Either-Or: Haverhill vs. Cleveland Circle

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

Photos courtesy of Coco, Early Associates and Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

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 of old vs. new, where the decision comes down to a Green Line commute or a drive down I-93.

The first is an outstanding property in Haverhill called Stonewall Meadow. The meadow’s farmhouse dates back to 1680. The second is an updated condo in Cleveland Circle with access to a private pool. Both offer a distinct set of benefits and drawbacks, and they share a price tag of $549,900.

The Haverhill abode is a time-honored structure built by William White, the founder of Haverhill. The property includes the antique house, a two-car garage with an attached shed, and a dog house. Inside the home, there are eight fireplaces, a remodeled kitchen, updated bathrooms, and a chandelier hanging over the main stairway.

In Brighton, the unit in Reservoir Place offers a modern kitchen, a bathroom with a glass shower, and access to a private pool. The upper-level condo boasts views of the surrounding area. It also measures up to 852 square feet—almost five times tinier than the house up north.

While certainly smaller than the charming home in Haverhill, the Cleveland Circle condo has the bonus of zero upkeep. No work needs to be done on the shared pool, and unlike in Haverhill, the lawn doesn’t need to be mowed. Both of the homes, however, are centrally located. The single family home is in walking distance to Haverhill’s shops and restaurants, while the Brighton unit is across from a T stop, the reservoir, restaurants, and more.

The biggest difference between the two properties can be found in the price breakdown. The house in the suburbs asks $136 per square foot, whereas Boston’s condo is almost five times more expensive at $645 per square foot. It seems the right choice depends on your preferred lifestyle—and how far you want to stretch your dollar.