BOSTON— A new report from Point2Homes reveals a significant shift in the American housing landscape: 203 suburbs across the nation’s 20 largest metro areas have become renter-majority communities, with two Boston-area suburbs — Brookline and Watertown — joining the ranks.
According to the study, Brookline and Watertown transitioned from being owner-dominated to renter-majority in just five years, mirroring a larger East Coast trend where more suburban residents are renting than buying.
The report highlights that renter growth in Boston’s suburbs has outpaced that of the city itself. Between 2018 and 2023, suburban renter households in the Boston metro area grew by 7.3%, compared to a 5.2% increase in the city. In fact, Boston is one of only five major metros in the U.S. where suburban renter growth has overtaken urban growth.
Among the Boston metro area suburbs, Quincy experienced the largest influx of renters, adding nearly 3,500 new renter households over the five-year period. Meanwhile, Chelsea and Lawrence lead the region in renter concentration, with nearly 70% of households renting rather than owning.
The findings underscore a growing national trend where affordability challenges, lifestyle preferences, and housing supply are reshaping the suburbs into rental-dominant zones — once a hallmark of homeownership.
For more detailed insights, view the full report here: Point2Homes Full Study.
Source: Point2Homes
