$494,880
201 LARK DRIVE, UNIT 201, DORCHESTER
SQUARE FOOTAGE 1,595
BEDROOMS 3
BATHS 2 full, 1 half
CONDO FEE $308 per month
2008 TAXES $4,352 (estimated)
LAST SOLD FOR First time on market
PROS Construction's just begun, but Olmsted Green is planned as a community of 287 condos. The 42-acre property abuts an Audubon sanctuary and will include walking trails and an organic farm. The mostly two- and three-bedroom homes range from about $282,000 to $549,000. Standard features include Energy Star-rated appliances and low VOC (volatile organic compound) paint and carpeting. CONS Buying in early means living through future construction. Contact Sales Center, 591 Morton Street, Dorchester, 617-296-6025, olmstedgreen.com.
$789,000
THE MACALLEN BUILDING, 140 DORCHESTER AVENUE, UNIT 612, SOUTH BOSTON
SQUARE FOOTAGE 1,291
BEDROOMS 2
BATHS 2 full
CONDO FEE $568 per month
2008 TAXES $6,937 (estimated)
LAST SOLD FOR First time on market
PROS Not only has this 140-unit condo building rated a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) gold star, it has earned kudos for its bold design inside and out. Located across from the Broadway T station, it is in what may well be the up-and-coming neighborhood in the city, with shops, restaurants, and a new grocery store in the works. Common space includes a lush roof garden, and the condo fee includes all utilities except electricity. CONS Only a few units offer private outdoor space. Contact Sales Office, 9 West Broadway, South Boston, 617-482-3394, themacallenbuilding.com.
$869,000
19 FIELD STREET, CAMBRIDGE
SQUARE FOOTAGE 1,500
BEDROOMS 2
BATHS 2 full, 1 half
CONDO FEE $100 per month
2008 TAXES $5,117 (estimated)
LAST SOLD FOR First time on market
PROS To earn the top platinum LEED rating from the US Green Building Council, a house has to score 85 points. This town house - with its solar hot water system, photovoltaic panels to help generate electricity, high-efficiency gas boiler and insulation, triple-pane windows, and radiant heat - scored a 95. Its designers estimate the home will use 70 percent less energy than if built to conventional codes. CONS With living space on three levels, there's a lot of stairs to climb. Contact Kathy Knox, William Raveis Real Estate, Westford, 978-852-9480, kathyknox.com.
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