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South End

South End

Neighborhood in Boston, Massachusetts

Suffolk County 02116, 02118

$1,462,177 Average Value
$1,174 Average Price per Sq Ft
127 Homes For Sale

Vibrant living in a culturally significant arts and restaurant district

South End, one of Boston’s most culturally diverse and vibrant neighborhoods, has been an important community for immigrants and minority groups since the late 1800s. Historically known as a jazz mecca and home to many Pullman porters, settlement houses and the New England Female College, the first medical school in the region to accept female students, South End has had a rich residential history. Today, the lively neighborhood streets are lined with contemporary art galleries at the SoWa Art & Design District, historic landmark restaurants, music venues and gay bars, making it a much sought-after area for artists and the LGBTQ community. Young professionals and those in medical school are also attracted to the area’s iconic row houses, abundant pocket parks and the proximity of nearby hospitals, colleges and public transit options. “South End is a diverse, super walkable, dog-friendly community known for its great restaurants and art galleries. It’s perfect for people looking for an easy commute to downtown, or for pet owners who want a lot of outdoor spaces for their dog,” says Realtor Daniela Cafaro with Compass Realty.

South End's, Table and Tulip florist were awarded Best of Boston 2023.
South End's, Table and Tulip florist were awarded Best of Boston 2023.
Brownstones line Tremont Street in Boston's South End.
Brownstones line Tremont Street in Boston's South End.
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Iconic rowhouses and brownstones in South End

Known for elegant 1800s Victorian-era brick row houses in Italianate and Greek Revival styles, South End properties have a quintessential Bostonian look. Ornate cornices, rounded facades and elaborate stoops and porticos frame the pre-war buildings, while abundant small gardens and pocket parks complement the gridded city streets. Although many of these buildings have been converted or recently refurbished, there are also many newer condominiums in contemporary mid-rises. These new buildings, ranging from the early 2000s to new construction, often have apartment-style designs such as large glass panels and windowpanes. Depending on the size and upkeep of the home, a single-family row house may start at $2.5 million and go over $10 million. One to two-bedroom condo units may be between $400,000 and $2 million, while penthouse units or those with three or four bedrooms may go from $2 million to $4 million. People who have cars will need to get resident parking permits to park along the narrow, oftentimes one-way, residential streets.

Ornate row homes line the streets of South End.
Ornate row homes line the streets of South End.
Brilliant Iron railings adorn these homes in the South End.
Brilliant Iron railings adorn these homes in the South End.
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Landmark restaurants with rich history in South End

Some of Boston’s most historically significant or trendy restaurants and bars are home to the South End. Dating back to 1927, Charlie’s Sandwich Shoppe is a local diner and landmark that served Black musicians during the Segregation Era, and icons such as Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday were frequent visitors. Wally's Cafe, one of the city’s longest-running jazz clubs that first opened doors in 1947, features live music 365 days a year and is still a popular destination even among the college student crowd. A gay bar, cabaret and dance club serving New American fare, Club Café was first established in 1983 and has occupied an essential place in the Boston gay scene with weekly events such as drag bingo and karaoke. The neighborhood also boasts some of the city’s most happening cafes and Greek eateries, including the sophisticated tapas-style Kava Neo-Taverna. Regulars also pay weekly visits to spots such as South End Buttery, a chic café serving coffee and sandwiches. “This is a pretty happening place with lots of outdoor dining. There are good bakeries, cafes and brunch spots all around and that’s what people like about it,” says John Silk, a real estate agent at Engel & Volkers Boston. “It’s a fun place to live.” A diverse collection of grocery stores also peppers South End’s urban streets, ranging from the popular C-Mart Supermarket for Asian snacks and spices and the gourmet grocer Foodie’s Markets, to more established places such as Whole Foods Market. Prudential Center, one of Boston’s more iconic indoor shopping malls featuring over 70 retailers, is just north of the area on Boylston Street.

El Centro is a fine restaurant serving authentic Mexican Cuisine in South End.
El Centro is a fine restaurant serving authentic Mexican Cuisine in South End.
Five Horses Tavern provides modern American cuisine and craft beers in South End.
Five Horses Tavern provides modern American cuisine and craft beers in South End.
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Events at the The SoWa Art & Design District

The SoWa Art & Design District organizes a variety of events throughout the year, including the SoWa Winter Festival and SoWa First Fridays, which give the public opportunities to meet artists and see exhibits for free. The SoWa Open Market is a weekly open-air artisan and food market that runs from May to October, and many people in the region gather around Thayer Street to join the fun. Throughout the year, residents enjoy art workshops and exhibits from dozens of art galleries and studios in the district, including ShowUp and Boston Sculptors Gallery. Another important event for the community is the Boston Pride Parade, which is held annually in June to honor Boston’s LGBTQ history and community.

