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Lawrence, MA
Lawrence · MA 01840
Updated October 31, 2026 · Would You Live There?
Think twice
Verdict
$485K
Median Price
65/100
Walk Score
6/10
Schools
39 min
to Boston, MA
Score Breakdown
FAffordability
15/100
D+Safety
55/100
CSchools
60/100
FQuietness
30/100
B-Commute
70/100
CWalkability
65/100
WYLT Score49/100
Our Take
Lawrence (01840) is a predominantly renter-occupied area with a vibrant cultural identity and a relatively affordable entry point into the Boston metro area, but it comes with significant trade-offs. The extremely low owner-occupancy rate, coupled with lower median household income and local school performance, suggests it may not meet the expectations of all potential residents, especially families seeking long-term stability and top-tier local amenities.
B.
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The Good
- ✓Relatively affordable rents compared to the broader Boston metropolitan area.
- ✓Manageable commute to Boston (around 39 minutes by car or public transit).
- ✓Rich cultural diversity, particularly a strong Hispanic community.
- ✓Low flood risk, which is a plus in a coastal state like Massachusetts.
Real Talk
- !The neighborhood has an extremely low owner-occupancy rate (around 2.5%), meaning property ownership opportunities are scarce and the community is highly rental-dependent.
- !Median household income is significantly below the state average, and the unemployment rate is higher than desired, impacting overall economic stability.
- !While there are many schools listed, highly-rated institutions are primarily located in neighboring towns; local Lawrence schools generally have lower ratings.
- !Amenities and infrastructure for dining, nightlife, and green spaces are less developed compared to more affluent or revitalized urban areas.
- $Potential for higher property and auto insurance rates common in urban areas with higher crime profiles.
- $Maintaining older housing stock, common in established cities, can lead to unexpected repair costs for owners.
- $May require travel to neighboring towns for access to higher-rated schools, specialized services, or a wider variety of retail and dining options.
Best For
Renters seeking affordability near Boston.Individuals valuing a strong, diverse cultural community.Commuters to Boston on a budget.Those open to a city environment with active revitalization efforts.
Risk Snapshot
Flood riskLow
Violent crimeModerate
Property crimeModerate
Air qualityGood
Price volatilityModerate
Crime & Safety
Lawrence, MA
D+
Safety grade
Safety score55 / 100
High riskVery safe
⚠️Violent Crime
Moderate3.9incidents / 1,000 residents / yr
0Natl avg (3.7)11+
5% higher than the national average
🔒Property Crime
Moderate19.8incidents / 1,000 residents / yr
0Natl avg (19.5)59+
2% higher than the national average
Verify with real-time data
City-Data stats →From Residents
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