BPN

🏭

Waltham

23 min to Boston
"Where the Industrial Revolution started and tech bros now rule"
Median Price
$778,750
$445/sqft
School Rating
7/10
Good
Appreciation
4.5%
per year
Commute
23 min
to downtown

Financing Considerations

Properties in Waltham 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

Former industrial powerhouse turned biotech and tech hub with authentic neighborhood feel

What It's Really Like

Waltham was America's first industrial city and now hosts major biotech and tech companies. It's affordable, diverse, and has real neighborhood character—not fancy, just real.

Best For

  • ✓Tech/biotech workers at nearby companies
  • ✓First-time buyers wanting value with potential
  • ✓Families seeking diversity and solid schools
  • ✓Those who want authentic neighborhoods over suburban perfection

Avoid If

  • ✗You need top-tier schools
  • ✗You want prestige addresses
  • ✗You prefer walkable urban areas (it's car-dependent)

🌟Highlights

🏭Home to Raytheon, Boston Dynamics, and major biotech
🚂Commuter rail to Boston (multiple stops)
🍽️Excellent restaurant scene with global cuisines
💰Affordable relative to Newton/Wellesley neighbors

Insider Tips

  • 💡Prospect Hill area is the most desirable neighborhood
  • 💡Moody Street has the best restaurants in MetroWest
  • 💡Brandeis University brings culture and college-town energy

Demographics

Population
64,012
Median Age
35.2
Median Income
$138,469

Economic Profile

Remote Work
18.7%
work from home
Professional Workers
57.8%
knowledge economy
Broadband Access
92.8%
digital infrastructure
Median Commute
25 min
to work
Rental Cost Burden
40.7%
pay >30% on rent
Homeownership
47.9%
owner-occupied
Poverty Rate
8.9%
below poverty line
Unemployment
3.1%
of labor force
Median Home Value
$679K
Census estimate
Data source: Census ACS 2022 5-year

Religious Community

Places of Worship
17
Churches
13
Synagogues
3
Mosques
1
🌟 Multi-faith community with diverse religious traditions(Diversity Score: 62/100)
Historical Context: Oldest establishment dates to 1839• 5 established before 1900
Data Source: MassGIS 2025 (Updated 2025-02-03)

Housing Stock Age

Median Year Built
1935
90 years old
Pre-1940 Construction
9.8%
Lower risk
Post-2000 Construction
18.8%
Modern housing stock
Est. Annual Insurance
$3,500
Based on housing age

High Insurance Risk

Waltham has a high concentration of pre-1940 homes (9.8%). Insurance premiums may be significantly higher ($2,800-$4,000+/year) and some carriers may decline coverage. Budget for potential remediation costs (knob-and-tube wiring, asbestos, lead paint).

Insurance Cost Calculator

Estimate your annual homeowners insurance premium

$389,375$778,750$1,557,500

Leave blank to use town median (1935)

Annual Premium
$3,325
$277/month
vs. State Average
+66%
MA avg: $2,008/year
Risk Category
VERY HIGH
Based on home age

30-Year Mortgage Impact

$99,750

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

Age Penalty

This home costs $1,714 more per year to insure than a newly built home. Over 30 years, that's $51,420 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+
260 units
2010-2019
6.8%
1,950 units
2000-2009
11.6%
3,300 units
1990-1999
13.5%
3,850 units
1980-1989
15.1%
4,300 units
1970-1979
17.4%
4,950 units
1960-1969
18.2%
5,200 units
1950-1959
16.1%
4,600 units
1940-1949
11.6%
3,300 units
Pre-1940
9.8%
2,790 units
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Resources & Research

School Information

Boston Area School Rankings →

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Market Analysis

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

Insurance & Risk

MA Insurance Crisis Guide →

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Home Buying Terms

Real Estate Glossary →

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View All Market Guides & Analysis →

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