Roslindale Condo Market Guide For Boston Renters

Tired of watching your Boston rent rise while you wonder if owning is realistic? You are not alone. Many renters look to Roslindale for a more attainable path into homeownership without giving up neighborhood charm or transit access. In this guide, you will get clear pricing context, what kinds of condos you will see, a realistic monthly cost example, and smart next steps to go from browsing to buying. Let’s dive in.

Quick market snapshot for renters

Roslindale’s condo prices sit below many central Boston neighborhoods. On the sales data side, the neighborhood’s median sale price was roughly $682,500 in early 2026, based on the Roslindale neighborhood market page. Medians shifted higher in mid 2025 and can move month to month, so plan to refresh numbers as you get serious.

Tempo matters when you are budgeting and timing your move. Recent snapshots show typical days on market in the 30 to 40 day range with sale-to-list ratios near 100 percent on well-priced homes, which signals a competitive but manageable market compared to the city’s core. The takeaway: expect multiple offers on the best listings, but you still have time to do thorough due diligence.

What you will find in Roslindale condos

Roslindale’s housing mix is classic Boston. You will see many condo conversions in two- and three-family buildings, plus a smaller number of newer townhomes and modest mid-rise projects close to the village and main corridors. This pattern shapes inventory: more walk-up units and small associations than large luxury towers, as outlined in the Roslindale neighborhood housing mix.

HOA fees vary by building size, age and services. Recent examples in small associations range from the low hundreds to the mid $400s per month. In many conversions, fees commonly include line items like water and sewer, master building insurance, exterior maintenance and snow removal, which you can see in sample listing disclosures. Always verify what is included before you compare fees across buildings.

What your monthly cost could look like

Here are the typical monthly line items for a Roslindale condo:

• Principal and interest (your mortgage)
• Property tax (City of Boston)
• HOA/condo fee
• Condo insurance (HO6) in addition to the building’s master policy
• Utilities (electricity, gas or heat if not included in the HOA)
• Parking or storage (if not included)
• A reserve for maintenance or potential special assessments

Example budget for a median-price condo

This example is a starting point so you can frame your research. Use a lender quote and current listings to refine the numbers.

• Assumed price: $682,500 (median from Roslindale’s market page).
• Down payment: 20 percent → loan about $546,000.
• Rate context: Freddie Mac’s weekly PMMS averaged near 6.1 percent for a 30-year fixed in early Feb 2026.
• Estimated monthly principal and interest: about $3,312 on a $546,000 loan at ~6.11 percent.
• Property tax: Boston’s recent nominal residential rate was roughly $11 to $12 per $1,000 of assessed value. That produces about $6,900 to $8,000 per year on a $680k property (about $650 to $700 per month) before the City’s residential exemption for owner-occupants, as summarized in this analysis of Boston property tax rates and the residential exemption.
• HOA fee: examples in small associations often run $250 to $435 per month. Check whether water, sewer, master insurance, exterior maintenance and snow removal are included.
• Condo insurance (HO6): state averages often fall near $300 to $900 per year, which is roughly $35 to $60 per month, depending on coverage and the building’s master policy. See typical condo insurance cost ranges in Massachusetts.
• Utilities: Massachusetts residential electricity rates are on the higher side nationally. Recent state tables show roughly 29 to 30 cents per kWh, which can translate to about $60 to $160 monthly for a typical condo’s electricity, with gas or heat adding seasonally. Review Massachusetts electricity prices in recent months.

Putting the pieces together, many buyers will see a rough all-in monthly in the $4,400 to $4,800 range for the model above, depending on exact taxes, HOA, insurance and utilities. Your number will change with a different down payment, rate, or building profile.

Pro tips as you fine-tune:

• If you put less than 20 percent down, plan for PMI and sometimes a higher interest rate. Get a fresh quote from a local lender for exact terms.
• HOA inclusions matter. A lower fee that excludes key services can cost more in total than a slightly higher fee that covers water, sewer and some utilities.
• Owner-occupants can apply for Boston’s residential exemption, which can reduce the taxable amount for your home. Check eligibility and timing with the City Assessor.

Roslindale vs central Boston pricing and feel

If you like leafy streets and a village center, Roslindale offers value compared to many core neighborhoods. Jamaica Plain is a frequent comparison. Recent data show Jamaica Plain’s recent median sitting above Roslindale’s. Central neighborhoods like Back Bay, South End and Fenway tend to price even higher and often have larger buildings with greater amenities, which can come with higher monthly fees.

Commute and transit

Roslindale Village is connected to downtown by the MBTA Needham Line, with the Roslindale Village station on the Needham Line offering direct commuter rail service. Multiple bus routes also connect you to Forest Hills for the Orange Line. This gives you a workable transit commute, though it can be longer than living directly on a subway line in central Boston.

How to shop smart and compete

Use this simple plan to move from browsing to submitting a strong, informed offer:

1. Lock your budget and pre-approval. Start with a local lender who understands Boston condos. Use Freddie Mac’s weekly PMMS for rate context as you compare quotes.
2. Track the market weekly. Follow recent Roslindale solds and note days on market and sale-to-list ratios so you know how quickly to act.
3. Tour a range of buildings. Keep a worksheet of HOA fees and what they include. Small associations can have very different budgets and reserves.
4. Review HOA health before offering. Request the condo certificate, current budget, reserve study if available, recent meeting minutes, rental rules, and the building’s master-policy certificate and deductible.
5. Learn your program options. Many first-time buyers use the City’s down-payment assistance or paired mortgage products. Start with the City of Boston Homebuying Support Hub for class requirements and program details, then explore statewide options like MassHousing’s offerings.
6. Budget beyond the down payment. In addition to your down payment, plan for closing costs and a small reserve for immediate maintenance or minor upgrades.
7. Assemble your team. Hire a home inspector and a local real estate attorney experienced with Massachusetts condo closings. Attorney review of condo documents is standard.
8. Write a clean, confident offer. Match your terms to the property’s activity. If multiple offers are likely, consider a flexible closing date, a well-structured financing timeline, and a clear plan for inspection and documentation review.

Work with a neighborhood-focused advisor

Buying your first place should feel organized and human. You get better outcomes when your agent knows the buildings, reads HOA budgets with you, and helps you compare total monthly costs across options. If you want a calm, data-backed path into a Roslindale condo, let’s talk. Connect with M|E Collective to start a plan that fits your timeline and budget.

FAQs

What is the current median condo price in Roslindale?

• Recent snapshots show a median sale price around $682,500, with month-to-month movement. Always refresh the latest data before you offer.

How much are typical HOA fees in Roslindale condos?

• Many small associations list fees from about $250 to $435 per month, but inclusions vary, so compare what each fee covers.

What monthly costs should I expect beyond the mortgage?

• Property tax, HOA fee, condo insurance, and utilities are the big items; parking or storage may add more if not included.

Is Roslindale cheaper than Jamaica Plain?

• Yes, Roslindale typically sits below Jamaica Plain on median sale price, though individual listings can overlap and shift.

How is the commute from Roslindale to downtown Boston?

• The Commuter Rail from Roslindale Village plus bus links to the Orange Line provide a reasonable transit commute, though not as fast as living on a subway line.