Location: Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA | Metro: Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area
Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $2,730 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,820 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,370 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $4,020 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $4,430 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $5,139 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $5,756 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $6,216 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $6,527 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $3,370 | $817,629 | 0.41% | F |
| 3BR | $4,020 | $1,017,438 | 0.4% | F |
| 4BR | $4,430 | $1,392,786 | 0.32% | F |
| 5BR | $5,139 | $1,990,423 | 0.26% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The rent math in ZIP 02090, located in Westwood, Massachusetts, within the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area, does not fully align with the Federal Market Rent (FMR) standards set for FY 2024. The FMR for the area is pegged at $3010, whereas the actual market rent, as indicated by the Zillow Observed Rental Index (ZORI), stands at $3330. This suggests that landlords may need to adjust their expectations, as the difference of $320 per unit represents a significant variance from government guidelines.
Acquisition in this ZIP code is moderately affordable. The median home value is $1,231,306, which, while high, is offset by the fact that there is no typical number of days on the market (DOM) available, indicating a stable housing market without prolonged listings. Furthermore, only 0.2% of homes are listed with a price cut, suggesting that homes generally sell close to their asking price, making it a favorable environment for acquiring properties.
Tenant demand in ZIP 02090 is relatively low. With a total population of 16,318, only 12.7% are renters, translating to approximately 2075 individuals seeking rental housing. This limited pool of potential tenants could make it challenging for landlords to fill vacancies quickly, especially given the higher market rents.
Verdict: While the acquisition cost in ZIP 02090 is reasonable, with homes selling near their asking prices, the rent math does not fully support the higher market rents when compared to the FMR. Additionally, the low renter share poses a challenge for maintaining occupancy rates. Landlords should consider these factors carefully before investing in this area, particularly focusing on balancing rental pricing with the risk of extended vacancy periods.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). Demographics from U.S. Census (2024).
About FMR: Fair Market Rent (FMR) is used to determine payment standards for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, initial renewal rents for some expiring project-based Section 8 contracts, and rent ceilings for HOME Investment Partnerships.