing while offering urban amenities, including the Basketball Hall of Fame and extensive cultural institutions.
#4. Clarksburg
Clarksburg’s home values have shown steady growth, increasing from $141,046 in June 2015 to $167,196 in June 2020, and reaching $264,183 by November 2024, representing an 87.3% increase. This appreciation demonstrates the town’s growing appeal while maintaining relatively affordable housing options.
Clarksburg is a small town in the northern Berkshires, bordering Vermont. The community offers rural living with easy access to North Adams and features the popular Clarksburg State Park for outdoor recreation.
#3. Florida
Florida has experienced consistent home value growth, rising from $134,665 in June 2015 to $165,230 in June 2020, and reaching $253,264 by November 2024, marking an 88.1% increase. This appreciation reflects increasing interest in mountain communities while maintaining some of the state’s most accessible home prices.
Florida is a small mountain town along the Mohawk Trail, known for its high elevation and scenic views. The town features part of the Hoosac Tunnel, a historic railroad tunnel, and offers excellent access to outdoor recreation opportunities.
#2. Adams
Adams has seen substantial home value appreciation, climbing from $128,100 in June 2015 to $154,683 in June 2020, and reaching $245,459 by November 2024, representing a 91.6% increase. This growth demonstrates the town’s increasing desirability while maintaining its position as one of Massachusetts’ most affordable communities.
Adams is a former mill town in Berkshire County, situated at the base of Mount Greylock, Massachusetts’ highest peak. The town features the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail and serves as a gateway to outdoor recreation while maintaining its historic downtown.
#1. North Adams
North Adams, offering the most affordable home values in Massachusetts, has seen significant appreciation from $119,563 in June 2015 to $149,247 in June 2020, reaching $240,528 by November 2024, marking a 101.2% increase. This growth reflects the city’s cultural transformation while maintaining its position as the state’s most affordable city.
North Adams, the smallest city in Massachusetts, has transformed from its industrial past into a cultural destination, anchored by the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA). Despite significant appreciation, the city maintains the most affordable home values in the state while offering a unique blend of arts, culture, and outdoor recreation.
