Mattapoisett, September 16, 2025
News Summary
In light of increasing home prices in Greater Boston, Massachusetts homebuyers are seeking more affordable options on the South Coast. As demand rises, particularly in Bristol and Plymouth counties, buyers are finding homes significantly cheaper than in Boston. Properties in these areas can be priced up to $200,000 less, making them attractive for first-time buyers. An influx of interest is reshaping the local real estate market as buyers prioritize commuter access and coastal living.
Mattapoisett
Massachusetts homebuyers are increasingly turning to the South Coast as Greater Boston prices rise, seeking more affordable single-family homes and access to coastal communities while keeping commuting options to Boston. Sales activity in southeastern counties is outpacing much of the Greater Boston region, and price growth in some South Coast areas is strong even as median prices remain well below Boston-area levels.
Key facts up front
As of July 2025, Bristol County recorded a year-over-year increase in home sales of more than 6%, while Plymouth County saw sales rise by more than 2%. Norfolk County remained essentially flat in sales, and Middlesex County experienced a 1.5% decline. Bristol County has posted the highest price growth among Massachusetts counties since July 2020, though its median home sale price is still relatively modest at $555,000. By contrast, the median single-family home price in the Greater Boston area hovers around $1,000,000, creating a significant affordability gap for many first-time buyers.
What this means for buyers
Buyers priced out of Boston or looking for lower entry points are finding options on the South Coast where homes can cost up to $200,000 less than comparable properties nearer Boston. Demand indicators in parts of the South Coast show a seller’s market: homes in Bristol County generally sell faster and have fewer price reductions than in many metro areas. Prospective homeowners are also prioritizing locations with reliable transportation links—highways and commuter rail connections—to maintain access to Boston-area jobs.
Local market examples and buyer patterns
Many buyers are following a pattern of moving progressively farther from Boston as their housing needs change. One local household moved from Boston to Quincy, then to Plymouth, and finally settled in Mattapoisett, where they purchased a three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath home with a finished basement and nearby natural amenities. Real estate professionals note that the South Coast presents a broader set of options for buyers compared with Boston and the Cape, including more affordable single-family homes, duplexes that can generate rental income, and varied coastal towns that offer different lifestyle trade-offs.
Town-level snapshots
Price ranges and market character vary across the South Coast. Fairhaven typically shows average home prices roughly between $500,000 and $700,000. In New Bedford and Fall River, buyers can find homes in the mid-$400,000s, making these cities attractive as entry points for first-time buyers. New Bedford also provides a direct commuter rail connection to Boston and has seen growth in its arts and restaurant scenes, factors that add to its appeal. Wareham is emerging as a sought-after area for buyers seeking a Cape-like environment without Cape prices.
Why South Coast demand is rising
Several forces are driving interest in the South Coast: higher housing costs and elevated mortgage rates in Greater Boston, price gaps that favor buyers from higher-priced northern areas, and the availability of properties that allow for rental income generation (for example, duplexes). The combination of coastal lifestyle, relative affordability, and commuting infrastructure makes the region an attractive alternative for people who work in Boston but need lower-cost housing.
Market outlook and considerations
While some South Coast counties are experiencing notable sales and price gains, median prices in many towns remain below Greater Boston levels, offering relief to buyers who can accept longer commutes or hybrid work arrangements. Buyers should consider commute times, transit options, and local job markets as they evaluate trade-offs. Sellers in fast-moving South Coast markets may continue to receive competitive offers, while buyers in slower towns might have more negotiating room.
Bottom line
The South Coast of Massachusetts is seeing increased interest from homebuyers seeking affordability, coastal living, and commuter access to Boston. Rising sales in Bristol and Plymouth counties and comparatively lower median prices across many South Coast towns are reshaping buyer behavior in the region.
FAQ
Which counties on the South Coast are seeing the biggest sales increases?
Bristol County has the largest year-over-year gain in home sales at more than 6% as of July 2025. Plymouth County also posted an increase of more than 2%. Norfolk County is roughly flat, and Middlesex County saw a 1.5% decline.
How do South Coast prices compare with Greater Boston?
Median single-family prices in Greater Boston are around $1,000,000, while South Coast areas like Bristol County have a median sale price near $555,000. In many cases, homes on the South Coast can be up to $200,000 less than comparable properties closer to Boston.
Which towns are most affordable for first-time buyers?
New Bedford and Fall River often have homes in the mid-$400,000s, and Fairhaven commonly ranges from $500,000 to $700,000. These cities and towns are frequently cited as accessible options for first-time buyers.
Are there transit options for commuters to Boston?
Yes. New Bedford offers a commuter rail connection to Boston. Buyers also look for towns with highway access that support daily commuting or hybrid work schedules.
Can buyers find income-generating properties on the South Coast?
Yes. Some buyers pursue duplexes and other multi-unit properties to offset carrying costs. These options are part of the appeal for investors and owner-occupants seeking rental income.
What lifestyle benefits attract newcomers to the South Coast?
The South Coast combines coastal scenery, a more relaxed pace, growing arts and dining scenes in certain cities, and relative affordability—factors that appeal to buyers leaving higher-cost metro areas.
Quick-reference table: South Coast housing snapshot
| Area / Metric | Typical Price Range / Median | Sales Trend (YoY as of July 2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bristol County | Median ~ $555,000 | +6%+ | Fastest-selling county; fewer price cuts; strong demand |
| Plymouth County (includes Mattapoisett) | Varies by town; county-wide median below Boston | +2%+ | Includes coastal towns popular with families and commuters |
| Middlesex County | Higher-priced; near Greater Boston levels | -1.5% | Sales slowing relative to South Coast counties |
| Norfolk County | Generally higher than South Coast | Flat | Stable sales activity |
| Greater Boston (single-family) | Median ~ $1,000,000 | Varies by suburb | High prices and elevated mortgage rates challenge first-time buyers |
| Fairhaven | $500,000–$700,000 | Local demand steady | Range reflects varied inventory and proximity to water |
| New Bedford / Fall River | Mid-$400,000s | Growing buyer interest | New Bedford offers commuter rail and expanding arts/dining scene |
| Wareham | Varies; growing interest | Rising interest | Often described as Cape-like in feel without Cape prices |
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Additional Resources
- Boston Globe: Affordable Homes on South Coast
- Fun107: Mattapoisett Cape Cod Movie Filming Property
- South Coast Today: May Property Transfers in Greater New Bedford
- Boston Agent Magazine: The Cottages at the Bay Club
- Wikipedia: General Information
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