BPN

💰

Rockland

32 min to Boston
"Best South Shore value with strong appreciation"
Median Price
$508,000
$356/sqft
School Rating
6/10
Good
Appreciation
8%
per year
Commute
32 min
to downtown

Financing Considerations

Properties in Rockland 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

Affordable working-class town with rocky terrain and historic shoe factory heritage. Good value for South Shore with accessible Route 3 and commuter rail nearby, strong athletics tradition.

What It's Really Like

Rockland delivers best South Shore value—under $510K median, 8% appreciation, and working-class authenticity without pretension.

Best For

  • ✓Budget-conscious South Shore buyers
  • ✓First-time buyers seeking value
  • ✓Investors looking for appreciation potential
  • ✓Working families needing affordable options

Avoid If

  • ✗You need top schools immediately
  • ✗You want coastal access
  • ✗You prefer affluent neighborhoods

🌟Highlights

💰Most affordable South Shore at $508K median
📈Strong 8% appreciation potential
🚗Easy Route 3 access for commuters
🏈Strong local athletics and community pride

Insider Tips

  • 💡Commuter rail in nearby towns helps commute
  • 💡Historic shoe factory heritage gives character
  • 💡Appreciation outpacing more expensive neighbors

Demographics

Population
17,700
Median Age
41
Median Income
$101,000

Economic Profile

Remote Work
8.9%
work from home
Professional Workers
36.9%
knowledge economy
Broadband Access
86.9%
digital infrastructure
Homeownership
78.3%
owner-occupied
Poverty Rate
7.3%
below poverty line
Median Home Value
$423K
Census estimate
Data source: Census ACS 2022 5-year

Religious Community

Places of Worship
3
Churches
3
Historical Context: Oldest establishment dates to 1882• 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
13.9%
Lower risk
Post-2000 Construction
21.1%
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

$254,000$508,000$1,016,000

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 0.5% 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+
75 units
2010-2019
7.4%
580 units
2000-2009
12.6%
980 units
1990-1999
14.7%
1,150 units
1980-1989
16.7%
1,300 units
1970-1979
18.6%
1,450 units
1960-1969
16.7%
1,300 units
1950-1959
14.1%
1,100 units
1940-1949
10%
780 units
Pre-1940
13.9%
1,085 units
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Resources & Research

School Information

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Insurance & Risk

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