$1,794,223Average Value$1,634Average Price per Sq Ft147Homes For Sale
Back Bay is home to retail districts, city landmarks and brownstones
Historic brownstones and iconic Boston landmarks rise from the bustling streets of Back Bay. Situated on the south bank of the Charles River and bordered by the Public Garden, the neighborhood is right in the heart of the city. Commonwealth Avenue, a scenic thoroughfare modeled after a Parisian boulevard, runs parallel to the trendy shopping and dining district on Newbury Street. The Prudential Center, one of the crown jewels of the Boston skyline, towers over the Mass Pike tunnel. Commuters are minutes away from Northeastern University, Boston University and the hospitals at Longwood Medical Area.
Enjoy a scenic kayak ride on the Charles River Esplanade in Back Bay.
Sit and relax on one of the long wooden benches inside the Commonwealth Avenue Mall.
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Famous for its Victorian brownstones, Back Bay is a shining example of 19th-century designs.
A snapshot of the Back Bay housing market
The neighborhood’s median sale price is close to $1.4 million, well above the citywide median of $880,000. Home sales start in the mid-$400,000s and climb to around $15 million for luxury condos with views of the Charles River and the Boston skyline. Most buildings also charge monthly condo or HOA fees that range from around $450 to almost $10,000, depending on the price of the unit. Going further into market details, properties spend an average of 66 days on the market, which is just a bit longer than the national average. Rental options are also readily available, with most units fetching around $1,900 to $16,000 per month.
Residents work hard to maintain Back Bay’s historic brownstones
Condos and apartments outnumber single-family homes by a wide margin here, and office space takes up a good chunk of the property mix. “All of Newbury Street, where the shopping is, is mixed-use,” says Hans Nagrath, managing director at Compass, who has almost 10 years of local real estate experience. Most buildings are classic Boston rowhomes from the late 1800s and early 1900s, and the neighborhood works hard to maintain its historical charm. “No two buildings are alike, and no two units are alike,” says Nagrath. “You have these beautiful brownstones with heavy restrictions on changing anything that’s visible from the street. You have to apply, and sometimes there’ll be a full hearing with the historical committee.” If you’re looking to purchase an investment property, note that short-term rentals are allowed, but only in owner-occupied primary residences, and many condo buildings prohibit Airbnb use altogether.
Interesting architectural elements adorn the brownstones on Commonwealth Ave in Back Bay.
Decorative planters add splashes of color to the 19th-century brownstones in Back Bay.
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Parking is notoriously tight in Boston neighborhoods
As anyone who’s driven in Boston can tell you, finding a parking space can be tough. “If you buy a condo, you might have a dedicated space in the alley, or you could purchase garage parking,” Nagrath says. Single spaces in this area typically sell for $100,000 to $200,000, but that number can climb higher for spots in luxury developments. You could also rent a spot in a local garage; monthly rates hover around $450 to $700, with dedicated spaces fetching the highest prices.
Back Bay combines destination shopping and local dining
Foodies and fashionistas will feel right at home in Back Bay. With major retail centers like the Pru and Copley Place, plus an array of boutiques and sidewalk cafes on Newbury Street, the neighborhood is one of Boston’s top shopping and dining destinations. These restaurants earn high marks from locals and visitors alike:
The Friendly Toast, a trendy breakfast and brunch hangout
Joe’s on Newbury, a casual bar and grill serving American pub classics
Fire + Ice, an interactive buffet spot specializing in global flavors
Saltie Girl, a seafood restaurant that dives deep with caviar and tinned options
Abe & Louie’s, an upscale steakhouse with a comprehensive wine list
For a convenient grocery spot, Trader Joe’s is across from the Pru on Boylston Street.
Shoppers come and go at the bustling Prudential Center, known to locals as "The Pru."
Newbury Street is packed with shops and sidewalk cafes.
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A highly walkable neighborhood with bike lanes and public transit
Driving and parking in Boston is notoriously difficult, but if you live in Back Bay, you should be able to get around without a car. Broad sidewalks, some paved with brick, make the neighborhood highly walkable, and many streets have dedicated bike lanes. It takes about half an hour to walk the 1.5-mile distance to downtown Boston, and it takes about 10 minutes on a bike. Public transit is readily available, with several T stations serving the Orange and Green lines. Back Bay Station is also served by Amtrak trains on the Acela, Northeast Regional and Lake Shore Limited routes. Several major hospitals provide job opportunities in the Longwood Medical Area, about 2 miles away. You can walk or bike there, but the T’s Green Line is more convenient.
Back Bay landmarks like the Pru enhance the Boston skyline.
Locals can walk along Newbury Street or find a spot to eat in one of the many restaurants.
