06/17/2026
The headline is extremely misleading, and needs to be addressed. This article makes it sound like Northborough is unaffordable compared to surrounding towns. The fact is that the entire state of Massachusetts is unaffordable. So much so, that our population has decreased due to bad policy at the state level. THIS IS A STATEWIDE ISSUE, AND NOT A NORTHBOROUGH ISSUE.
Back to Northborough, and how we are doing our due diligence. Let me explain:
1. Those 25,000 applications in the article aren't all uniquely seeking Northborough. Applicants can be on up to 25 waiting lists statewide simultaneously. Massachusetts ranks third nationally in cost of living, and our school system ensures demand here will always outpace supply.
2. Northborough is actually more affordable than neighboring towns east of us and along the 495 belt. Between that and our phenomenal school system, it's no wonder why so many people want to live here! The farther west you go in MA, the less expensive it gets. It's not an apples to apples comparison when you look at our affordability vs. towns west of Worcester due to our proximity to Boston and major highways.
All things considered, Northborough is the missing middle: 9 Massachusetts communities topped $2 million in median home prices, with 54 over $1 million
Source: https://www.bizjournals.com/boston/news/2026/01/20/the-most-expensive-places-in-mass-in-2025.html
- Northborough's median home prices compared to surrounding towns:
-Northborough: $743,500
-Westborough: $782,500
-Southborough: $1.05M
-Hopkinton: $1.05M
-Bolton: $955K
-Berlin: $760,750
-Ashland: $650,250
-Hopkinton: $1.05M
-Holliston: $750,000
-Stow: $824,500
Source: https://www.thewarrengroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/MA-August-2024-Sales_Town.pdf
“Greater Boston Housing Report Card 2025,” the starter home has effectively vanished: https://www.boston.com/real-estate/real-estate/2025/12/31/boson-real-estate-market-2026-inventory-rates/
- The report shows that in 2015, 57 municipalities in Greater Boston had a median
single-family sale price below $500,000. By 2025, there were only three: Brockton, Halifax, and Wareham. Conversely, Brookline, Wellesley, and Weston now see median prices topping $2 million.
3. The fact is that Northborough has done its due diligence when it comes to affordable and
alternative housing- the missing middle. We are above the magic 10% number of 40B housing
inventory. About 27% of municipalities in the state are at or above the 10% number. This is
something we should be proud of. We checked the box. Now we just need to maintain.
Source: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/subsidized-housing-inventory-shi
4. Housing affordability is a statewide issue.
Below is an old screenshot from earlier this year. Notice the call-out about our schools!
I hope this helps put the narrative to bed painting Northborough in a bad light about being "unaffordable" when we are more affordable compared to surrounding towns. Remember, this is a statewide issue, and not a town issue, and we are doing our part to help.
According to the Northborough Housing Authority, the town’s waiting list for affordable housing sits at 24,932. With 142 affordable units in Northborough, the town is able to accommodate just under 0.6 percent of those looking for affordable housing, with the demand exploding in the last five year...
