selling without an agent
Selling without an agent may seem like a way to save money, but many homeowners later regret one key mistake. Here’s what the data reveals—and why pricing matters
TownRatings™ is a proprietary rating model developed by Team Coyle to help buyers and sellers make informed decisions about Greater Boston real estate. The model analyzes five key community characteristics across a dataset of 64 Greater Boston municipalities using publicly available data and Team Coyle’s local market insights where applicable. The resulting ratings and classifications represent Team Coyle’s informed opinions and are intended as general informational guides, not guarantees or recommendations.
Important Disclosure: This analysis serves as a general, supplemental guide for consumers. The report cards featured on this page represent a curated selection of our dataset, and Team Coyle retains sole discretion over the publication and availability of individual municipal ratings. Users must independently verify all data critical to a real estate transaction and consult qualified professionals when appropriate. Ratings are current as of August 30, 2026.
Academic Performance and Property Tax are ranked relative to the other municipalities within the TownRatings™ dataset. Commute to Boston and Shopping & Dining use fixed rating scales. Lifestyle is a non-ranked, descriptive classification.
Evaluates Grade 10 MCAS academic achievement in English Language Arts and Mathematics, together with Grade 10 student growth, using 2025 public school district data reported by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Ratings reflect each district’s relative position within the TownRatings™ dataset.
| Rating Tier | Relative Position in Dataset |
|---|---|
| Top Tier | 90th percentile and above |
| Upper Tier | 70th to under 90th percentile |
| Middle Tier | 30th to under 70th percentile |
| Lower Tier | 10th to under 30th percentile |
| Bottom Tier | Below the 10th percentile |
Ratings compare Grade 10 public school district results only within the TownRatings™ dataset. They are not statewide classifications of overall school quality and do not evaluate private schools, individual public schools, other grade levels, programs, or individual student outcomes.
Measures standardized weekday morning drive time from each municipality to a fixed destination in Boston and in-town MBTA transit availability, defined as a commuter-rail or rapid-transit option. A transit-option credit is factored into the Adjusted Commute Score to reflect the availability of an in-town alternative to driving. The transit component measures availability, not actual train travel time.
| Rating Scale | Adjusted Commute Score (minutes) |
|---|---|
| Easy | ≤ 35 |
| Manageable | > 35 to ≤ 55 |
| Typical | > 55 to < 70 |
| Challenging | ≥ 70 to < 80 |
| Difficult | ≥ 80 |
The Adjusted Commute Score is a standardized, transit-adjusted figure expressed in minutes for comparison across municipalities. Municipalities with qualifying in-town transit receive a credit and may score below their actual drive time; the score is not a door-to-door travel estimate.
Uses a structured 10-point rubric evaluating dining depth and variety, shopping depth and variety, and the strength of the municipality’s commercial centers. Evaluations draw on publicly available information and Team Coyle’s local market insights.
Only establishments physically located within the municipality and generally available to the public are counted. Options located in neighboring municipalities are not included.
| Rating Scale | Shopping & Dining Score |
|---|---|
| Extensive | 9–10 |
| Strong | 7–8 |
| Moderate | 5–6 |
| Limited | 3–4 |
| Minimal | 0–2 |
Ratings use fixed score ranges and are not determined by percentiles or a predetermined distribution of municipalities. This category measures in-town commercial offerings, not access to shopping and dining in surrounding communities.
Provides each municipality with a non-ranked, descriptive classification based on its predominant development pattern and physical environment. The primary classifications—Urban, Suburban, and Rural—consider land use, development density, zoning patterns, and the built environment.
A Historic modifier may be added where documented historic resources materially contribute to the municipality’s character, based on sources such as MACRIS, local historical commissions, and municipal records.
Scale Urban · Suburban · Rural
Modifier Historic
These classifications describe characteristics of the municipality, not its residents, overall desirability, or suitability for any particular buyer.
Compares each municipality’s FY2026 average single-family property tax bill using the Average Single-Family Tax Bill report issued by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, Division of Local Services. The published amount is a municipality-level average and is not an estimate of the tax bill for any particular property.
| Rating Scale | Relative Position by Tax Bill |
|---|---|
| Very Low | Below the 2.5th percentile |
| Low | 2.5th to under the 25th percentile |
| Average | 25th to under the 75th percentile |
| High | 75th to under the 97.5th percentile |
| Very High | 97.5th percentile and above |
Ratings rank the published average bills from lowest to highest within the TownRatings™ dataset. The classifications are relative and do not represent permanent dollar ranges. Because the average bill reflects both assessed values and the residential tax rate, a High or Very High classification indicates a relatively high average bill—not necessarily a high tax rate.
Use of TownRatings™ and this website is also subject to Team Coyle’s Terms of Use.
