15 Massachusetts Cities You Should Never Buy Property In

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With academia, history and scenic beauty, Massachusetts sounds like it is a dream state for homeowners. The state provides an attractive backdrop for living from New England townships to city hubs. Some cities, however, behind the picturesque facade, may not be the best place to plant your roots, especially if you are after long term value and stability in your property investment.

Let’s slip on our house hunting caps and take a look at 15 cities in Massachusetts where buying property could be more trouble than it’s worth. This could save you from a real estate headache.

Springfield

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Springfield is a city with historical charm, a Basketball Hall of Fame, but lags behind in many ways. High crime rates and a struggling public school system have made it less attractive for families and professionals. WalletHub ranked Springfield among the bottom 25 percent of U.S. cities for quality of life and safety in a 2023 study. The property values here tend to vary which makes investment here risky for those seeking stability.

Fall River

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At one time, Fall River was a thriving textile center, but it faced some economic challenges which remain till date. Neglected neighborhoods are many and the city has one of the highest unemployment rates of the state. Some areas have been affected by stagnated housing market with homes taking longer to sell. The inconsistent appreciation of property values means buyers should proceed with caution.

New Bedford

New Bedford is a mixed bag, famous for its whaling history. The waterfront is charming, but the city struggles with economically inequality and underfunded infrastructure. New Bedford’s aging road systems were highlighted in a Massachusetts Department of Transportation report that could mean long term problems for homeowners.

Lawrence

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Lawrence’s rich cultural tapestry is frequently eclipsed by a reputation as a high crime, low income locale. As a result, properties here require considerable upkeep or renovation, and homebuyers are at higher risk. FBI crime statistics show Lawrence ranking higher than the national average for property crimes. And that’s enough to make even the most adventurous of investors pause.

Holyoke

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Holyoke may have some of the region’s most scenic views and historic buildings, but it’s also dealing with an outdated infrastructure. Flooding concerns near the Connecticut River, as well as a long history of poorly maintained public utilities, make this city less attractive for long term homeowners.

Brockton

Brockton is the ‘City of Champions’ but the city has seen better days. Though the city has struggled with crime and low performing schools, it has attempted to revitalize its downtown. The higher than average property taxes and unpredictable housing market will not make it a popular option for possible buyers.

Chelsea

At first glance, being located near Boston could be a selling point, but it’s a double edge sword. The overcrowding of housing is a result of one of the highest population densities in Massachusetts. And recent reports have drawn attention to such concerns as air quality, environmental hazards that would make living here still feel more like taking one’s life in one’s hands rather than taking a fresh start.

Pittsfield

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The Berkshires are beautiful but economically, the city of Pittsfield isn’t doing so great. The few job opportunities in area, coupled with a reliance on seasonal tourism, makes it tough for the local economy to boom year round. Limited demand for housing here keeps the prices at a standstill or falling over time.

Fitchburg

There’s no doubt about it, Fitchburg has character — historic mills and old buildings. But there is also a dearth of well paying jobs and low household incomes. Many homeowners get left holding properties that do not appreciate and, as a result, make it difficult to build equity.

Chicopee

Although Chicopee is close to Springfield, it is struggling with old infrastructure and little job growth. Sluggish housing market here and properties often stay on the market for years. Zillow published a 2022 report that showed the Chicopee housing market is one of the slowest appreciating in the state.

Lynn

Having Lynn’s proximity to Boston is a tempting choice for thousands of commuters, but the city has challenges with crime and overcrowding. A lot of older housing stock needs a lot of upgrades and those can be some unexpected costs for buyers. The phrase ‘Lynn, Lynn, city of sin’ still hangs on, but unfairly, as a reminder of the city’s reputation.

Taunton

The “Silver City” of Taunton is another housing market with many complexities. First time buyers can get a headache here as the properties need a lot of work to get them up to modern standards. Environmental concerns from the city’s industrial history are also left for homeowners to carefully investigate.

Revere

While Revere Beach may be nostalgic, the city’s housing market is not. Revere has a reputation for traffic congestion and high property taxes, and doesn’t always deliver the lifestyle buyers are seeking. For those seeking peace of mind together with their investment, it’s a tough sell.

Haverhill

Haverhill has bright spots — its historic downtown and riverfront views — but they are offset by worries about crime and a shortage of affordable housing. The problem is that people who want to buy a home here end up paying more for the property than it’s probably worth, with little chance for future appreciation.

Worcester

Worcester is the second largest city in New England and has been marketed as an up and coming place. But home prices have risen more than public infrastructure or services have improved. It is a dismal choice for buyers seeking long term value, and many residents complain of the pothole riddled streets and the rising property taxes.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.