New England, with its picturesque landscapes, rich colonial history, charming small towns, and vibrant urban centers like Boston and Providence, has a unique blend of old-world charm and modern skyscrapers. From the breathtaking autumn leaves to the serene coastal cities, New England has a charm like no other.
The median home sale price is $577,400 in Massachusetts, $452,200 in Rhode Island, $380,400 in Connecticut, and $440,300 in New Hampshire. Therefore, the average median home sale price across these states is $462,575. If you’re contemplating a move to New England while staying under those prices, you’re in luck. Redfin has gathered 10 of the most affordable places to live in New England. Keep reading to discover which cities made the list.
1. Waterbury, CT
Median home price: $242,500
Average sale price per square foot: $166
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,000
Median household income: $51,451
Waterbury, CT homes for sale
Waterbury, CT apartments for rent
The first city to make our list of the most affordable places to live in New England is Waterbury, CT. With a median home sale price of $242,500, Waterbury is a great area to consider moving to this year. The city has a population of roughly 114,400 and is known for its beautiful parks, historic places, and attractions like the Mattatuck Museum, Bucks Hill Park, and the Palace Theater.
2. Springfield, MA
Median home price: $278,500
Average sale price per square foot: $179
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,249
Median household income: $47,677
Springfield, MA homes for sale
Springfield, MA apartments for rent
Located in western Massachusetts, Springfield takes the second spot on our list. The city has a median home sale price of $278,500 and about 155,900 residents. You’ll find there are a variety of things to do in Springfield. For example, you can discover the exhibits at the Springfield Museums, enjoy the outdoors at Forest Park, explore the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, or check out the vibrant dining and entertainment scene in the downtown area.
3. Hartford, CT
Median home price: $285,000
Average sale price per square foot: $117
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,413
Median household income: $41,841
Hartford, CT homes for sale
Hartford, CT apartments for rent
With a median home sale price of $285,000 and a population of 121,100, Hartford, CT, is the third most affordable place to live in New England. As Connecticut’s capital, there are numerous historic sites, local shops, and neighborhoods to explore. Make sure to stop by the Mark Twain House & Museum, the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, and the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center, explore Bushnell Park or Elizabeth Park Rose Garden, and stroll through the West End or Downtown neighborhoods.
4. Bridgeport, CT
Median home price: $308,000
Average sale price per square foot: $194
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,050
Median household income: $54,440
Bridgeport, CT homes for sale
Bridgeport, CT apartments for rent
Another great affordable city to consider moving to is Bridgeport, CT. Home to roughly 148,700 residents, this city can be an excellent option to add to your list. Living in Bridgeport, you can enjoy outdoor activities at Seaside Park or Beardsley Zoo, see a show at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre or the Klein Memorial Auditorium, or explore the Black Rock Harbor area.
5. New Haven, CT
Median home price: $322,500
Average sale price per square foot: $180
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,517
Median household income: $54,305
New Haven, CT homes for sale
New Haven, CT apartments for rent
The last city in Connecticut to make our list of affordable places to live in New England is New Haven. The median home sale price is $322,500, and it has a population of about 134,000. In New Haven, be sure to explore the historic Yale University campus, enjoy outdoor activities at East Rock Park or Lighthouse Point Park, check out the exhibits at Yale University Art Gallery or the Peabody Museum of Natural History, and have a meal at one of the restaurants along Chapel Street or in the historic Wooster Square neighborhood.
6. Warwick, RI
Median home price: $373,700
Average sale price per square foot: $257
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,546
Median household income: $81,009
Warwick, RI homes for sale
Warwick, RI apartments for rent
Another well-known city is Warwick, RI, where the median home sale price is about $373,700. Warwick has a population of roughly 82,800 and is a great area to consider moving to this year. Whether you’re discovering the history of the Warwick City Hall, enjoying outdoor activities at Rocky Point State Park or Goddard Memorial State Park, grabbing a meal along the waterfront, or experiencing the vibrant arts scene at the Warwick Center for the Arts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this charming city along Narragansett Bay.
7. Worcester, MA
Median home price: $400,000
Average sale price per square foot: $250
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,812
Median household income: $63,011
Worcester, MA homes for sale
Worcester, MA apartments for rent
Seventh on our list of affordable places to live in New England is Worcester, MA. With a population of about 206,500, this Massachusetts area is a great option for those looking for a mid-sized city. Worcester is home to many attractions like Worcester Art Museum, the EcoTarium, Green Hill Park, Elm Park, and the Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts.
8. Pawtucket, RI
Median home price: $410,000
Average sale price per square foot: $209
Median household income: $62,799
Pawtucket, RI homes for sale
Pawtucket, RI apartments for rent
Another town to consider moving to is Pawtucket, RI. The area has a median home sale price of $410,000 and has a population of 75,600. In Pawtucket, make sure to visit the Slater Mill Historic Site, explore Slater Memorial Park or the Blackstone River Bikeway, check out the arts scene at the Pawtucket Arts Festival, or grab a meal at one of the local eateries and breweries.
9. Providence, RI
Median home price: $412,000
Average sale price per square foot: $221
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,975
Median household income: $61,365
Providence, RI homes for sale
Providence, RI apartments for rent
As Rhode Island’s capital, Providence has plenty to offer its residents. Home to about 190,900 people, you can check out some of the many historic spots in this affordable city. Make sure to explore the Brown University campus, check out the downtown area along the river, visit the expansive Roger Williams Park, and see a concert, Broadway show, or performance at Providence Performing Arts Center.
10. Manchester, NH
Median home price: $412,000
Average sale price per square foot: $254
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,920
Median household income: $74,040
Manchester, NH homes for sale
Manchester, NH apartments for rent
Last but not least on our list of most affordable places to live in New England is Manchester, NH. The area has a median home sale price of $412,000 and about 115,600 residents. In Manchester, there are countless attractions to explore. You can visit museums like the Millyard Museum and the Currier Museum of Art, enjoy the outdoors at Livingston Park or Massabesic Lake, see a show at the Palace Theatre, or explore charming downtown Manchester.
Methodology: All cities must have over 75,000 residents per the US Census and have a median home sale price under the average median list price in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New Hampshire. Median home sale price and median sale price per square foot from the Redfin Data Center during February 2024. Average rental data from Rent.com February 2024. Population and median household income data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
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