Affordable & Low-Income Housing in Charlestown, MA 02129
12 affordable buildings in 02129 · 54 more within 2 mi
Charlestown, MA 02129 has 12 income-restricted buildings: 5 tax credit, 2 public housing, 5 Section 8, and 4 senior. 54 more are listed within 2 miles. These lists don't show openings — call to ask about vacancies and waiting lists.
In 02129
Charlestown
82 Walford Way, Charlestown, MA 02129
989 units · 970 income-restricted · 1–3 BR
- Apply through Boston Housing Authority
- Residents waited about 77 months to move in (HUD, Oct 2026)
General Warren
54 Washington St, Charlestown, MA 02129
95 units · 1–2 BR
- Apply through Boston Housing Authority
- Residents waited about 13 months to move in (HUD, Oct 2026)
Zelma Lacey House
9 W School St, Charlestown, MA 02129
66 units · 33 income-restricted · Studio–1 BR · People experiencing homelessness
No buildings in 02129 match this filter.
Nearby
The 20 closest of 54 in nearby ZIPs. Pick a ZIP below to see all of them.
Mt Pleasant Apts
70 Perkins St, Somerville, MA 02145
1 mi away
65 units · 1–2 BR · People with disabilities
Mt. Vernon I
54 Mt. Vernon St, Somerville, MA 02145
1 mi away
8 units · 1 BR · People with disabilities
Maverick Gardens IV
87 Grady Ct, Boston, MA 02109
1.1 mi away
74 units · 57 income-restricted · 2–4+ BR
Cobble Hill Apts
84 Washington St, Somerville, MA 02143
1.2 mi away
224 units · 223 income-restricted · 1–2 BR
Mechanic Mill
67 Mechanic Mill, Suite 500, Boston, MA 02108
1.2 mi away
130 units · 120 income-restricted · 1–4+ BR
Ausonia Homes
185 Fulton St, Boston, MA 02109
1.3 mi away
100 units · 1–2 BR
- Apply through Boston Housing Authority
- Residents waited about 4 months to move in (HUD, Oct 2026)
Pearl Street House
86 Pearl Street, Somerville, MA 02145
1.3 mi away
10 units · 1 BR · People with disabilities
Joy St Residence/Faneuil Hiv
56 Joy St, Boston, MA 02114
1.3 mi away
21 units · 20 income-restricted · Studio–2 BR · People with disabilities
No nearby buildings match this filter.
Rents and income limits in 02129
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $3,620/mo
- Income needed to pay it at 30% of income
- $144,800/yr
- Renters in 02129 paying 30% or more of income on rent
- 36%
Income limits (2026)
Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH area · median family income $164,600. Your household's yearly income before taxes must be at or below the limit.
| People | Extremely low 30% | Very low 50% | Low 80% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $36,000 | $60,000 | $96,000 |
| 2 | $41,150 | $68,600 | $109,700 |
| 3 | $46,300 | $77,150 | $123,400 |
| 4 | $51,400 | $85,700 | $137,100 |
| 5 | $55,550 | $92,600 | $148,100 |
| 6 | $59,650 | $99,450 | $159,050 |
| 7 | $63,750 | $106,300 | $170,050 |
| 8 | $67,850 | $113,150 | $181,000 |
Section 8 vouchers: up to the 50% limit, and most go to households under 30%. Public housing: up to 80%. Tax-credit apartments: usually up to 60% of median income, between the 50% and 80% columns.
Fair market rents (2027)
HUD's estimate of rent plus utilities for a modest home. Housing authorities set Section 8 voucher limits from it.
| Size | 02129 | Wider area |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,900 | $2,440 |
| 1 bedroom | $3,050 | $2,518 |
| 2 bedrooms | $3,620 | $3,008 |
| 3 bedrooms | $4,340 | $3,584 |
| 4 bedrooms | $4,790 | $3,953 |
Wider area = Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH. Two-bedroom fair market rents in 12 nearby ZIPs range from $2,920 (02149) to $4,510 (02110).
Census figures for 02129 (2020–2024 average): median rent $2,259. Median household income $157,247. 49% of homes are rented. 36% of renters pay 30% or more of their income on rent, and 17% pay half or more.
Census median rent is what renters here actually pay, including long-term leases. Fair market rent is HUD's estimate for a modest apartment available now.
Sources: HUD income limits FY2026; HUD Fair Market Rents FY2027 (Small Area FMR for ZIP figures); U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-year 2020–2024. Each program and building can set its own limits — confirm with the property.
Estimate your Section 8 rent share
Project-based Section 8 is on the buildings above. A Housing Choice Voucher is different: you apply with the housing authority, then find a landlord who takes it. Your share of rent is based on income — not always 30%. The calculator uses 02129's fair market rent.
