Brookline Condos for Under $275K. So What’s the Catch?
The average listing price of properties on the market in Brookline is about $890K.
The median sales prices for homes in Brookline is about $490K.
The median value of owner-occupied housing in Brookline is about $600K.
So for those of us who aren’t into numbers, what does it all mean? Simply: there is a better chance that the MBTA will lower T fares back to 75 cents than of finding a really great place to live in Brookline for less than $275K. Yep, that’s right, while people in places like Attleboro are plunking down $275,000 big ones for a 3,000 square foot, 4-bedroom home, people in this price range in Brookline are tramping through an endless supply of grungy basement apartments.
And yet, there are plenty of people who want to live in Brookline but who aren’t prepared to shell over a half million dollars for a place to call home. Is there any hope ? I took a look at what’s on the market in this price range and came up with a few contenders, as long as you don’t mind making compromises. Of course, you’re looking at something small, in most cases, just a one bedroom or a studio. Many lower-priced condos are far from the T. Many are on lower levels, and some are indeed in the basement. But hey, who isn’t willing to make a few tradeoffs for the opportunity to live in beautiful, bountiful Brookline?
514-516 Harvard Street, # 2D, $269,900. Surprisingly, this is a two-bedroom apartment of 669 square feet. It is on the second floor, and there’s parking. So what’s the catch? It’s on the main drag of Harvard Street, very near the chaotic intersection of Harvard and Commonwealth. It’s also dangerously close to TJMAX — which could be a severe hazard for your budget if you’re a shopper. If lots of cars and noise don’t bother you, also check out another large condo that’s $260K on Boylston Street.
23 Westbourne Terrace, #3, $269K. Another non-basement apartment, (third floor), this one’s got a newer kitchen and bath. It’s just steps from the Washington Square T stop and (yum!) Athan’s Bakery. What’s the catch? No parking. But with a Zipcar lot nearby, you may be able to sacrifice your car.
28 Juniper Street, #75, $229K. It’s a one-bedroom with assigned parking AND a sunroom. It’s a decent size — 638 square feet —and it’s not a basement (though it’s on a lower floor). It’s also near the D line. What’s the catch? From looking at the pictures, this condo is in severe need of a de-cluttering. (Which of course will happen when the seller moves out!)
11 Garrison Road, #3, $259K. It’s in a prime location with good light and lots of character. It’s got a fireplace, parking, a renovated kitchen and bath, and it’s not even a basement. So what’s the catch? Well, it’s a studio — only 453 square feet. It’s also carpeted, which is always a downer. That means one room for sleeping, eating, living… all on the same tan carpet.
39 St. Paul Street, #G1, $239K. It’s got assigned parking, a decent square footage of 520 square feet, and it’s near both the C and D lines. So what’s the catch? Oh yeah, that old bug-a-boo… the basement apartment and a lifetime of staring at people’s calves.
Image: freedigitalphotos.net
