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Chinatown

Chinatown

Neighborhood in Boston, Massachusetts

Suffolk County 02111, 02116

$875,508 Average Value
$912 Average Price per Sq Ft
4 Homes For Sale

The quintessential destination for Asian cuisine

Walking through Boston’s iconic Chinatown gate, one might see the card players at Mary Soo Hoo Park. “There are some gentlemen who play cards there every day,” says Realtor Caroline Morson with Compass Realty. “It’s set up in a roundtable fashion, and they’re serious players.” This spectacle has become a neighborhood fixture, seamlessly blending into the area’s culture and culinary scene. Restaurant signs with Asian characters and hotpot icons dot the streets, and people from all over come here for authentic Asian fare—be it Korean barbeque grill, Japanese sushi or poke bowls, Vietnamese pad Thai or Chinese Peking duck. In addition to the numerous Asian markets and specialty stores and a tight community bond shared through cultural events and identity, Chinatown is also known for its converted residential lofts in brickwork mid-rises. Area residents are a short walk from public transit services, schools, hospitals and other neighborhoods such as South End and the Financial District. Previously a manufacturing quarter, Chinatown today is a lively community that welcomes anyone with a passion for Asian culture.

Welcome to Chinatown, where Boston city living meets a community rich with culture.
Welcome to Chinatown, where Boston city living meets a community rich with culture.
Locals love the delicious dumplings served at Hunan Cuisine in Chinatown.
Locals love the delicious dumplings served at Hunan Cuisine in Chinatown.
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Signature Asian restaurants in Chinatown

Authentic Asian restaurants, bakeries, grocery stores and boba shops define the neighborhood. Many Bostonians have secret lists of places they frequent, and eateries here often have off-menu dishes only known to regulars. Those craving spicy southern Chinese fare can head to Hunan Cuisine, and classic dim sum is served at the famed Hei La Moon. Peach Farm offers authentic Cantonese food and is patronized by many who work in the food and hospitality industry. For hotpot, Shabu Zen and The Q both take center stage, and Jade Garden is well-known for its secret seafood entrees. Other Asian eateries, such as sushi or pho houses, also dot the narrow streets. “Shojo Boston is a modern take on Korean food that’s served tapas-style, so you can sample a little bit of everything,” Wang says. “Penang Malaysian Cuisine is also great.” After a filling meal, people can pick up sweet treats like mooncakes, egg tarts and classic milk tea at Corner Café Bakery or at any one of the cash-only bake shops. Jia Ho Supermarket sits at the center of the community with indigenous spices, condiments, specialty produce and snacks. Other grocery stores, including C-Mart Supermarket and Whole Foods Market, are across from Interstate 90. Target is about 1 mile north by Bowdoin T Station.

Satisfy your food cravings at Jade Garden in Chinatown.
Satisfy your food cravings at Jade Garden in Chinatown.
Residents and guests of Chinatown love the food at Hei La Moon restaurant in Chinatown.
Residents and guests of Chinatown love the food at Hei La Moon restaurant in Chinatown.
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Condominiums in refurbished mid-rises

Condos in rehabilitated mid-rise brick buildings and converted lofts line the narrow streets of Chinatown. Units in pre-war properties usually sell from $400,000 to about $750,000 with monthly HOA fees. Newer buildings, from the late 1980s to the early 2000s, often have elevators and amenities such as concierge services, 24-hour doorman and garage parking. These luxury condos can run from $800,000 to over $1.3 million, and monthly HOA fees can reach four figures. “The secret of Chinatown is that it’s right next to the Ritz-Carlton Residences, which starts at $1 million with high condo fees. You can get a condo in a full-service building in Chinatown at half that price,” says Daniel Wang, managing partner at Engel & Völkers Boston with 8 years of experience in the Boston Market. “So, you get what they also get, but you are not paying premium prices.”

Many homes in Chinatown sit above local businesses alike.
Many homes in Chinatown sit above local businesses alike.
The W in Chinatown has luxury-style condominiums in one of many high rises in Chinatown.
The W in Chinatown has luxury-style condominiums in one of many high rises in Chinatown.
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Walking distance to Boston Common and South End

The community has several MBTA T stations, including Chinatown and Tufts Medical Center, both of which service the Orange Line that runs from Oak Grove to Forest Hills. South Station, one of Boston’s major transit hubs, is several blocks east and has Amtrak, MBTA commuter rail and bus services. Interstates 90 and 93 intersect at the southeast corner of Chinatown, which lets commuters access Boston Logan International Airport, approximately 5 miles away, as well as towns north of Boston. Residents can also easily walk to nearby neighborhoods such as the Leather District and South End for a variety of bars, venues and cuisine, and the Financial District is steps away. Tufts Medical Center is right in the neighborhood. “Chinatown is close to a lot of the satellite campuses and hospital centers, so it’s attractive to young professionals and students,” Wang says. “You have the Orange Line and cars have easy highway access north or south.”

