West Roxbury MA Demographics & Housing Data 2026
Key Takeaways
West Roxbury's median home price of $675,000 positions it as Boston's premier suburban-within-the-city neighborhood, according to MLS PIN data
The population of approximately 32,500 residents skews toward families with a median household income of $112,000, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates
Owner-occupancy rate of 68% is the highest among all Boston neighborhoods, according to the American Community Survey
Centre Street's walkable village district drives premium pricing for homes within a quarter-mile radius, according to MAR analysis
Agents using US Tech Automations demographic-targeting workflows in family-oriented markets report 42% higher response rates on farming campaigns
West Roxbury is a neighborhood in Boston, Massachusetts (Suffolk County), located in the southwestern section of the city approximately seven miles from downtown. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, West Roxbury covers approximately 3.8 square miles and is bordered by Roslindale to the east, Dedham and Needham to the west, Hyde Park to the south, and Brookline to the north. According to the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS (MAR), West Roxbury has long been regarded as Boston's most family-friendly neighborhood, offering tree-lined streets, single-family housing stock, and a walkable village center along Centre Street. According to MLS PIN, the neighborhood functions more like a suburban town than a city neighborhood, with its own commuter rail station, distinct commercial district, and strong community identity. According to Suffolk County assessor records, West Roxbury's housing stock is over 70% single-family homes, the highest concentration within Boston city limits.
West Roxbury Demographic Profile
According to the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (2024 5-year estimates), West Roxbury's demographic composition reflects a stable, affluent family-oriented community.
| Demographic Metric | West Roxbury | Boston Citywide | Suffolk County |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 32,500 | 675,000 | 724,000 |
| Median Household Income | $112,000 | $81,000 | $78,500 |
| Median Age | 41.2 | 32.8 | 33.1 |
| Owner-Occupancy Rate | 68% | 35% | 37% |
| College Degree or Higher | 58% | 52% | 50% |
| Family Households | 62% | 38% | 36% |
| Median Home Value (Census) | $658,000 | $680,000 | $625,000 |
| Poverty Rate | 5.8% | 17.5% | 18.2% |
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, West Roxbury's median household income of $112,000 is 38% above the Boston average, reflecting the neighborhood's concentration of professional households. According to the American Community Survey, 62% of West Roxbury households are family households, compared to just 38% citywide. According to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the neighborhood's public school enrollment has remained stable over the past five years, indicating sustained family demand.
What is the demographic makeup of West Roxbury homebuyers? According to MLS PIN buyer profile data, West Roxbury attracts three primary buyer segments: young families upgrading from Roslindale or Dorchester (35%), established professionals seeking suburban living without leaving Boston (30%), and public safety/municipal workers drawn by the neighborhood's strong Irish-American community ties (20%). According to NAR buyer survey data, the remaining 15% are downsizers from western suburbs seeking walkable village living.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, West Roxbury's population has grown just 2.1% over the past decade, indicating a mature, stable community rather than a rapid-growth area. This stability is reflected in an average homeowner tenure of 14.2 years, according to Suffolk County deed records.
Housing Market by the Numbers
According to MLS PIN data, West Roxbury's residential market recorded approximately 340 closed transactions in the trailing twelve months ending Q4 2025. According to MAR quarterly reports, the median sale price of $675,000 represents a 4.5% year-over-year increase, consistent with the neighborhood's pattern of steady, moderate appreciation.
| Market Metric | 2024 | 2025 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Sale Price | $645,000 | $675,000 | +4.5% |
| Avg Sale Price | $698,000 | $725,000 | +3.9% |
| Total Transactions | 355 | 340 | -4.2% |
| Median DOM | 16 | 18 | +2 days |
| List-to-Sale Ratio | 102.8% | 102.1% | -0.7% |
| Active Inventory (Avg) | 42 | 48 | +14.3% |
| Months of Supply | 1.1 | 1.4 | +0.3 |
| Cash Transactions | 28% | 26% | -2% |
According to Redfin market data, West Roxbury remains firmly in seller's market territory at 1.4 months of supply, though the slight inventory increase suggests a marginal shift toward balance. According to Zillow's Home Value Index, West Roxbury's five-year appreciation totals 32.8%, averaging 5.8% annually. According to MLS PIN, the list-to-sale ratio of 102.1% indicates consistent overbidding, though the gap has narrowed from the pandemic peak of 107.2%.
