What are the 50 Most Expensive Towns in Massachusetts?

As we saw in our 2022 Year in Review Housing Report, home prices continue to rise across Massachusetts.  The average selling price for a home hit $614,655 by year’s end, an increase of 8.7% compared to 2021, and the highest monthly average selling price this year.

Here is a list of the most expensive towns in Massachusetts in 2022:

1. Chilmark

Coming in at number one is the small town of Chilmark with an average home selling price of $3,158,833. Chilmark is located on the west coast of Martha’s Vineyard and includes Noman’s Land, a small 612-acre island lying southwest to the coast. Chilmark is known for its gorgeous beaches and reservations, including Lucy Vincent Beach, Menemsha Hills, and Great Rock Bight Preserve. Chilmark is also home to Tea Lane Farm, a thirteen-acre farm dedicated to organic flower production. If you’re looking for beautiful Martha’s Vineyard nature, Chilmark is a great town! The population in Chilmark is 1,212 as of 2020, and the residential tax rate is $2.63.

2. Boston

The largest city in Massachusetts is number two on the list! The average selling price for a home in Boston is $2,952,149. Boston boasts world class museums, parks, cultural attractions, nightlife, and championship-winning sports teams. According to Walk Score, Boston is one of the most walkable cities in the country. It’s also one of the most bike friendly cities, and has an extensive public transportation system with buses, commuter rail, subway, and commuter ferry service. The population of Boston is 654,776, and the residential tax rate is $10.88.

3. Nantucket

Nantucket comes in third on our list with the average selling price for a home at $2,091,136. Although the average home price is high, the tax rate in Nantucket is one of lowest in the state, at $3.74. In 2022, there were 185 home sales in Nantucket. Nantucket is a town and a county as well as an island. Nantucket is a popular tourist destination where visitors can explore miles of beaches, wildlife reserves, museums, historic homes, shopping, and restaurants. The population of Nantucket is 4,068 residents.

4. Aquinnah

Aquinnah, another small town on Martha’s Vineyard places fourth on our list, with an average selling price of $2,080,000. Located on the very western end of island, Aquinnah is home to the breathtaking views of the Aquinnah Cliffs, and Gay Head, and offers several beaches for residents and visitors alike to enjoy. As of 2020 the population in Aquinnah was 439, and the current residential tax rate is $6.27.  

5. Weston

Weston has an average selling price of $2,000,179, and a total of 164 homes sold in 2022. Located in Middlesex County, Weston is known for its high quality of life. It has excellent schools with small class sizes and is committed to preserving its open space and maintaining sustainable land development. Weston is just 15 miles west of Boston and has access to routes 20 and 95. Weston also has 3 convenient stops on the MBTA commuter rail to Boston, making it an ideal location. The population of Weston is 11,851 and the property tax rate is $12.81

6. Brookline

Brookline has an average home selling price of $1,946,345. Brookline is surrounded by several Boston neighborhoods including Brighton, Jamaica Plain, and West Roxbury yet it retains its own unique character. Brookline consists of different neighborhoods such as Longwood, with its Greek revival architecture, and Washington Square with Victorian brownstones.  Several branches of the Green Line subway as well as MBTA buses serve Brookline. Brookline has a diverse population and an active arts community. The Coolidge Corner Theatre in Brookline runs independent films, first run films, documentaries, and hosts special events. The population of Brookline is 63,191, and the tax rate in Brookline is $10.19

7. Edgartown

Edgartown had 74 home sales in 2022 and the average selling price for a home is $1,913,912. Picturesque Edgartown is one of six towns on Martha’s Vineyard. Edgartown is known for its beautiful historic homes built during 17th and 18th centuries. There are coffee shops, art galleries, bookstores, and boutiques along the brick-lined streets in the heart of Edgartown. There’s a wide range of restaurants in town from casual to elegant. Tourists and residents enjoy going to several beaches in town including South Beach, with big waves and three miles of shoreline. The population of Edgartown is 5,168, and the tax rate is $3.03 which is extremely low.

8. Cambridge

Cambridge has an average selling price of $1,738,242 and had 885 homes sold in 2022. Home to two of the world’s most prestigious universities, Harvard University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge is a hub of intellectual and cultural activity. The city is known for its beautiful architecture, diverse population, and thriving arts and dining scenes. Residents and visitors alike can explore world-class museums, take a stroll along the Charles River, or indulge in the many culinary delights offered by the city’s numerous restaurants and cafes. Cambridge has a population of 118,403 residents and has a residential tax rate of $5.92.

9. Wellesley

The average price for a home in Wellesley is $1,631,480, and 401 homes sold in 2022. The Wellesley school system in considered one of the best in the state. The town is home to Wellesley College, one of the nation’s top liberal arts colleges, and Babson College, a renowned business school. You can explore the beautiful Wellesley College campus or take a stroll through the lovely Wellesley Town Square. The town also boasts an excellent school system, a variety of parks and outdoor spaces, and a thriving arts and culture scene. Along with its close proximity to Boston, Wellesley also has access to route 9 and has 3 stops on the MBTA commuter rail to Boston. The population of Wellesley is 29,550, and the residential tax rate in Wellesley is $11.68

10. Dover

Dover rounds out the top ten list with an average selling price of $1,629,481. Located just 40 minutes from Boston, the town of Dover retains a country-like atmosphere. Dover has plenty of open green space including Noanet Woodlands, with over 500 acres of preserved space and trails for hiking, birding, and mountain biking. The town is also home to several top-ranked public schools, making it a popular destination for families. Dover has a population of 5,923 and the residential tax rate is $12.42

**All total sales and average selling price data provided by The Warren Group