Walk around the band stand at the Boston Common near Chinatown.
Walk around the band stand at the Boston Common near Chinatown.
Visit Whole Foods near Chinatown for your standard grocery and retail needs.
Visit Whole Foods near Chinatown for your standard grocery and retail needs.
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Green spaces and pocket parks around Chinatown

The densely packed neighborhood is not short of pocket parks and open spaces. Rose Kennedy Greenway, a 1.5-mile linear city park stretching from Chinatown to North End, is a peaceful urban retreat comprised of promenades, gardens, public art installations and acres of green space. “The park changes block by block, but in a good way,” Morson says. “There are places to relax in Adirondack chairs, arboretums with fountains and waterfalls, live music and food trucks.” The Greenway isn’t just for leisure, either. Many people walk the paved pathway to get to work each morning. Reggie Wong Memorial Park has a basketball court and skatepark accessories, while Elliot Norton Park features a playground, sitting area and shaded walking paths. The community is also a block away from Boston Common, which is the country’s oldest public park and serves as both a recreational and aesthetic landmark for the local people.

Sit and bask in the sunlight with your new book at Elliot Norton Park in Chinatown.
Sit and bask in the sunlight with your new book at Elliot Norton Park in Chinatown.
Take a peak at the waterfall when you walk through the Rose Kennedy Greenway in Chinatown.
Take a peak at the waterfall when you walk through the Rose Kennedy Greenway in Chinatown.
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Boston Public Schools

Chinatown is served by Boston Public Schools, which is America’s first public school system and a participant in the area’s school choice program. The district has an overall B Niche grade and serves about 46,367 pupils. Young students may attend Josiah Quincy School, where they can learn Mandarin and take swimming lessons, and parents can chat with teachers during Friday coffee hours. Josiah Quincy Upper School teaches students from sixth to 12th grade and offers the International Baccalaureate program. Both schools are rated a B-plus and a B, respectively, on Niche.

Josiah Quincy Elementary School is located in the Chinatown neighborhood of Boston.
Josiah Quincy Elementary School is located in the Chinatown neighborhood of Boston.
Josiah Quincy Upper School in Chinatown has an overall grade of A on Niche.
Josiah Quincy Upper School in Chinatown has an overall grade of A on Niche.
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Cultural festivals throughout the year

Chinatown has many events that celebrate the community’s rich and vibrant cultural heritage, including the Lantern Festival and the Mid-Autumn Festival, both featuring cultural performances, street markets and snacks like moon cake or boba tea. The Chinatown Lion Dance Parade at Phillips Square is part of the celebrations for the Lunar New Year, and more family-friendly activities, such as art demos and crafts, are offered at Pao Arts Center. Additional events organized by Chinatown Main Street include the Chinatown Block Party and a summer festival.

Christina Xu
Written By
Christina Xu
Photography Contributed By
Kyle Cook
Alex Jacobsen
Video By
Alex Jacobsen

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood? Reach out to Lynne Eliopoulos, an experienced agent in this area.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

General Edward Lawrence Logan International

10 min drive

Bus

Chinatown Gate

Bus

Washington St & Tufts Med Ctr

Bus

Washington St & Essex St

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Chinatown US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 7 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 7 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 6 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$755,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$889,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$569,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$912
Number of Homes for Sale
4
Last 12 months Home Sales
6
Months of Supply
8.00
Median List Price
$807,500
Median Discount From 1st List Price
4%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
37%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
177
Median Year Built
2004
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,555
Below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,787
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,049
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
658
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
1,306

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 26
    12 - 1:30pm

    1 Nassau St Unit 1805, Boston, MA 02111

    $889,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,065 Sq Ft
    • 1 Nassau St
    • Unit 1805
    • New 15 days ago

    This bright and imposing corner 2 BR/2BA unit is ideally located on the high 18th floor with all floor to ceiling windows that highlight incredible views of the Boston Harbor, downtown, Copley Square and beyond. The open floor plan with living and dining areas features granite kitchen and bathroom countertops, central AC, in-unit washer and dryer and vinyl-VCT wood grained floors throughout. The

    Shu Ngon Chau Tai Tung Realty, Inc.

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood? Reach out to Lynne Eliopoulos, an experienced agent in this area.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
5,779
Median Age
37
Population Density
78 ppl/acre
Population under 18
18.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$38,811
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$89,930

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
74.4%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
47.9%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
24.9%
% Population in Labor Force
64.8%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
43''
Average Winter Low Temperature
23°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
12''

Area Factors

Very Bikeable

Bike Score®

77 / 100

Walker's Paradise

Walk Score®

99 / 100

Rider's Paradise

Transit Score®

100 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Chinatown