You've seen median one-bed apartments in the Boston Area mapped by MBTA stop. You've seen average home prices laid out that way too. There was even one with home prices plotted along the stops of the commuter rail.
Now there's a new map in town: Real estate database BostonPads is out with a map showing how much it'll cost you on average to afford one bedroom around each stop of the T. The major difference here is this isn't one-bedroom apartments we're talking about but rather prices for just one bedroom "calculated from apartments ranging from studios to 5+ bedrooms," according to a release.
As such, BostonPads founder Demetrios Salpoglou urges this map be used more as an "exploratory tool" rather than a strict reference. It's also worth noting that T stops with an above-average number of studios and one-beds will likely reflect a relatively higher price than other areas with more diverse living options. The data used here came from actual rented properties through Dec. 2016, not just those listed.
"I hope this graphic provides Bostonians who are choosing a neighborhood to live in with a practical reference of which areas they might consider based on their budgets," said Salpoglou. "I also hope it is an exploratory tool for those interested in housing price trends throughout the Greater Boston Area."
Trends seem to move in the direction you might expect: Areas like Downtown, the North End and Back Bay show the higher prices while neighborhoods further out on their respective lines, in many cases, boast more affordability. You'll also notice higher average prices around universities, hospitals, government buildings and the like.
Still, some things stand out. You stand to save a chunk of change by living around Porter Square rather than the squares on either side in Harvard and Davis. If you can stomach having college kids as neighbors there are deals to be had there. And relatively speaking, Downtown Crossing is kind of a steal right now.
Check out the map in full, below. You can click on the image to see a larger version. Bostonpads has a magnifying-glass viewer on its page, or you can or view the original, full-size image here.
