Help me understand Dorchester, MA rental Market

[Lin Yin]

I am looking for Multifamily all over Greater Boston for rentals, will probably also do section 8 to maximize rental income. I noticed Dorchester's price per bedroom is the best in the greater Boston area, with plenty of multifamilies on the market. The other interesting thing is that it has an abnormal concentration of available rentals, both regular AND for section 8.

Can someone familiar with Dorchester help me understand the rental market there? If I plan to do section 8 to get above market rental income, any reason to not buy there for the best cash flow? FYI I am a seasoned section 8 landlord, just not familiar with Dorchester. I am most familiar with Chelsea/revere/Everette area.

thanks!

[Colin Kelly-Rand]

@Lin Yin

No magic to it. High amount of rentals. 

I do think quality of apartment is mattering more- demand is down right now for larger units (3/4 beds) - but it also is very seasonal. College students were going crazy sept 1 and Jan 1 looking for housing which ripples over to demand for everyone at those key moments (im sure its the same in Chelsea and Everett).

Dorchester is also a very large area - and neighborhoods have their own flavor. Some are spicier and that may make leasing and managing harder.