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 | $2,440 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,520 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,590 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,960 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,594 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $5,145 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $5,557 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,835 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $3,010 | $911,074 | 0.33% | F |
| 3BR | $3,590 | $1,545,186 | 0.23% | F |
| 4BR | $3,960 | $2,194,264 | 0.18% | F |
| 5BR | $4,594 | $3,272,422 | 0.14% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The rental market in ZIP code 02493, Weston, Massachusetts, presents a dynamic environment that favors neither an overwhelming surplus nor a deficit of supply. With a Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $2,960 for the fiscal year 2024 and a market rent figure of $2,085 based on the Census American Community Survey (ACS), there's a notable gap indicating a strong preference for homeownership over renting. This is further supported by the low price-cut share of just 0.1%, suggesting that property values remain stable and landlords are less inclined to reduce rents to attract tenants.
The median home value in the area stands at $2,246,164, which is indicative of a high-end residential market. The limited data on days on market (DOM) being "N/A" suggests either a robust sales process or a market where homes sell quickly upon listing, maintaining a tight balance between supply and demand. However, the snapshot reveals that only 12.5% of the population are renters, pointing towards a predominantly owner-occupied community.
This low renter share implies that long-term housing pressure is likely to be minimal, as fewer residents rely on rental properties. For landlords and small-portfolio investors, this means that while the rental market is present, it is not expansive. Instead, the focus should be on providing quality rentals that can compete with the high standards set by the local homeownership market. Given the FMR exceeds the market rent significantly, there is potential for rental income growth if properties can be marketed effectively to those seeking to rent in this affluent area.
In conclusion, ZIP 02493 represents a niche market where demand for rentals is steady but not voracious. Investors should be prepared to cater to a discerning audience willing to pay premium rents, aligning closely with the $2,960 FMR benchmark. The stability of home values and the minimal need for price reductions in the rental sector suggest a healthy, albeit specialized, market environment.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.