Photo: Adam Pieniazek Home prices in the Boston area are up, but the experts say there are still some great places to buy a house right now. Dorchester The diverse neighborhood of Dorchester is one of Boston’s original streetcar suburbs, and its size and diversity means a large housing inventory and somewhat more reasonable prices compared to other Boston neighborhoods. These days, the southern part of the neighborhood is where you’ll find new bars, cafes and restaurants, while Upham’s Corner is being developed quickly. In particular, Dorchester is a good place to look for a condo. Compared to a year ago, prices are down slightly for Dorchester condos. While units often go fast and buyers often pay in cash in northern Dorchester, you can still find some real value along Ashmont Street and Talbot Avenue. Hyde Park Over the past year or so competition has really picked up in Hyde Park. However, the experts say first-time buyers are still able to find value in the neighborhood, including some recently renovated homes. As Boston’s southernmost neighborhood, Hyde Park offers the feel of a suburban lifestyle, while still remaining accessible enough to the rest of the city. The diverse neighborhood offers some mid-century, single-family homes, as well as some even more historic buildings. Swampscott Buyers in the market for a mid-priced, single-family home will see more options in Swampscott. While prices are high and homes typically sell fast, the location does offer value for those who want to be close to the beach and the city. Swampscott’s relatively small size makes it feel a bit removed from Boston, but it’s easy to get around via commuter rail. Once a resort destination for the wealthy, Swampscott today is full of single-family homes, with residences on the western side often priced lower, but also closer to public transportation.