10 Greater Boston Towns That Voted 80%+ for Harris But Still Maintain $2M Entry Fees Through Exclusionary Zoning
They voted overwhelmingly for progressive candidates—but their zoning laws tell a different story. These 10 Greater Boston suburbs maintain housing policies that effectively exclude most families through price alone.
Lexington voted 81.5% for Kamala Harris in 2024. The same town requires minimum lot sizes that push median home prices to $1.49M—effectively excluding families earning less than $300K. This pattern repeats across Greater Boston's wealthiest suburbs: progressive politics at the ballot box, exclusionary zoning at town hall. We ranked 10 towns by their progressive voting patterns versus their housing accessibility. Which one surprised you most?
Welcome to Listicle Tuesday
The Setup: Ten Greater Boston suburbs voted 80-82% for Kamala Harris in 2024—among the most progressive voting patterns in the nation. Yet these same towns maintain zoning laws that effectively exclude most American families through price alone.
Why This Matters: Understanding this gap between political rhetoric and housing policy helps buyers make informed decisions about where to invest. It also reveals which communities are genuinely working toward integration versus maintaining exclusion by design.
How We Ranked Them: By 2024 Harris vote percentage (highest to lowest), with median home price, required income, school rating, and MBTA Act compliance for each.
Share Your Reaction: Which town surprised you most? Share this with someone house hunting in Greater Boston.
1️⃣1. Lexington — 81.5% for Harris, $1.49M Median
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The Contradiction: Lexington is the birthplace of American liberty and votes overwhelmingly progressive. It's also one of the most exclusionary suburbs in Massachusetts.
- By The Numbers:
- Harris 2024: 81.5% (Trump 16.7%)
- Median Home Price: $1.49M
- Required Income: $298K (top 8% of MA households)
- School Rating: 9.8/10 (elite)
- Black Population: 2.5% (vs 9.6% statewide)
- Median Age: 46.8 (oldest on this list)
The Zoning: Large-lot single-family zoning dominates. Minimum lot sizes of 20,000-40,000 square feet in most districts. Strict height limits prevent any meaningful density.
MBTA Act Compliance: Lexington fought the MBTA Communities Act initially but ultimately complied. The town rezoned areas near Lexington Center to allow multifamily housing—a significant shift after decades of resistance.
Why It's Here: Lexington represents the archetype: Revolutionary War history, elite schools, progressive politics, and exclusionary zoning that maintains demographic homogeneity through price.
🔍 Explore Lexington's Full Profile
See complete demographics, school ratings, housing patterns, and investment analysis for Lexington.
View Lexington Profile2️⃣2. Newton — 81.3% for Harris, $2.05M Median
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The Contradiction: Newton brands itself as diverse and progressive. It's also the second-most expensive suburb on this list.
- By The Numbers:
- Harris 2024: 81.3% (Trump 16.9%)
- Median Home Price: $2.05M
- Required Income: $410K (top 3% of MA households)
- School Rating: 8.8/10 (excellent)
- Black Population: 2.8% (vs 9.6% statewide)
- 13 Villages: Each maintains distinct character—and pricing
The Zoning: Newton's 13 villages each have their own zoning, creating a patchwork of exclusion. Single-family districts require 15,000-20,000 sq ft lots. Height restrictions and floor area ratio limits prevent density.
MBTA Act Compliance: Newton was an early adopter of the MBTA Communities Act, rezoning near commuter rail stations. The city has genuinely attempted to increase housing production—more than most towns on this list.
Why It's Here: Newton represents 'progressive but expensive'—genuine attempts at housing policy reform, but stratospheric prices that exclude by default. The city's diversity is real by Boston standards (2.8% Black, 17% Asian) but still falls short of state demographics.
🔍 Explore Newton's Full Profile
See complete demographics, village comparisons, school ratings, and investment analysis for Newton.
View Newton Profile3️⃣3. Brookline — 81.1% for Harris, $2.0M Median
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The Contradiction: Brookline is genuinely diverse by Boston standards and fiercely progressive. But 'affordable' doesn't describe it.
- By The Numbers:
- Harris 2024: 81.1% (Trump 17.1%)
- Median Home Price: $2.0M
- Required Income: $400K (top 3% of MA households)
- School Rating: 9.0/10 (excellent)
- Black Population: 11.8% (highest on this list, above state average)
- Median Age: 35.1 (youngest on this list)
The Zoning: Brookline actually allows more density than most towns on this list. Multifamily housing exists near transit. But land scarcity and proximity to Boston drive prices to stratospheric levels regardless.
MBTA Act Compliance: Brookline aggressively embraced the MBTA Communities Act. The town has consistently supported housing production and transit-oriented development.
Why It's Here: Brookline proves that progressive housing policy alone can't solve affordability when you're adjacent to Boston and Harvard. The town genuinely tries—but market forces and limited land make it exclusionary by price, not just policy.
4️⃣4. Wellesley — 80.9% for Harris, $2.5M Median
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The Contradiction: Wellesley boasts the best schools on this list and progressive voting. It also has the highest median home price and lowest Black population.
