Either-Or: JP vs. Providence

Welcome to Either-Or, where we compare two listings with the same price—one in Boston and one outside. Build your own conclusions.

Providence house photo courtesy of Redfin. Jamaicaway Tower photo by the City of Boston Archives on Flickr/Creative Commons

Exorbitant housing costs in Boston are nothing new. It’s really, really expensive to live here. With tiny condos going for millions without a second thought, it’s entirely possible that Bostonians are becoming conditioned to accept outrageously high prices.

To remind you that price tags in Boston are a special breed, we’ve been presenting two homes listed at the same price each week. This time, though, it’s not the Boston property that is mind-bogglingly expensive. It’s how surprisingly affordable this Beaux Arts bungalow is in Providence.

The colorful brick structure is beyond unique. On the other hand, a condo in Jamaica Plain’s Jamaicaway Tower is a mere $900 cheaper. While it has considerably less character, similar condos sell for much higher.

The Snapshot Comparison

Photos courtesy of Redfin

Built in 1929, the bungalow offers both an indoor and outdoor fireplace, intricate architectural detailing, a patio, and a porch with a seating area. The home has immeasurable charm and more than double the square footage of JP’s contender.

The Jamaicaway Tower condo has a few coveted amenities of its own, including a balcony off of the living room, hardwood floors, and access to a swimming pool and exercise area. Plus, the unit has panoramic views of the Emerald Necklace. With one bedroom, one bath, and no yard, the condo is indeed tiny, whereas the bungalow has four beds, two full baths, and a finished lower level.

Just a friendly reminder that city life can mean compromising—it just depends what city you compromise in.