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The downsides to life in Back Bay
Aside from relatively high home prices and parking difficulties — which, to be fair, are prevalent throughout the city — are there any downsides to settling in Back Bay? Here’s a quick rundown:
Noise – lively streets mean there’s seldom a quiet moment
Tourism – with popular spots like the Pru, you’ll be sharing your home base with visitors
Limited space – apartments and condos are on the small side, and patios and decks are rare
Also, due to the historic nature of the buildings, “it’s a very difficult place to install air conditioning,” says Nagrath. Thankfully, while Boston summers can be warm and humid, the coastal location helps take the edge off.
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.
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Great proximity to shopping, grocery stores, tennis courts, and especially public transportation. Downside is, prices are slightly higher than other areas.
4.0Niche User
4/13/2015Niche Review
The restaurants are fantastic. Nightlife can be a little touch-and-go, because generally the whole city shuts down by 8:00- it's a quiet place. That said, there are always some late night places you can find, just not as many as there would be in a bigger city like NYC.
4.0Current Resident
6/10/2024Niche Review
the back bay is nice. it needs more funding to the waste department, as trash bags often pile up at street corners despite the number of public trash cans. they are often overflowing with stacks of trash placed precariously.
5.0Niche User
11/19/2014Niche Review
Everything is very open, many people are from other countries.
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Back Bay
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Back Bay Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Back Bay, Boston sell after 67 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Back Bay, Boston over the last 12 months is $1,367,500, down 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
250 Beacon Street | No 10 is a rare blend of history, grandeur, and comfort. The 2,075 +/- square foot, 3 bedroom, 3 full-bath residence with den is located in one of Back Bay's most distinguished buildings on the riverside and sunny side of Beacon Street. The oversized windows in the living room, dining room, and primary bedroom frame the Charles River offering exceptional views of the Esplanade
Linda BarrettDouglas Elliman Real Estate - Park Plaza
164 Marlborough St Boston, MA. The Crowninshield House is a historic house designed by renowned Architect Henry Hobson Richardson. One of a kind building on a corner lot that was the original Algonquin Club. It's a 4 story brick building, featuring a variety of trim in black brick, brownstone and decorative green and blue tiles.This is a One of a Kind property ready for conversion or brought back
Discover the epitome of urban living nestled in the heart of Boston's prestigious Back Bay. This exquisite GARDEN LEVEL Comm Ave facing condo seamlessly blends historic charm with modern sophistication, featuring elegant details with high-end finishes. The open-concept layout is perfect for entertaining, boasting an ideal entertainer's kitchen with stainless steel appliances and spacious living
On the coveted border of the South End and Back Bay, this sun-drenched PH Duplex offers 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and an effortlessly inviting living space bathed in natural light. Gleaming hardwood floors, exposed brick, and a freshly painted interior create a warm and stylish backdrop, while the well-appointed kitchen shines with stainless appliances, custom cabinetry, and stone countertops. The
City of Boston Inclusionary Development Unit / BPDA Income-Restricted Back Bay 1-bedroom, 1-bath condo on the fourth floor at 360 Newbury Street. Professionally managed 44-unit two elevator building. Condo includes wood floors, washer/dryer, floor-to-ceiling windows, central air, is pet-friendly, and at a concierge building . Enjoy this ideal location with shops and restaurants nearby. Subject to
This exceptional single-family home offers impressive scale, soaring ceilings, oversized windows, and abundant natural light throughout. A gracious foyer leads to an elegant great room and adjoining music room. A curved staircase ascends to the second floor, featuring an updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, a dining room, family room, and full bath. The third
Rare opportunity to own a stunning, smartly designed studio in a premier pet-friendly elevator building on Commonwealth Avenue. Located just a block+ from the Boston Public Garden, this sun-drenched fifth-floor residence perfectly balances sophisticated style with maximum utility. The interior features high ceilings, recessed lighting, and lovely parquet floors. The beautifully renovated kitchen
Ideally positioned along the iconic Commonwealth Ave Mall, this picturesque 7-unit brownstone is appealing to investors & end-users alike. The building's unique layout presents opportunity for an owner occupant who wants the benefit of income producing units.The private elevator delivers you to the dramatic penthouse- 3 levels of living, complete with 3 beds, 3 baths, 3 kitchens & 3 outdoor
Located on the sunny side of Commonwealth Avenue in the heart of Back Bay, this beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 2-bath residence blends classic architectural charm with modern convenience. The inviting living room features a fireplace and custom built-in bookshelves, while the spacious kitchen is thoughtfully appointed with stainless steel appliances, abundant cabinetry, and an in-unit washer and
