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Lower Roxbury

Lower Roxbury

Urban Core Neighborhood in Boston, Massachusetts

Suffolk County 02118, 02119, 02120

$772,226 Average Value
$775 Average Price per Sq Ft
14 Homes For Sale

An ever-improving part of the greater Roxbury area

Lower Roxbury, named after the sedimentary rock beneath the area, is a neighborhood with a rich architectural history and urban amenities. The community is well known for Nubian Square, an icon in the Boston area that's at the center of African American culture. Residents here have access to numerous parks and community facilities, as well as nearby dining and shopping choices. The area has also seen a lot of growth in recent years, partially thanks to the support of The Madison Park Development Corporation, a leading affordable housing developer.

Nubian Square in Lower Roxbury really brings people together with their culture.
Nubian Square in Lower Roxbury really brings people together with their culture.
Lower Roxbury offers all the amenities of the city with a more space.
Lower Roxbury offers all the amenities of the city with a more space.
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Wall to wall homes and townhouses

Lower Roxbury is a community where neighbors can truly get to know one another. Most of the homes are townhouses and condominiums built between 1910 and 1988. They often have modest exteriors of brick or wood-paneled siding and smaller front yards. Street parking is common here. Many homes often share a wall or two with neighbors and are usually separated into smaller communities, with each neighborhood block a different style from the last. “There are a lot of townhouses here,” says Jose Tavares, an associate at Madison Park Village who has been serving the area since 2022. “The community is pretty well known for them.” Many properties have been refurbished, but some are marketed as investment opportunities. Home prices often range from around $400,000 to $800,000.

Apartment style building with parking lot in Lower Roxbury.
Apartment style building with parking lot in Lower Roxbury.
A variety of historic styles can be found throughout Lower Roxbury.
A variety of historic styles can be found throughout Lower Roxbury.
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MBTA in and around Roxbury

Just off Interstate 93 and 5 miles from Boston Logan International Airport, Lower Roxbury is easily connected to downtown Boston. The area is not only convenient for drivers, but it is also accessible for pedestrians and bicyclists. The MBTA serves Lower Roxbury, with the 1, 8, and 47 buses running through it and multiple T stops both in and around the community.

The Lower Roxbury community finds many visitors using its beloved Dudley Station.
The Lower Roxbury community finds many visitors using its beloved Dudley Station.
Lower Roxbury residents can easily hop on the Orange Line at Roxbury Crossing.
Lower Roxbury residents can easily hop on the Orange Line at Roxbury Crossing.
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African cuisine and sandwiches in Roxbury

Restaurants are often big meet-up spots for residents of Lower Roxbury. Local places line the streets, such as Ethiopian Café and Pizza, which serves African dishes and custom pizza for both dine-in and take-out. Locals can also be seen relaxing in the leather seats at Dudley Café, a coffee spot that offers in-house youth empowerment programs. “It’s a nice place to stop by and grab a BLT before work or a meeting,” Tavares says. Daily Table Grocery and Tropical Foods are centrally located shopping options.

Enjoy small bites and coffee at Dudley Cafe in the Lower Roxbury neighborhood.
Enjoy small bites and coffee at Dudley Cafe in the Lower Roxbury neighborhood.
Lower Roxbury residents can grab groceries at the Daily Table in the heart of Nubian Square.
Lower Roxbury residents can grab groceries at the Daily Table in the heart of Nubian Square.
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Roxbury’s parks and community centers

Bynoe Park offers shaded basketball and tennis courts, a playset and a little league baseball diamond. The neighborhood’s western border is made up of Southwest Corridor Park, a linear park that stretches over 4 miles with splash pads and sports fields connected by paved and shaded trails. Ramsay Park is another option with a playground, public art display and additional sports fields. The Cooper Community Center has served the Greater Roxbury area for over 100 years. The Dewitt Center, in the middle of the neighborhood, offers daily classes and has a multi-purpose recreation room and a technology center for all ages. Tavares says the center is an excellent place for the community, especially teenagers, because of its designated teen room and teen night events held throughout the year.