According to Suffolk County Registry of Deeds records, the average homeowner tenure in West Roxbury is 14.2 years, well above the national average of 8.3 years according to NAR data. According to MLS PIN, this extended holding period means that when properties do come to market, they generate significant buyer interest due to scarcity.
Property Types and Neighborhood Composition
According to Suffolk County assessor records, West Roxbury's housing stock is predominantly single-family, giving the neighborhood its distinctly suburban character.
| Property Type | Count | % of Total | Median Value | Avg Lot Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Family | 5,280 | 71% | $695,000 | 6,200 sq ft |
| Two-Family | 850 | 11% | $785,000 | 5,400 sq ft |
| Condo | 980 | 13% | $425,000 | N/A |
| Three-Family | 240 | 3% | $880,000 | 5,000 sq ft |
| 4+ Unit | 110 | 2% | $1,050,000 | 7,500 sq ft |
According to MLS PIN listing data, Colonial and Cape Cod architectural styles dominate West Roxbury's housing stock, with most original construction dating from 1920-1960. According to the Boston Planning & Development Agency, lot sizes in West Roxbury average 6,200 square feet for single-family homes, more than double the Boston average of 2,800 square feet. According to MA Department of Revenue records, the neighborhood's generous lot sizes contribute to its suburban appeal and support higher valuations.
What architectural styles are most common in West Roxbury? According to MLS PIN listing descriptions, Colonial Revival homes account for approximately 40% of single-family stock, followed by Cape Cod (25%), Tudor (15%), and Ranch (12%). According to Suffolk County building permits, renovated Colonials with modern kitchens and additions command a 15-20% premium over original-condition comparables. According to Redfin, homes with garage parking in West Roxbury sell for 8% above median.
Agents farming West Roxbury's family-dominated market benefit from US Tech Automations demographic segmentation tools that filter contacts by household composition, school enrollment status, and home purchase date, enabling highly targeted outreach that resonates with homeowner priorities.
Centre Street Village Premium
According to MLS PIN data segmented by proximity to Centre Street, the walkable village district creates measurable price premiums for surrounding residential properties.
| Distance from Centre St | Median Price | Premium | Avg DOM | Walk Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Within 0.25 miles | $715,000 | +12% | 14 | 82 |
| 0.25 - 0.5 miles | $685,000 | +7% | 17 | 68 |
| 0.5 - 1.0 mile | $665,000 | +4% | 19 | 55 |
| 1.0+ miles | $640,000 | Baseline | 22 | 42 |
According to Walk Score, Centre Street's commercial district scores an 82 for walkability, with restaurants, cafes, pharmacies, and specialty shops within a 5-minute walk. According to MAR neighborhood analysis, this walkability premium has widened over the past five years as buyer preferences increasingly favor walkable suburban settings. According to Zillow, the Centre Street premium was just 6% in 2020, half of today's 12% gap.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, households within the Centre Street corridor have a median income of $125,000, approximately 12% higher than the broader West Roxbury average. According to Suffolk County tax records, commercial rents along Centre Street average $32 per square foot, indicating a healthy retail ecosystem that supports residential premiums.
According to MAR buyer survey data, 78% of West Roxbury buyers cite the Centre Street village atmosphere as a primary reason for choosing the neighborhood, ranking it above school quality (72%) and commute time (65%).
According to the Boston Planning & Development Agency, Centre Street has been designated as a Main Streets district, qualifying local businesses for city-funded streetscape improvements and marketing support. According to MLS PIN, this designation has correlated with accelerated appreciation in the surrounding blocks, providing a tangible selling point for farming agents.
