The Geography of Affluence: Where Massachusetts' Wealth Actually Lives (And Why It Matters for Buyers)

Under 1 min read

•November 27, 2025

THE BOTTOM LINE

Massachusetts wealth divides into two distinct geographies: income-driven suburbs (Dover/Weston earning $250K+ median, homes $1.7M-$2.1M) powered by Boston's professional economy, and asset-storage coastal markets (Nantucket $3M homes, $119K median income) fueled by external capital. Your purchase strategy depends entirely on which wealth engine you're accessing.

WHO NEEDS THIS

Buyers choosing between high-earning suburbs and high-asset coastal towns; professionals calculating income-to-home-value ratios; investors distinguishing earned wealth from accumulated capital; families evaluating 20 wealthiest MA municipalities for strategic positioning.

KEY INSIGHTS

•Four towns exceed Census' $250K income cap: Dover, Weston, Carlisle, Wellesley—all Boston suburbs
•Nantucket's $2.97M median home value is 72% higher than Weston's $2.1M, despite 52% lower median income
•Top 20 income towns = 100% Boston MSA concentration; top 20 home values = 40% island/coastal
•Boston professional economy generates highest earning power; global capital creates highest asset values
•$780K savings exists between Dover ($1.73M) and Sherborn ($247K income, same schools, 70% cheaper)

DO THIS NEXT

Map your wealth source: If earning high W-2 income (tech/finance/healthcare), optimize for income-driven suburbs like Lexington ($219K income, $1.5M homes) near employment centers. If accessing external capital (inheritance, equity, remote income), consider asset-driven coastal markets with appreciation potential but lower local income requirements.

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