- By The Numbers:
- Harris 2024: 80.9% (Trump 17.3%)
- Median Home Price: $2.5M (highest on this list)
- Required Income: $500K (top 2% of MA households)
- School Rating: 9.9/10 (best schools in the state)
- Black Population: 1.8% (vs 9.6% statewide)
- Three Commuter Rail Stations: Transit access—for those who can afford the entry fee
The Zoning: Large-lot single-family districts dominate. Minimum lots of 15,000-20,000 sq ft. Very limited multifamily housing outside immediate downtown.
MBTA Act Compliance: Wellesley complied with the MBTA Communities Act but with clear reluctance. The town rezoned the minimum required areas near transit stations.
Why It's Here: Wellesley represents the pinnacle of 'prestige exclusion'—the best schools money can buy, wrapped in progressive politics, maintained through zoning that ensures only the wealthiest families can access them.
5️⃣5. Dover — 80.7% for Harris, $2.4M Median
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The Contradiction: Dover votes 80%+ Democratic nationally while maintaining some of the most restrictive zoning in Massachusetts—and actively fighting state mandates for housing integration.
- By The Numbers:
- Harris 2024: 80.7% (Trump 18.1%)
- Median Home Price: $2.4M
- Required Income: $480K (top 2% of MA households)
- School Rating: 9.6/10 (Dover-Sherborn regional district)
- Black Population: <1% (effectively zero)
- Minimum Lot Size: 1-2 acres in most districts
The Zoning: Dover's zoning is explicitly designed to maintain large-lot estates. One and two-acre minimums. No multifamily housing. No commercial districts. Pure residential exclusion.
MBTA Act Compliance: Dover sued the state to avoid MBTA Communities Act compliance, arguing it's not a 'served community' despite being within the MBTA service area. The lawsuit failed, but Dover's resistance was the strongest on this list.
Why It's Here: Dover represents 'progressive politics, maximum exclusion'—voting blue nationally while fighting tooth-and-nail against any state mandate that might increase housing access. The hypocrisy is stark and intentional.
6️⃣6. Weston — 80.5% for Harris, $2.15M Median
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The Contradiction: Weston is the safest town in Massachusetts and boasts elite schools. It's also one of the most exclusionary by design.
- By The Numbers:
- Harris 2024: 80.5% (Trump 18.3%)
- Median Home Price: $2.15M
- Required Income: $430K (top 3% of MA households)
- School Rating: 9.7/10 (elite)
- Black Population: 1.2% (vs 9.6% statewide)
- Crime Rate: 2.2 per 1,000 (lowest in Greater Boston)
- Minimum Lot Size: 40,000 sq ft (nearly 1 acre) in most districts
The Zoning: Weston's large-lot zoning is legendary. 40,000 sq ft minimums ensure only estate-scale homes. No meaningful multifamily housing. Car-dependent by design.
MBTA Act Compliance: Weston is not subject to the MBTA Communities Act—it has no MBTA service and successfully argued it's not a 'served community.'
Why It's Here: Weston represents 'rural exclusion'—using large-lot zoning and lack of transit to maintain separation from regional housing pressures. Progressive politics don't extend to housing integration when you can argue you're 'not served by transit.'
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7️⃣7. Winchester — 80.4% for Harris, $1.4M Median
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The Contradiction: Winchester is the most accessible town on this list by price—but that's relative. $1.4M is still beyond reach for 90% of Massachusetts families.
- By The Numbers:
- Harris 2024: 80.4% (Trump 18.4%)
- Median Home Price: $1.4M (most 'affordable' on this list)
- Required Income: $280K (top 9% of MA households)
- School Rating: 9.2/10 (excellent)
- Black Population: 2.1% (vs 9.6% statewide)
- Commute Time: 27 min to Boston (two commuter rail stations)
The Zoning: Winchester's downtown allows some multifamily housing. Outlying areas are single-family with 10,000-15,000 sq ft lots. More permissive than Weston or Dover, but still restrictive.
MBTA Act Compliance: Winchester complied with the MBTA Communities Act, rezoning areas near both commuter rail stations for multifamily housing.
Why It's Here: Winchester represents 'relative accessibility'—still expensive, still predominantly white, but genuinely less exclusionary than the towns ranked above it. The town's MBTA Act compliance was smoother than most.
8️⃣8. Belmont — 80.3% for Harris, $1.98M Median
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The Contradiction: Belmont benefits from proximity to Cambridge and votes progressive—but maintains exclusionary zoning that keeps it unaffordable.
- By The Numbers:
- Harris 2024: 80.3% (Trump 18.5%)
- Median Home Price: $1.98M
- Required Income: $396K (top 3% of MA households)
- School Rating: 9.0/10 (excellent)
- Black Population: 2.3% (vs 9.6% statewide)
- Location: Between Cambridge and Lexington—prime real estate
The Zoning: Single-family districts with 7,500-12,000 sq ft lots. Some multifamily near Waverly Square. But land scarcity and location drive prices regardless.
MBTA Act Compliance: Belmont complied with the MBTA Communities Act, focusing multifamily rezoning near Waverly and Belmont Center stations.