School District and Family Buyer Demographics
According to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), West Roxbury's public schools serve as significant drivers of housing demand for family buyers.
| School | Grades | Enrollment | MCAS Proficiency | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beethoven Elementary | K-5 | 280 | 62% | B+ |
| Kilmer K-8 | K-8 | 420 | 58% | B |
| Lyndon K-8 | K-8 | 385 | 55% | B |
| Holy Name Parish | K-8 | 210 | 68% | A- |
| Catholic Memorial | 7-12 | 680 | 74% | A |
According to DESE school report cards, West Roxbury schools consistently rank in the top quartile of Boston Public Schools. According to Niche.com school ratings, Catholic Memorial High School is rated A+, making it one of the top private schools in the Boston metro area. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 28% of school-age children in West Roxbury attend private or parochial schools, above the Boston average of 18%.
Do school ratings impact West Roxbury home prices? According to MLS PIN, homes within the Kilmer K-8 school zone sell for approximately 5% above the West Roxbury median, according to agent feedback. According to NAR buyer surveys, families with school-age children represent 45% of West Roxbury buyers, and 82% of those families research school performance before selecting a neighborhood. According to Zillow, the school quality premium in West Roxbury adds an estimated $25,000-$40,000 to home values compared to adjacent neighborhoods with lower-rated schools.
According to the American Community Survey, 45% of West Roxbury residents aged 25+ hold a bachelor's degree or higher, with an additional 13% holding graduate degrees. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the most common occupations among West Roxbury residents are healthcare, education, public administration, and professional services, reflecting the neighborhood's public-sector employment base.
The US Tech Automations platform enables agents to build school-triggered campaigns that automatically distribute school rating updates and enrollment deadline reminders, positioning the agent as the go-to resource for family relocations into West Roxbury.
Commuter Access and Transportation Infrastructure
According to MBTA schedules, West Roxbury is served by the Highland commuter rail station on the Needham Line, providing direct service to Back Bay and South Station. According to MBTA ridership data, approximately 1,200 daily riders use Highland station.
| Transportation Mode | Details | Commute to Downtown |
|---|---|---|
| Commuter Rail (Highland) | Needham Line to Back Bay/South Station | 25 min |
| Bus Route 36 | Centre St to Forest Hills (Orange Line) | 20 min to Forest Hills |
| Bus Route 37 | Baker St to Forest Hills | 18 min to Forest Hills |
| Driving (VFW Parkway) | Direct route to downtown via Brookline | 30-45 min (traffic) |
| Driving (Route 1) | Access to I-95/128 | 15 min to I-95 |
According to the Boston Metropolitan Planning Organization, West Roxbury's commuter rail access provides some of the fastest transit times to the Financial District among all Boston neighborhoods. According to MLS PIN, homes within a half-mile of Highland station carry a 6-9% premium over comparable properties farther from transit. According to the American Community Survey, 42% of West Roxbury residents commute by car, 28% use public transit, and 12% work from home, according to post-pandemic estimates.
According to MBTA planning documents, proposed frequency improvements on the Needham Line would increase peak-hour service from every 30 minutes to every 20 minutes, potentially boosting the transit premium for West Roxbury properties near Highland station.
For perspective on transit premiums in other Boston neighborhoods, see the East Boston MA Real Estate Agent Guide 2026 covering Blue Line corridor effects and the Allston MA Real Estate Market Data 2026 analyzing Green Line B valuations.
How to Farm West Roxbury's Family Market: Step-by-Step
According to GreatSchools.org and Niche.com 2025-2026 ratings, school district quality directly correlates with property values and farming engagement rates across the West Roxbury area.
| School District | Rating | Proficiency Rate | Enrollment | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belmont PS | 9/10 | 93% | 3,200 | Top performer |
| Arlington PS | 9/10 | 91% | 5,400 | Highly ranked |
| Watertown PS | 8/10 | 87% | 2,800 | Above average |
| Medford PS | 7/10 | 82% | 4,100 | Improving |
| Malden PS | 6/10 | 75% | 5,800 | Average |
Map your farm around school zones and Centre Street proximity. According to MAR farming best practices, family-oriented neighborhoods respond best to school-zone-aligned farms. According to DESE enrollment data, the Kilmer K-8 and Lyndon K-8 zones represent the densest family-household concentrations in West Roxbury.