This dramatic 2155 SF duplex feels like a true home in the city. Enter a grand foyer separating two enormous living areas. The elegant main living room overlooks Marlborough and the front garden. The equally spacious second room -- adjacent to the contemporary chef’s kitchen – is now used as a combined family/dining room open to the kitchen for a loft-like feel. It’s also ideal as a formal dining
Located in an elegant, pre-war building overlooking the Commonwealth Avenue Mall, this residence is ready for your vision and customization. Offering direct elevator access to the entire second floor, this home enjoys wonderful light on three sides, expansive living spaces, and well-proportioned rooms, with the potential to be reimagined as a 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath residence. There is a large,
A masterfully reimagined penthouse atop the corner of Comm Ave & Clarendon St. Spanning more than 2,300 sq ft on 1 sunlit level w/ 3 exposures, this residence offers an unrivaled blend of architectural heritage & contemporary sophistication. A grand foyer sets the stage, welcoming you to an expansive living/dining area featuring marble wood-burning fireplace, custom millwork, &sweeping Back Bay
Residence 24 at 382 Commonwealth Avenue is a fully gut-renovated two-bedroom, two bath home offering refined modern living in the heart of Back Bay. Rebuilt from the studs with exceptional attention to detail, the residence blends contemporary design with classic Commonwealth Avenue elegance. Sunlight pours through oversized windows overlooking the Commonwealth Avenue Mall, illuminating an open
Located in the heart of Back Bay on the corner of Beacon and Dartmouth. This sunny front facing one bedroom features bay windows in living room high ceilings, hardwood floors, and beautiful ornamental fireplace. Spacious bedroom that can accommodate a king-size bed with lots of room to spare. Eat in kitchen with window. Fantastic roof deck with SPECTACULAR panoramic Charles River and City VIEWS!
Garrison Square is pleased to offer a vintage 19th-century architectural style with the 21st-century amenities you desire. These Boston apartments feature fireplaces, marble surroundings, and in-home washers and dryers. Visit with friends in the private landscaped courtyard with elegant cast iron fountains and enjoy spectacular views from the rooftop terrace. Garrison Square is just a short walk
Welcome to 15 Garrison, where highly coveted Back Bay and South End converge to create a one of a kind lifestyle experience. This 2nd floor unit is front facing which allows for ample sun light, perfect for dining and or working from home while tucked away in your bay window bump out. Tall ceilings and crisp clean paint throughout the apartment. Through the spacious living room you'll find a
Rent price quoted is Base Monthly rent for 12-month lease. In addition to monthly rent, renters will pay for heat (electric), electricity, renter’s insurance (TBD costs provided by third parties). Internet service is also available by third parties but not required. Pay-per-use laundry center is available. Storage is available from $50/month. 1st month's rent and security deposit (equal to one
Dazzling sun filled one bedroom located in architect Frank Gehry’s award winning 360 Newbury Street. This home features a contemporary chef’s kitchen with gas cooking and top-of-the-line appliances from Miele, Bosch & Sub Zero. This 5th floor space is accented by an open concept living/dining layout designed around a dramatic loft style window with panoramic south/west views which gives this pad
Live Happy.Our unparalleled Back Bay location is Boston's it spot where you can walk to the symphony, browse the fashionable Prudential Center and Copley Place shops, and dine and play on trendy Newbury Street.Our standout building offers unique 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments that provide exceptional space, contemporary finishes, natural light and enviable views. When you're not
BACK BAY/MARLBOROUGH ST/ STUDIO APARTMENT W/RENOVATED KITCH & BATH:3rd floor, sunny unit, exposed brick, modern Kitchenette&Bath. Walk to Copley Square Green Line.
Welcome to 30 Dalton, a brand new 26 story apartment community just moments to Fenway Park, Boston Common, and the Symphony T Station (Green Line). Live at the corner of Dalton Street and Belvidere Street in Back Bay, in thoughtfully-designed, open floor plans with sweeping Boston skyline views, unique features, superior finishes, and unrivaled amenities.
AVAILABLE SEPT 1 | Nestled on one of the Back Bay's most charming tree-lined dead-end streets, this inviting 1br residence offers the perfect blend of comfort & convenience. The condo is sundrenched w natural light from southern facing windows and features a 2022 renovated kitchen w stainless steel appliances and granite. Easy access to South End, Newbury St, Copley Sq, and the Prudential Center
Feel at home wherever you choose to live with Blueground. You’ll love this stylish Prudential / St. Botolph furnished two bedroom apartment with its modern decor, fully equipped kitchen, and cheery living room with great views. Ideally located, you’re close to all the best that Boston has to offer! (ID #BOS410)The advertised rate of $6,450/month is the lowest available price, based on a
Show up and start living from day one in Boston with this sophisticated two bedroom Blueground apartment. You’ll love coming home to this thoughtfully furnished, beautifully designed, and fully equipped Prudential / St. Botolph home. (ID #BOS1037)The advertised rate of $7,650/month is the lowest available price, based on a 11 month(s) and 29 day(s) stay with a move-in date of August 14,
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