Can You Buy A Home In Massachusetts For $200K Or Less?

MASSACHUSETTS — Talk to your friends across Massachusetts and you'll hear plenty of anecdotes about how hard it is to find a reasonably priced place to lay their head.

But anecdotes aren't the only thing indicating that housing in the Bay State is expensive.

The Missouri Economic Research and Information Center polled cities and towns across the country for its Council for Community & Economic Research survey, which published a cost of living index for each state.

Among the categories which influence the ranking is housing cost, which sees Massachusetts ranked 50 out of 52. (The survey included the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.)

So where did all the affordable houses go? There was once a time when the average starter home, when adjusted for today's pricing and costs, would only run you about $200,000. In Massachusetts, is that still a possibility?

We sought to find that answer out this week, and came to this conclusion: Though it's possible, what you get and where you can purchase that home — or condo, or trailer — is limited.

In Patch's real estate listing database, there are a total of 78 properties that fit the description of a residential home for $200,000 or less.

Here's a sampling of what we found:

182 Swanson Rd., Boxborough, Mass.

This one-bedroom condo is located on the top floor of Harvard Ridge, featuring an updated bathroom, a living room with ample natural light and a "generously sized" bedroom. The condo is close to access to numerous conservation trails and is a short drive from 495 for easy commuting.

It's listed for $179,000.

208 New Yorker Ave., Chelmsford, Mass.

An offer was recently accepted on this Chelmsford home within the Chelmsford Commons. The home was listed for $169,500 but also includes HOA fees.

Recent updates to the space include a freshly painted exterior and shed, new skirting around the exterior of the home and a resealed roof.

41 Groton St., Pepperell, Mass.

Listed at $200,000, this end unit townhouse located in a 10-unit complex offers "a fantastic opportunity for downsizing, first-time buyers or those looking for a low maintenance lifestyle," according to a listing.

It features two bedrooms and one bathroom with a back deck that offers a private outdoor area.