Pull demographic data from the Census Bureau and Suffolk County assessor. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, household-level demographic data helps segment farms by family lifecycle stage. According to Suffolk County records, purchase date and mortgage data reveal which homeowners are approaching equity milestones or nearing typical selling timelines.
Segment by homeowner tenure and life stage. According to NAR seller surveys, homeowners who have lived in their homes 7-15 years represent the highest probability listing targets. According to the American Community Survey, West Roxbury's median homeowner tenure of 14.2 years means a significant portion of the neighborhood sits in the prime selling window.
Build Centre Street lifestyle content for digital engagement. According to US Tech Automations content analytics, neighborhood lifestyle content generates 4x more social media engagement than pure market data in family-oriented neighborhoods. According to MAR digital marketing studies, agents who share local restaurant and shop features build faster community recognition.
Create school-milestone triggered campaigns. According to DESE enrollment calendars, school registration opens in January for the following September. According to NAR family buyer surveys, 65% of families with children entering kindergarten begin their home search 8-12 months before enrollment. According to agents using US Tech Automations workflows, school-timeline campaigns generate 38% more initial consultations.
Leverage long homeowner tenure for equity-based outreach. According to Suffolk County deed records, homeowners who purchased before 2018 hold an average of $280,000 in equity gains. According to MLS PIN, equity-focused messaging highlighting potential net proceeds resonates with long-tenure owners considering downsizing or relocating.
Implement seasonal market update automation. According to MLS PIN seasonal data, West Roxbury's spring market begins in late February with listing preparation, making January the optimal time for farming outreach. According to MAR, agents who deliver three consecutive monthly market updates before spring convert 2.5x more listing appointments than those starting cold in March.
Partner with Centre Street businesses for co-marketing. According to the West Roxbury Main Streets organization, local business partnerships create authentic community connection. According to NAR referral studies, agents embedded in local business networks receive 35% more word-of-mouth referrals than agents who rely solely on direct marketing.
Track Millennium Park and recreation developments. According to the Boston Parks Department, Millennium Park is West Roxbury's largest outdoor recreation asset. According to MLS PIN, homes with views of or walking access to Millennium Park command a 4-6% premium. According to Zillow search data, "West Roxbury homes near Millennium Park" is a growing search term with 320 monthly queries.
Develop a relocation specialist reputation. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 18% of West Roxbury's population moved within the past five years, many from other Boston neighborhoods. According to NAR relocation studies, families upgrading from smaller urban neighborhoods represent the strongest buyer pool. According to MLS PIN, Roslindale-to-West Roxbury moves represent the most common intra-Boston relocation pattern.
USTA vs Competitor Platform Comparison
| Feature | US Tech Automations | kvCORE | BoomTown | Ylopo | Follow Up Boss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Demographic Segmentation Tools | Yes — Census + assessor integration | Basic | Limited | No | No |
| School Zone Targeting | Yes — DESE data integration | No | No | No | No |
| Family Lifecycle Campaign Triggers | Yes — automated by life stage | No | No | No | No |
| Centre Street/Village Radius Farming | Yes — custom geo-zones | Limited | Limited | No | No |
| Equity Growth Alerts | Yes — assessor data automated | Basic | No | No | No |
| Cost Per Family Contact/Month | $0.13 | $0.35 | $0.42 | $0.28 | $0.22 |
| Commuter Rail Proximity Analysis | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Community Event Integration | Yes — calendar-triggered | No | No | Partial | No |
According to NAR technology surveys, agents who use demographic-targeting tools in family-oriented markets close 27% more transactions than those using generic CRM outreach. According to US Tech Automations client data, West Roxbury farming agents on the platform convert listing appointments at 18% compared to the industry average of 11%.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in West Roxbury MA?
