Why is the housing stock so crappy in Boston metro? (Worcester: houses, neighborhoods)

[in_newengland]

For example, I am putting a relative into assisted living. She paid $125,000 for a 1000 sq ft slab ranch. I sold it to the neighbor for $400,000 as is! It never even went on the market as we needed the money fast. This was mostly a blue collar town 20 years ago.

[mwj119]

Originally Posted by in_newengland

For example, I am putting a relative into assisted living. She paid $125,000 for a 1000 sq ft slab ranch. I sold it to the neighbor for $400,000 as is! It never even went on the market as we needed the money fast. This was mostly a blue collar town 20 years ago.

This is your answer OP.

[tysmith95]

Originally Posted by in_newengland

For example, I am putting a relative into assisted living. She paid $125,000 for a 1000 sq ft slab ranch. I sold it to the neighbor for $400,000 as is! It never even went on the market as we needed the money fast. This was mostly a blue collar town 20 years ago.

Just curirous, what town? Something like Quincy, Malden, Dedham?

[mwj119]

Originally Posted by tysmith95

Just curirous, what town? Something like Quincy, Malden, Dedham?

Honestly could be anywhere right? Quincy? Beverly? Wakefield?

[tysmith95]

Arlington too, 30 years ago it was pretty blue collar but now it has gone through the roof.

[mwj119]

Originally Posted by tysmith95

Arlington too, 30 years ago it was pretty blue collar but not it has gone through the roof.

Very true.

Only thing is that a 1000 sq.ft house in Arlington would likely sell for $600k, even on a slab.

[FCMA]

They were built at a time when people with modest middle-class means could afford to live in the Boston area and build modest middle class housing stock that is now dated. The new millennium brought a disgusting real estate bubble such that the housing itself has simply become overpriced but largely hasn’t been replaced — but the socioeconomic caste of the occupants sure has.

[BostonMike7]

Originally Posted by in_newengland

For example, I am putting a relative into assisted living. She paid $125,000 for a 1000 sq ft slab ranch. I sold it to the neighbor for $400,000 as is! It never even went on the market as we needed the money fast. This was mostly a blue collar town 20 years ago.

All too common story in the area.

My parents finally downsized from their modest 2 family they paid $120k for in 1981. For what they sold it for, they ended up buying a townhouse in the suburbs outright, and then put deposits on two condos to rent out and generate some additional retirement income. Just crazy

[G-fused]

I'm guessing that what OP considers old, many here consider charming. Personally, I don't like new construction. Lifeless cardboard boxes.

I think many places here have high ceilings and ok windows so not sure what OP is referring to there.

It's definitely an older housing place though.

[CaseyB]

New England homes traditionally have lower ceilings to keep the heat in.