Why It's Here: Belmont represents 'location exclusion'—sandwiched between expensive neighbors, with good (but not elite) schools that still command $2M prices due to geography alone.
9️⃣9. Arlington — 80.2% for Harris, $1.4M Median
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The (Smaller) Contradiction: Arlington votes progressive and has genuinely embraced housing reform—but prices remain high due to proximity to Cambridge and limited land.
- By The Numbers:
- Harris 2024: 80.2% (Trump 18.6%)
- Median Home Price: $1.4M (tied with Winchester for most accessible)
- Required Income: $280K (top 9% of MA households)
- School Rating: 9.1/10 (excellent)
- Black Population: 7.8% (closest to state average on this list)
- Asian Population: 12% (genuine diversity)
The Zoning: Arlington has progressively upzoned near transit. The town allows accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and has embraced transit-oriented development.
MBTA Act Compliance: Arlington was an early and enthusiastic supporter of the MBTA Communities Act. The town rezoned extensively near bus and bike routes.
Why It's Here: Arlington represents 'progressive policy alignment'—voting progressive AND implementing progressive housing policy. But market forces still drive prices beyond reach for most families. This is what genuine reform looks like—and it's still $1.4M.
🔟10. Needham — 80.1% for Harris, $1.6M Median
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The Contradiction: Needham rounds out the top 10 with 80.1% Harris support and $1.6M median pricing—the threshold for 'strong progressive voting + high exclusion.'
- By The Numbers:
- Harris 2024: 80.1% (Trump 18.7%)
- Median Home Price: $1.6M
- Required Income: $320K (top 7% of MA households)
- School Rating: 9.3/10 (excellent)
- Black Population: 1.9% (vs 9.6% statewide)
- Commute Time: 30 min to Boston (two commuter rail stations)
The Zoning: Needham's zoning is moderately restrictive—10,000-15,000 sq ft lots in single-family districts. Some multifamily near downtown and transit.
MBTA Act Compliance: Needham complied with the MBTA Communities Act, rezoning near both commuter rail stations (Needham Heights and Needham Center).
Why It's Here: Needham is the cutoff—80.1% Harris is where 'strong progressive voting' begins. Below this threshold, towns show more political diversity (and often more housing diversity as well).
📊The Pattern: What This Tells Us
All 10 towns share the same pattern:
1. Progressive Voting (80-82% Harris)
These are not swing suburbs. They're Democratic strongholds that vote overwhelmingly for progressive candidates at every level.
2. Exclusionary Pricing ($1.4M-$2.5M median)
Required household incomes range from $280K to $500K—the top 2-10% of Massachusetts households.
3. Excellent Schools (8.8-9.9/10)
All 10 towns have exceptional school ratings. But these schools serve predominantly white, wealthy student populations.
4. Limited Racial Diversity (1-12% Black)
Only Brookline (11.8%) and Arlington (7.8%) approach Massachusetts' 9.6% Black population. Most towns are 1-3% Black.
5. Variable MBTA Act Response
Some towns (Arlington, Newton, Brookline) embraced the MBTA Communities Act. Others (Dover) fought it in court. This reveals the gap between rhetoric and action.
What This Means for Homebuyers
• Look beyond the top 10—towns like Melrose, Reading, and Sharon vote progressive (75-79% Harris) with more accessible pricing ($900K-$1.1M)
• Prioritize towns that embraced (not just complied with) the MBTA Communities Act
• Check actual school demographics, not just ratings—9.9/10 schools that serve 98% white students may not align with your values
If you prioritize school quality above all:
• Understand that you're buying into an exclusionary system by design
• These 10 towns deliver excellent schools—but through wealth concentration, not just instructional quality
• Student Growth Percentiles (SGP) show that many 'value' districts teach just as effectively as prestige districts
If you want genuine political diversity:
• Look for towns in the 60-75% Harris range—these communities have meaningful ideological diversity and often more housing diversity as well
🤔Which Town Surprised You Most?
Dover's lawsuit against the MBTA Communities Act? The town that voted 80.7% for progressive candidates sued the state to avoid building any multifamily housing.
Brookline's diversity despite $2M prices? The only town on this list with above-average Black population—proving that progressive policy can work, even at stratospheric prices.
Arlington's genuine reform efforts? The town that actually walks the walk—upzoning near transit, allowing ADUs, and embracing state mandates.
Wellesley's $2.5M median despite three commuter rail stations? All the transit access in the world doesn't help if zoning prevents anyone from using it.
Share your reaction in the comments, or tag someone who's house hunting and needs to see this list.
🔍 Find Your Town Match
Use our Town Finder to identify communities that align with YOUR priorities—whether that's progressive politics, housing accessibility, school quality, or genuine diversity.
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Related Posts:
- The Progressive Fortress: How Boston's Liberal Suburbs Built America's Most Effective Segregation System — Deep dive into the 'Big Downzone' of 1968-1975 and how structural racism persists through policy
- MBTA Communities Act: Boston's Housing Revolution — Complete guide to which towns complied, which fought, and what it means for housing access
- School District Prestige Premium Analysis — Data showing that many 'prestige' schools deliver identical outcomes to 'value' districts at half the price
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