Victor
Victor "Marka27" Quiñonez's "Souledad," mural on Washington Street in the South End.
You'll find spacious lofts in the SoWa district of the South End.
You'll find spacious lofts in the SoWa district of the South End.
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Proximity to Back Bay and Logan Airport

The South End is served by the MBTA T subway, bus and commuter rail services. Nearby T stations include Back Bay, Massachusetts Avenue and Tufts Medical Center, all of which are stops on the Orange Line, and Symphony is part of the Green Line. Back Bay Station also has several commuter rail lines and an Amtrak stop. Neighborhood streets are lined with sidewalks and bike lanes, and locals can often walk to nearby communities such as Chinatown and Back Bay for shopping or entertainment. Boston Medical Center sits at the heart of the area, and other major hospitals, such as Tufts Medical Center, are steps away. Boston Logan International Airport is about 6 miles east via Interstate 90 and Mass Ave.

Boston's South End: Urban charm just moments from downtown.
Boston's South End: Urban charm just moments from downtown.
Residents gather to catch the next bus in South End.
Residents gather to catch the next bus in South End.
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Boston Public Schools

Boston Public Schools is enrolled in the school choice program, providing area students with additional enrollment options. Prospective schools include Blackstone Elementary School and Hurley K-8 School, which offers a Spanish-English dual-language program. Each academy has a C and a B-minus Niche grade, respectively. The B-rated Josiah Quincy Upper School serves students from sixth to 12th grade, and Snowden International School at Copley rates a B-minus; both schools have the International Baccalaureate curriculum.

Historic public parks around South End

The South End has close to 30 public and pocket parks, squares and gardens. Peters Park includes a large play area, a dog park and athletic fields frequented by little leagues. The approximately 4-mile long linear Southwest Corridor Park connects the Back Bay to Forest Hills and passes through the South End with the Southwest Corridor Path and Titus Sparrow Park, which has basketball and tennis courts. Other recreational landmarks such as Back Bay Fens, Boston Common and the Public Garden are also close by, providing even more outdoor opportunities for area residents.

This resident practices their pitching at Peter's Park in South End.
This resident practices their pitching at Peter's Park in South End.
Practice your forehand at Carter Playground in South End.
Practice your forehand at Carter Playground in South End.
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Christina Xu
Written By
Christina Xu
Matthew Stott
Photography Contributed By
Matthew Stott
Tyler Newbold
Video By
Tyler Newbold

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 Cindy Dwyer, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

General Edward Lawrence Logan International

10 min drive

Bus

Herald St & Harrison Ave

Bus

Massachusetts Ave & Harrison Ave

Bus

Washington St & Herald St

Bus

Tremont St & Aguadilla St

Bus

Tremont St & Appleton St

Bus

540 Albany St Opp Wareham St

Bus

E Berkeley St & Harrison Ave

Crime and Safety

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

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$1,200,000
Median Single Family Price
$3,100,000
Median Townhouse Price
$2,940,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$1,250,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$775,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$1,174
Number of Homes for Sale
127
Last 12 months Home Sales
382
Months of Supply
4.00
Median List Price
$1,250,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-11%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
6,439
Median Year Built
1900
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,542
Above the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,603
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,157
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
804
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
503
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
1,306

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Apr 27
    11:30am - 1pm

    59 Warren Ave Unit 1, Boston, MA 02116

    $1,495,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,221 Sq Ft
    • 59 Warren Ave
    • Unit 1
    • New 18 hours ago

    One-of-a-kind 2 bedroom/2 bath duplex in top location features designer touches throughout! Dramatic living room with soaring ceilings and exposed brick opens to separate dining area with three walls of glass overlooking lovely private patio. Redesigned kitchen and bath feature top-of-the-line designer finishes including Ann Sachs tile and Waterworks fixtures. Custom kitchen, wide open for easy

    Steven Cohen Team Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro | Back Bay

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  • Saturday, Apr 26
    12 - 1pm

    116 W Concord St Unit 4, Boston, MA 02118

    $1,140,000

    • 1 Bed
    • 1 Bath
    • 1,124 Sq Ft
    • 116 W Concord St
    • Unit 4
    • New 18 hours ago

    Unique, oversized, penthouse one bedroom home featuring soaring ceilings and well lit room highlighted by expansive slider doors. Step out onto your private walk out deck directly from living room. Hardwood floors throughout and bonus loft for storage or a sleeping space. Deeded roof rights. Premier South End block near restaurants and shops. Low condo fee. Anjoy as is or bring your

    Samantha Berdinka Engel & Volkers Boston

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  • Saturday, Apr 26
    12:30 - 1:30pm

    96 E Brookline St Unit 1, Boston, MA 02118

    $1,050,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 1,281 Sq Ft
    • 96 E Brookline St
    • Unit 1
    • New 1 day ago

    Welcome to 96 E Brookline Street, an elegant parlor-level condo featuring high ceilings, an ornate fireplace, and classic charm throughout. Entertain in your formal dining room with custom built-ins, a king-sized primary bedroom with custom closets, and a newly renovated bathroom. The home offers central heat and A/C, in-unit laundry, and direct entry from your private deeded parking space. Step

    The Goodrich Team Compass

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Condo Buildings

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

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
28,627
Median Age
40
Population Density
43 ppl/acre
Population under 18
17%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$111,511
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$143,881

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
87.6%
College Graduates
66.1%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
34.4%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
67.1%

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®

92 / 100

Walker's Paradise

Walk Score®

98 / 100

Excellent Transit

Transit Score®

87 / 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
South End
Cindy Dwyer
The Collaborative Companies
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