131 Barron Drive – Property Summary

Key Characteristics & Buyer Profile

This is a 1966 home with 1,040 square feet of living space on a 5,327-square-foot lot. Its assessed value is $387,000. What stands out here isn't square footage or land size—it's value relative to the street. On Barron Drive, this property ranks in the top 17% for assessed value while having below-average living area and land. That suggests a smaller, possibly more updated or well-maintained home on a street where comparable homes are generally larger but worth less.

The appeal lies in the contrast: you're buying into a street where your property holds higher value than most neighbors, despite being physically smaller. That can indicate recent renovations, a better-condition structure, or a desirable location within the block. At the same time, the lot size ranks below the neighborhood average (top 82% in Westwood), so outdoor space is modest compared to nearby homes.

This property would suit a buyer who prioritizes a solid, well-positioned house over raw square footage or a big yard. It's a natural fit for someone looking for a move-in-ready home on a good street, or an investor who sees upside in a smaller-than-average property that already outperforms its immediate neighbors. It's less suited to buyers who need maximum space or land for the money.

Five Possible FAQs

1. How does the assessed value compare to the actual market price?
The assessed value of $387,000 is higher than the street average ($357,600) but roughly in line with the neighborhood and city averages. Keep in mind assessments are not market appraisals—they're a tax basis. This property's relative strength on its street could translate to a higher market price, but a formal appraisal or recent comparable sales would tell you more.

2. The living area is below average for the street and neighborhood. Does that mean the house feels small?
At 1,040 square feet, it's about 15% smaller than the street average and 24% smaller than the Westwood average. That's noticeable but not cramped—it's typical for a postwar bungalow or split-level. Whether it feels small depends on layout and how the space is used. Open floor plans can make 1,040 sqft feel larger than a chopped-up 1,200 sqft floorplan.

3. The lot is smaller than most in Westwood. What does that mean practically?
5,327 square feet is about average citywide but below the Westwood norm of 6,491. You can expect a yard that requires less maintenance and less space for gardens, sheds, or large gatherings. On the upside, smaller lots often mean less snow clearing and lower upkeep costs. It's typical for older infill or development areas.

4. What does "ranked #3 out of 54 for year built on the street" tell me?
It means only two other homes on Barron Drive are newer than 1966. That's a mark of relative modernity for the street. A newer build doesn't guarantee better condition—it depends on maintenance—but it can mean fewer major system replacements compared to older neighboring houses.

5. Should I be concerned that the property ranks below average for land and living area at the street and neighborhood level?
Not necessarily. The high assessed value despite smaller size suggests that either the house itself has better quality or finishes, or it's positioned on a more desirable stretch of the street. Sometimes a smaller house on a modest lot is actually a smarter purchase if it means better condition, lower taxes, and less future expense. The ranking data shows you're paying for quality and location, not just size.