Ramsay Park is a popular park in Lower Roxbury providing tennis courts and basketball hoops.
Ramsay Park is a popular park in Lower Roxbury providing tennis courts and basketball hoops.
Kids in Lower Roxbury can enjoy playing games at Bynoe Park.
Kids in Lower Roxbury can enjoy playing games at Bynoe Park.
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Boston Public Schools and local universities

Boston Public Schools serves students in the Lower Roxbury neighborhood. They can begin their education at Orchard Gardens K-8 Pilot School, which offers multiple extended day programs to fit the schedules of local families. Students can then finish up at Madison Park High School, which is well known for its technical and vocational programs and dual enrollment opportunities with local colleges like Northeastern University. Both schools receive a C rating on Niche.

Madison Park Technical School is the only technical vocational high school in Boston.
Madison Park Technical School is the only technical vocational high school in Boston.
Orchard Gardens School entrance and sign in Lower Roxbury.
Orchard Gardens School entrance and sign in Lower Roxbury.
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Madison Park Development Corporation

The Lower Roxbury neighborhood has a CAP Index crime score of 5 out of 10, slightly higher than the national average of 4 out of 10. The community is working on improving it through several organizations, like the Madison Park Development Corporation. The VIP (Violence Intervention and Prevention) program promotes neighborhood safety, and the Roxbury Neighborhood Trauma Team supports residents impacted by community violence. The Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center is less than 2 miles to the west for residents seeking medical care.

Malcom X's house is a national historic site in Lower Roxbury.
Malcom X's house is a national historic site in Lower Roxbury.

Historic Boston tours and downtown excitement

Historic Nubian Square, located just south of the neighborhood, offers walking tours to national civil rights landmarks like the Malcolm X-Ella Little-Collins House and a monument that honors Phillis Wheatley, the first African American author of a published book of poetry. Residents can also head to the nearby Roxbury library for events like the annual Juneteenth celebration, which “keeps bringing the community together month after month,” Tavares says. Lower Roxbury is also only 2 miles from major attractions like Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, and the Franklin Park Zoo.

Braxton Puentes
Written By
Braxton Puentes
Colin Gee
Photography Contributed By
Colin Gee
Kevin Carter
Video By
Kevin Carter

Agents Specializing in this Area

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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 area? Reach out to The Edward Realty Team, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

General Edward Lawrence Logan International

11 min drive

Subway

Massachusetts Ave Station (Orange Line)

Train

Ruggles Station

Bus

Washington St & Ruggles St

Bus

Tremont St & Prentiss St

Bus

Ruggles St & Cabot St

Bus

Nubian

Bus

Dudley St & Dearborn St

Bus

Malcolm X Blvd & Madison Park Hs

Bus

Dudley St & Hampden St

Crime and Safety

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

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$639,500
Median Single Family Price
$557,500
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$789,450
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$530,400
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$775
Number of Homes for Sale
14
Last 12 months Home Sales
50
Months of Supply
3.40
Median List Price
$695,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
1%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-2%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
730
Median Year Built
1920
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,325
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,380
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,081
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
752
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
396
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
871

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 26
    10:30am - 12pm

    257 Northampton St Unit 308, Boston, MA 02118

    $1,149,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 1.5 Baths
    • 1,254 Sq Ft
    • 257 Northampton St
    • Unit 308
    • New 17 days ago

    This sunny, contemporary corner unit with 2 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms offers an airy, open-concept design. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light, highlighting the sleek and modern finishes. The spacious living and dining areas flow directly onto your private balcony. The en-suite primary bedroom is complete with a walk-in closet. Enjoy the convenience of in-unit laundry,

    Rob Ramsdell Gibson Sotheby's International Realty

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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 area? Reach out to The Edward Realty Team, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
15,930
Median Age
31
Population Density
39 ppl/acre
Population under 18
23.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
12.3%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$33,631
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$58,159

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
77.5%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
32.4%
Advanced Degrees
12.9%
% Population in Labor Force
58.2%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

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

Area Factors

Biker's Paradise

Bike Score®

94 / 100

Walker's Paradise

Walk Score®

93 / 100

Excellent Transit

Transit Score®

89 / 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
Lower Roxbury
The Edward Realty Team
Barrett Sotheby's International Realty
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