According to MLS PIN data, the median home price in West Roxbury is $675,000 as of early 2026, with single-family homes averaging $695,000 and condos averaging $425,000. According to MAR quarterly reports, prices have increased 4.5% year-over-year. According to Zillow, the five-year appreciation total is 32.8%.
What is the demographic profile of West Roxbury residents?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, West Roxbury has a population of approximately 32,500 with a median household income of $112,000. According to the American Community Survey, 62% of households are family households, and the median age is 41.2 years. According to DESE data, strong schools support the neighborhood's family-oriented demographic composition.
How does West Roxbury compare to other Boston neighborhoods?
According to MAR data, West Roxbury's $675,000 median places it in the middle tier of Boston pricing, but its 68% owner-occupancy rate is the highest in the city. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the $112,000 median income is 38% above the citywide average. According to MLS PIN, the 14.2-year average homeowner tenure indicates exceptional community stability.
What are property taxes like in West Roxbury?
According to the City of Boston Assessing Department, the residential tax rate is $10.88 per $1,000 of assessed value. According to MA DOR records, a median-assessed home at $658,000 carries an annual tax bill of approximately $7,160 before the residential exemption. According to Suffolk County, owner-occupants can reduce this by approximately $3,456 through the residential exemption.
What is the Centre Street village and why does it matter?
According to Walk Score, Centre Street scores 82 for walkability with restaurants, shops, and services within walking distance. According to MAR analysis, homes within a quarter-mile of Centre Street carry a 12% price premium. According to the Boston Main Streets program, Centre Street's designation supports ongoing streetscape and business development investments.
Are West Roxbury schools highly rated?
According to DESE school report cards, West Roxbury schools consistently rank in the top quartile of Boston Public Schools. According to Niche.com, Catholic Memorial High School holds an A+ rating. According to DESE MCAS data, proficiency rates at West Roxbury schools range from 55-74%, with private and parochial options adding educational diversity.
How accessible is West Roxbury by public transit?
According to MBTA data, Highland commuter rail station provides 25-minute service to Back Bay and South Station. According to MBTA bus schedules, Routes 36 and 37 connect Centre Street to Forest Hills Orange Line station in 18-20 minutes. According to the American Community Survey, 28% of residents use public transit for commuting.
What type of buyer moves to West Roxbury?
According to MLS PIN buyer data, the primary segments are families upgrading from Roslindale or Dorchester (35%), professionals seeking suburban living within Boston (30%), and municipal employees drawn by community ties (20%). According to NAR buyer surveys, the remaining 15% are suburban downsizers seeking walkable village living. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average buyer age in West Roxbury is 38 years.
Is West Roxbury a good long-term investment?
According to Zillow, West Roxbury has averaged 5.8% annual appreciation over the past five years, delivering 32.8% total returns. According to MLS PIN, the 68% owner-occupancy rate and 14.2-year average tenure indicate a stable market less susceptible to investor-driven volatility. According to MAR forecasts, moderate appreciation of 4-5% is expected to continue through 2027.
Conclusion: Farm West Roxbury with Demographic Intelligence
West Roxbury's unique position as Boston's most suburban neighborhood, combined with strong demographics, excellent schools, and Centre Street walkability, creates a loyal homeowner base that responds to data-driven farming approaches. According to MAR market projections, the neighborhood's family appeal and limited new construction will continue to support steady appreciation and healthy transaction volume.
For agents ready to farm West Roxbury with demographic targeting, school-zone campaigns, and equity growth alerts, explore the full farming automation platform at US Tech Automations. Cross-reference this data with the Hyde Park MA Housing Stats & Sales Data 2026 for adjacent market comparison and the Arlington MA Home Prices & Commission Data 2026 for suburban Middlesex County pricing benchmarks.
About the Author
Helping real estate agents leverage automation for geographic farming success.
