BPN

🚇

Braintree

30 min to Boston
"South Shore with Red Line access and mall therapy"
Median Price
$658,750
$425/sqft
School Rating
7/10
Good
Appreciation
4.3%
per year
Commute
30 min
to downtown

Financing Considerations

Properties in Braintree typically typically qualify for conforming loans with more flexible underwriting standards.

Learn about loan thresholds, property condition impact, flood/wind insurance, and how vintage homes (common in many MA towns) affect mortgage approval.

✨The Vibe

Practical South Shore suburb with T access and shopping convenience

What It's Really Like

Braintree is South Shore practicality—Red Line end, massive mall, decent schools, and you're getting house with yard for Somerville condo money.

Best For

  • ✓South Shore commuters needing Red Line
  • ✓Families wanting space and T access
  • ✓Those who love South Shore Mall
  • ✓Value seekers wanting transit options

Avoid If

  • ✗You want top schools or prestige
  • ✗You hate traffic and strip malls
  • ✗You need quick Boston access

🌟Highlights

🚇Red Line terminus (Braintree station)
🏬South Shore Plaza—biggest mall south of Boston
🚗Routes 3, 93, and 128 all intersect here
💰Best T access per dollar on South Shore

Insider Tips

  • 💡East Braintree near Weymouth is quieter
  • 💡Red Line ride is long (45+ minutes to downtown)
  • 💡Five Corners area has good restaurants and character

Demographics

Population
38,829
Median Age
41.3
Median Income
$150,992

Economic Profile

Remote Work
15.2%
work from home
Professional Workers
52.4%
knowledge economy
Broadband Access
93.4%
digital infrastructure
Median Commute
33 min
to work
Rental Cost Burden
44.6%
pay >30% on rent
Homeownership
76.7%
owner-occupied
Poverty Rate
5.1%
below poverty line
Unemployment
3.9%
of labor force
Median Home Value
$597K
Census estimate
Data source: Census ACS 2022 5-year

Religious Community

Places of Worship
10
Churches
9
Synagogues
1
🌟 Multi-faith community with diverse religious traditions(Diversity Score: 30/100)
Historical Context: Oldest establishment dates to 1707• 2 established before 1900
Data Source: MassGIS 2025 (Updated 2025-02-03)

Housing Stock Age

Median Year Built
1958
67 years old
Pre-1940 Construction
11.5%
Lower risk
Post-2000 Construction
17.9%
Modern housing stock
Est. Annual Insurance
$2,505
Based on housing age

Moderate Insurance Risk

Median home built in 1958. Insurance premiums estimated at $2,505/year. Some older homes may require system updates (electrical, plumbing, HVAC).

Insurance Cost Calculator

Estimate your annual homeowners insurance premium

$329,375$658,750$1,317,500

Leave blank to use town median (1958)

Annual Premium
$2,505
$209/month
vs. State Average
+25%
MA avg: $2,008/year
Risk Category
HIGH
Based on home age

30-Year Mortgage Impact

$75,150

Total insurance cost over 30-year mortgage (equivalent to 0.4% of home value)

Age Penalty

This home costs $894 more per year to insure than a newly built home. Over 30 years, that's $26,820 in additional insurance costs.

Ways to Lower Your Premium

  • Bundle home + auto insurance with same carrier (10-25% discount)
  • Increase deductible from $500 to $2,500 (save 15-30%)
  • Install monitored security system (5-20% discount)
  • Update electrical panel and remove knob-and-tube wiring
  • Replace roof with impact-resistant materials (save 5-15%)
  • Upgrade plumbing to PEX or copper
  • Complete full home inspection and address major issues
  • Consider MAPFRE or Chubb for historic home coverage
  • Shop quotes from 5-6 carriers (rates vary significantly)
  • Ask about claims-free discount (5-year history)

* Estimates based on Massachusetts state averages and typical underwriting criteria. Actual premiums vary by carrier, coverage limits, deductible, claims history, and credit score. For accurate quotes, contact a licensed insurance agent.

Construction Era Distribution

2020+
135 units
2010-2019
6.5%
1,020 units
2000-2009
10.4%
1,650 units
1990-1999
12%
1,900 units
1980-1989
13.3%
2,100 units
1970-1979
15.2%
2,400 units
1960-1969
14.6%
2,300 units
1950-1959
13%
2,050 units
1940-1949
9%
1,420 units
Pre-1940
11.6%
1,825 units
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Resources & Research

School Information

Boston Area School Rankings →

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Market Analysis

Rent vs Buy Analysis 2025 →

Break-even math, SALT cap impacts & decision framework for Boston buyers

Insurance & Risk

MA Insurance Crisis Guide →

Why coastal & historic homes face coverage denials (+ FAIR Plan rules)

Home Buying Terms

Real Estate Glossary →

200+ terms explained: ARM, DTI, PMI, escrow, cap rate & more

View All Market Guides & Analysis →

Similar Neighborhoods

🎓

Cambridge

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🚇

Brookline

$1,025,000

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🎨

Somerville

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