$1,768,706Average Value$1,612Average Price per Sq Ft159Homes 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.
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Aside from some package theft in my building, and very very loud neighbors across the street, living in my area has been wonderful and I enjoy the local neighborhood resources. These include parks, pretty side streets, local farmer's markets, and plenty of good restaurants and shops.
2.0Former Resident
4/14/2021Niche Review
Nope, just nope. Lived in Back Bay for three years. While there is a lot of accessibility and convenience, that's about the only positive thing I can say. 1. Rent is absurdly overpriced. It's like the upper east side of manhattan, but half as appealing. 2. Buildings are run down. completely. you'll be paying upwards of 2500 dollars for a one-bedroom that resembles something out of the 1800s. Unless you're old money rich and can afford a brownstone on Commonwealth Avenue, good luck finding something updated and spacious. 3. Back bay station and the Boston public library are basically dens for the homeless and drug users. I was a 23-year-old single woman living there alone. Not a pleasant experience. 4. The wind tunnel on Clarendon Street is a nightmare from October - April. The wind chill gets to like -30 at night. 5. No diversity. Save your money. Please. I'm moving out of Boston, but if I had to do it all over again, I'd go to Cambridge. And stay there.
5.0Current Resident
4/7/2017Niche Review
What I like the most about Back Bay is that is a very safe neighborhood. It is really close to Boston downtown, the main shopping street is located in Back Bay and there are many cultural events around. Moreover, the neighborhood itself has a typical atmosphere that cannot be experience anywhere else in Boston.
5.0Former Resident
9/19/2019Niche Review
I absolutely loved living in the Back Bay. I recommend it to anyone looking to live in Boston. You are just so centrally located you can literally walk anywhere in the city,
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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 68 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Back Bay, Boston over the last 12 months is $1,360,000, down 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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 ceiling heights, tall windows, and abundant natural light throughout. A gracious foyer leads to the elegant great room and an adjoining space currently functioning as a music room. A curved staircase brings you to the second floor, featuring an updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops, a dining
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
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
Set within an elegant pre-war bldg along one of Back Bay’s most iconic stretches of Comm Ave, this "classic six" residence combines grand proportions w a rare sense of openness & light. Occupying the building’s largest floorplan, the home is defined by gracious entertaining spaces, south-facing exposure, and a layout that balances historic character with contemporary living. A central dining room
Stunning 2bd 2bath in a 25 ft wide, four story brownstone that has been taken down to the studs and completely reimagined with luxury finishes throughout. This residence enjoys exceptional natural light and unobstructed views of Titus Sparrow Park, thanks to the rare absence of a townhome across the street.Step inside where exquisite millwork and refined detailing create a seamless blend of
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
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
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
Experience Back Bay living in this fully updated 1 bed/1 bath condo on Beacon St. Large bay windows, tall ceilings, and an original fireplace enhance the spacious feel. Fully updated kitchen and bathroom, in-unit laundry, and stainless steel appliances provide modern convenience. Fully furnished with stylish decor. Prime location near Newbury St, Prudential Center, Charles River, and Cambridge.
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
Renovated studio on Marlborough Street. Features a new full kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a tile floor. The bathroom has new floor, wall and shower stall tiles as well as a new vanity. This open living space has a large closet, high ceilings, built in cabinets along with a marble fireplace. This condo is in a beautiful, professionally managed brownstone
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
Majestic, south-facing floor-through condo on the riverside of Beacon Street between Arlington + Berkeley. Minutes from the esplanade + the public garden, this apartment features 2 beds + a sizable office, 2 brand new baths, and 1 parking space. Gorgeous, huge windows highlight city + river views. Enjoy a shared roof deck (with spectacular views of the fireworks on July 4th!), in-unit laundry (as
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
A++ Location! Heat and hot water are included in the rental price. Two room studio on the second floor of an elevator building with a separate eat-in kitchen area. Great floor plan that comes with a furnished kitchen. Smart card common laundry, Butterfly Security System in this professionally managed building. One block from Symphony Hall, close to universities, public transportation and The
?12 CommonwealthAvenue is a historic building in central Boston, near the Public Garden,Charles River Esplanade, and Newbury Street. Designed by George Nelson andbuilt in 1928, it features unique architectural details.The property is managed by Akelius Real Estate Management LLC, a reputable property management company with verified listings on Rent Cafe.For more details, contact our
Fantastic studio apartment between Dartmouth and Exeter in Back Bay. Enjoy over 600 sqft of space with an open kitchen and plenty of room for shared living, dining and sleeping area. The unit has forced air heating, great closet space and includes heat and hot water. Sorry; no undergrads, and no pets please.
Show up and start living from day one in Boston with this stylish studio Blueground apartment. You’ll love coming home to this thoughtfully furnished, beautifully designed, and fully equipped Prudential / St. Botolph home. (ID #BOS867)The advertised rate of $4,910/month is the lowest available price, based on a 12 month(s) stay with a move-in date of June 9, 2026. Rates vary
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
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.
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