Why Live in South West
South West in Lawrence is a neighborhood with a mix of housing options, primarily featuring multi-family units and triple-deckers from the late 1880s to mid-1950s, alongside occasional single-family Colonial Revivals and Cape Cods. Front yards are uncommon, with sidewalks leading directly to multi-family triplexes. The area is known for its vibrant Latin American shops and restaurants, such as La Grekka Café Art & Lounge and Terra Luna, offering diverse dining experiences. Riverfront State Park is a key recreational spot, providing tennis courts, a baseball diamond, trails with Merrimack River views, and a public boat ramp. Donovan Park, located on the neighborhood's southern end, has been renovated with new play structures. The Riverwalk Innovation District, a short walk away, offers renovated spaces for apartments, retail, and medical services. Annual events like the Lawrence Spring Carnival and Bread & Roses Heritage Festival highlight the community's cultural diversity and history. Broadway (State Route 28) serves as the main thoroughfare, connecting residents to Interstates 495 and 93, with Boston and the New Hampshire border about 12 miles away. The Lawrence MBTA Commuter Rail Station, less than 2 miles from South West, provides convenient access to Boston. Boston Logan International Airport is 28 miles away, and Lawrence General Hospital is 2 miles across the Merrimack River. Several parts of South West are at risk of flooding, necessitating flood insurance for some properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South West a good place to live?
South West is a good place to live. South West is considered fairly walkable and somewhat bikeable with some transit options. South West has 8 parks for recreational activities. It is fairly dense in population with 11.2 people per acre and a median age of 35. The average household income is $64,921 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 13.8% of residents. A majority of residents in South West are renters, with 67.4% of residents renting and 32.6% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving South West can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
South West neighborhood guide.
Is South West, MA a safe neighborhood?
South West, MA is less safe than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 5 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in South West?
The median home price in South West is $449,950. If you put a 20% down payment of $90,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.67%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $2,320 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $99K a year to afford the median home price in South West. The average household income in South West is $65K.
What are the best public schools in South West?
The best public schools that serve South West are:
What are the best private schools in South West?
The best private schools that serve South West are:
What are the most popular zip codes in South West, Lawrence, MA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near South West, Lawrence, MA?
Home Trends in South West, MA
On average, homes in South West, Lawrence sell after 21 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in South West, Lawrence over the last 12 months is $475,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$475,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$525,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$367,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$260,000
Median 1 Bedroom Sale Price
$216,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$332
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Last 12 months Home Sales
29
Median List Price
$449,950
Median Change From 1st List Price
-1%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
4%