Estimate your Section 8 rent share for 02129Frequently Asked Questions
Is there Section 8 housing in Charlestown, MA 02129?
Yes — this directory lists income-restricted buildings in Charlestown, MA 02129, including project-based Section 8 apartments (the subsidy stays with the unit), public housing, tax-credit, and USDA rural rentals. Housing Choice Vouchers are different: you apply with the local housing authority and can use them at a private landlord. Estimate your voucher rent share with the Section 8 calculator.
Do affordable housing buildings in Charlestown, MA 02129 have openings?
These lists for Charlestown, MA 02129 don't show openings. Call the property (or the housing authority, for public housing) to ask about vacancies and waiting lists.
How do I apply for affordable housing in Charlestown, MA 02129?
Use the phone number on each building card in Charlestown, MA 02129. Public housing is run by the local housing authority — apply with them, not at the building. USDA rural rentals can also be found through USDA's property search.
What counts as affordable housing in Charlestown, MA 02129?
In Charlestown, MA 02129, this directory lists income-restricted rentals from HUD tax-credit (LIHTC) records, public housing, HUD-assisted buildings (including project-based Section 8, 202, and 811), and USDA Rural Development.
How many affordable housing buildings are in ZIP 02129?
This directory lists 12 income-restricted buildings in Charlestown, MA 02129. The list does not show vacancies — call each property or the housing authority to ask about openings and waiting lists.
Is there affordable housing near 02129?
Yes — this page also lists 54 income-restricted buildings in ZIP codes near Charlestown, MA 02129 (within about 2 miles). Pick a nearby ZIP to see every building there.
People Also Ask
How do I qualify for affordable housing in Charlestown, MA 02129?
Most income-restricted buildings in Charlestown, MA 02129 serve households at or below 50% or 80% of area median income. HUD's 2026 very low-income (50%) limit for a 1-person household is $60,000, and $85,700 for a 4-person household. Public housing can go up to 80% ($96,000 for 1 person). Each building sets its own cap — call to confirm before you apply. Citizenship, household size, and local preferences can also apply.
What is the income limit for low-income housing in Charlestown, MA 02129?
For many programs in Charlestown, MA 02129, the 2026 HUD very low-income (50%) limit is $60,000 a year for 1 person and $85,700 for 4 people. The low-income (80%) limit is $96,000 for 1 person. Tax-credit buildings often use 60% of median income. Confirm with the property — they can be stricter.
How long is the waiting list for Section 8 in Charlestown, MA 02129?
There is no single waiting list for Charlestown, MA 02129. Public housing, project-based Section 8, and tax-credit buildings each keep their own list. Housing Choice Voucher lists at the housing authority open only sometimes and can stay closed for years. This directory does not show which lists are open — call the number on each card. Some public housing cards show HUD's reported wait in months.
What is the difference between Section 8 and public housing in Charlestown, MA 02129?
Public housing is owned by a housing authority — you apply with that agency, not at the building. Project-based Section 8 is a HUD contract on a private building; the subsidy stays with the apartment. A Housing Choice Voucher is different: you apply with the housing authority and can use it at a landlord who takes it. This page lists public housing, project-based Section 8, tax-credit apartments in Charlestown, MA 02129. Estimate voucher rent share with the Section 8 calculator.
How much rent do you pay for low-income housing in Charlestown, MA 02129?
In public housing and most Section 8 in Charlestown, MA 02129, tenants typically pay about 30% of adjusted income. HUD's 2027 fair market rent for a 2-bedroom near Charlestown, MA 02129 is $3,620 a month (rent plus utilities for a modest unit). Tax-credit apartments use set rents below market, not always 30% of income. Call the building for the actual rent; this site is not a vacancy or price list.
Can I use a Section 8 voucher at affordable apartments in Charlestown, MA 02129?
A Housing Choice Voucher is not automatically accepted at every building in Charlestown, MA 02129. Project-based Section 8 units already have a subsidy on the apartment — you apply there, not with a tenant voucher. For a voucher, apply with the housing authority, then ask each landlord. Estimate your share with the Section 8 calculator.
Is there senior affordable housing in Charlestown, MA 02129?
Yes — this directory flags senior (often 62+) buildings in Charlestown, MA 02129. Use the Seniors filter on the list. Age rules vary; call to confirm.
Nearby ZIP codes
Sources: HUD LIHTC database, 2024 (released Apr 2026); HUD Multifamily Assisted Properties, Oct 2026; HUD Public Housing Developments, Oct 2026. Not affiliated with HUD or USDA. Details can be out of date — confirm with the property before applying.
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