Trend based on YoY growth rate. Source: Zillow ZHVI/ZORI
* Based on metro-wide median values. 35% expenses include taxes, insurance, maintenance, vacancy, and property management. Individual counties and properties vary significantly.
Based on 4.97% rent-to-price ratio. Higher ratios indicate stronger cash flow potential.
Based on 1.0% YoY price growth. Moderate growth (3-8%) scores highest.
Based on 0.0% population growth. Growing areas indicate economic stability.
Based on price relative to estimated local incomes.
Scores are calculated using real Zillow metro-level home value and rent data, Census population data, and economic indicators. The weighted average produces the overall investment score. This metro score represents area-wide averages; individual counties may vary significantly.
| Metro Area | Verdict | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
New Orleans, LA New Orleans, LA | 64 | $252,775 | $1,598 | 7.59% | Buy | View | |
Winston, NC Winston, NC | 64 | $270,694 | $1,530 | 6.78% | Buy | View | |
Cincinnati, OH Cincinnati, OH | 64 | $297,208 | $1,539 | 6.22% | Buy | View | |
Oklahoma City, OK Oklahoma City, OK | 64 | $239,569 | $1,346 | 6.74% | Buy | View | |
Lexington, KY Lexington, KY | 64 | $314,686 | $1,586 | 6.05% | Buy | View | |
Current Boston, MA | 44 | $709,859 | $2,939 | 4.97% | Avoid |
The Boston, MA metro area scores 44/100, ranking #799 of 894 US metros (top 89%). The 4.97% rent-to-price ratio may require targeting specific counties or creative strategies for positive cash flow. Current metro-wide averages make traditional buy-and-hold investing challenging. Consider house hacking, value-add strategies, or drilling down to specific counties.
Use our investment calculators to run detailed numbers on specific properties, or explore individual counties for more targeted opportunities.