Buying in the Boston Area for Under $300,0001

So the question is this:  Is it possible, to find a nice condo in the Boston area for less than $300,000?  As your budget decreases, the number of sacrifices you will have to make will increase.  It’s a “give-and-take” situation.  So as long as you keep an open mind, and know that you will have to give something up to pay what you’d like, we think it is possible!  Take a look at what we consider to be some of the top 10 condos in and around Boston for less than $300,000 and let us know what you think!

Address: 2 Eighth St. #1 – East Cambridge

List Price: $229,000

Pros: One of the most well-renovated condos in East Cambridge

Cons: At 420 square feet, you have to be willing to sacrifice size for great quality

Address: 75 Burbank St. #505 – Symphony

List Price: $285,000

Pros: The condo has a wonderful layout, making it feel larger than 430 square feet, AND exclusive roof-rights, which the city has already granted building permits for.

Cons: Since there is no elevator, walking up five floors is not for everyone.

Address: 566 Commonwealth Ave. #1008 – Kenmore Square

List Price: $260,000

Pros: At 866 square feet, you will not find a more space for your money… oh and did I mention it has a balcony overlooking Fenway Park, a concierge, pool and a garage parking spot?

Cons: The monthly condo fee is $1,382… Ouch!

Address: 42 Bradford St. #1 – South End

List Price: $299,000

Pros: Location, location, location!  Direct access to the large patio is certainly a benefit, and the unit has enough space for a kitchen remodel which would increase a future sale price.

Cons: It is a garden-level condo which you would want to access from the patio rather than the below-ground front door.

Address: 176 Bunker Hill St. #1 – Charlestown

List Price: $255,000

Pros: 700 feet to the Bunker Hill Monument with a private patio!

Cons: Mostly renovated but the bathroom still needs some work to be top-notch

Address: 64 West Cedar St. #1 – Beacon Hill

List Price: $278,000

Pros: Enjoying your own private patio in Beacon Hill

Cons: Garden units in Beacon Hill do not get good natural light and the ground-level windows, will limit it even more.

Address: 1450-1454 Beacon St. #604 – Coolidge Corner

List Price: $294,000

Pros: Newly remodeled building just steps from the Green Line and walking distance to the center of Coolidge Corner and Washington Square.

Cons: Lugging your laundry to the common laundry room.  Luckily there is an elevator!

Address: 60 Queensberry St. Unit E – Fenway

List Price: $249,000

Pros: Great lay-out and open kitchen makes this 494 square foot condo feel much bigger than it looks on paper.

Cons: A garden-level condo that backs up to a [seemingly] quiet parking lot.

Address: 922 Beacon St. #24 – Fenway/Brookline

List Price: $299,000

Pros: Perfect location for anyone looking for the convenience of being in the city but the quiet feel of living in Brookline.

Cons: The delicious smells from the restaurant below might leave your senses begging for food you would otherwise not pay for.

Address: 2 Garden Court #2 – Harvard Square

List Price: $269,900

Pros: This one is for all of my Cambridge fans – Live in an actual neighborhood, less than 1 mile from the center of Harvard Square… oh and the condo itself is pretty nice too!

Cons: 588 square feet in such a great neighborhood is a bit too small for more than two people.  It is however, ideal for local professors and graduate students!

Do you have any thoughts or opinions about condos in this price range?  Experience purchasing for less than $300,000?  Want to see any of the condos above?  Feel free to contact us at any time or simply share your thoughts below!