Either-Or: Hyde Park vs. Woodstock, Conn.

Two listings. The same price. What’s worth it?

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


either or hyde park woodstock ct

Photos via Cameron Real Estate Group and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties

To remind you that price tags in Boston are a special breed, we’ve been presenting two homes listed at the same price from time to time. This round, it’s a battle between two different types of bargains, where the decision comes down to fixing up a place within city limits or purchasing a picture-perfect colonial in the country.

The first is a perfectly acceptable home in Hyde Park. The yellow cape manages to offer four bedrooms on a pleasant little plot of land. The second is an antique farmhouse in Woodstock, Conn. It’s surrounded by wide open spaces and has its own barn. Both properties have pros and cons, and they share a price tag of $350,000.

15 Ralwood Road, Hyde Park
Price: $350,000
Size: 1,523 square feet
Bedrooms: 4
Baths: 1.5

50 Joy Road, Woodstock, Conn.
Price: $350,000
Size: 3,570 square feet
Bedrooms: 5
Baths: 2

 

 

The humble abode in Hyde Park offers a list of qualities rare in the city. It has a spacious living room with a fireplace, a formal dining room, and a finished basement with a door to the backyard. The modest yard has a private deck, and there’s a one-car garage at the end of the driveway. Although the house boasts central air, it could use a few updates (and less carpeting) before its next owners move in.

Situated on a knoll in ever-quaint Woodstock, Conn., the big, white colonial is impressive, but more than 70 miles removed from the city. Built in 1815, the place has eight fireplaces, five bedrooms, a mudroom, a chicken coop, and a large red barn. The lot offers 3.9 acres, and the farmhouse has a newly installed propane heating system.

The biggest difference between the two properties can be found in the price breakdown. The cape in Boston is a bargain at $230 per square foot, but the house in Connecticut is even more of a steal at $98 per square foot. Each house has its own merits, and both make suitable spots for a growing family. The right choice depends on your preferred commute—and how much you want to stretch your dollar.