$1,894,707Average Value$1,666Average Price per Sq Ft163Homes For Sale
Elegant urban living in one of the premier Boston neighborhoods
Located in the heart of Boston and lined with iconic brownstones, Back Bay is an architecturally significant neighborhood that sits between Mass Ave and the Public Garden. Situated on the south shore of the Charles River and surrounded by the expansive green spaces of Back Bay Fens, the Public Garden and Boston Common, Back Bay feels like a peaceful retreat in the middle of the metropolis. The area is also close to many T stations and universities, including Northeastern University and Boston University, which make the community lively and accessible. In addition to the quintessential brownstones, Back Bay is also a premier shopping and dining district, attracting residents and tourists from around the world. “Back Bay is accessible, elegant and prestigious,” says Betsy Herald, local Realtor at The Charles Realty with 22 years of experience in the Boston market. “Back Bay’s architecture is also famous and pleasing. The continuity of craftsmanship and the historic nature of the brownstones are arguably the biggest draws for homebuyers. There’s also a nice sense of peace and well-being here; people are out walking to work, to restaurants or taking their dogs to nearby parks.”
Plenty of tasty dining options along Boylston St. in Back Bay.
Enjoy the variety of fruits, vegetables and flowers from Kimball Fruit Farm in Copley Square.
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Condo units in historic 1800s brownstones
Known for its classic Bostonian Victorian-era brownstones, Back Bay is an illustration of the city’s iconic 19th-century architecture. These beautifully preserved homes were originally built in the mid-1800s with features such as elaborate cornices, decorative ironwork, bay windows or rounded exteriors and stately stoops. While occasionally there are a few single-family brownstones listed for sale at around $30 million, most of the housing stock in the area is comprised of condominium units inside the iconic brownstones. Studios between 300 to 500 square feet start around $400,000 to $550,000, and one-bedrooms are about $600,000 to $1 million. Two-thousand-square-foot condos go for $1.2 million to $3.5 million, while even larger units or penthouse condominiums can fetch up to $18 million. Back Bay’s tree-lined streets are characterized by the gridded layouts of cities, and residents find this area of the city relatively peaceful. With parking permits, homeowners can park along the streets or in the back alleyways between residential properties. “Back Bay is a historic district and is protected by many zoning laws,” Herald says. “The brownstone properties here have 1 to a maximum of 10 units inside, which keep the population density within a comfortable level. This is also why there’s limited inventory and availability in the housing market, and the homes here continue to uphold their value.”
Interesting architectural elements adorn this brownstones on Commonwealth Ave in Back Bay
Decorative planters graciously greet you outside of 19th-century brownstones in Back Bay.
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Public parks surround Back Bay
Back Bay is surrounded by stretches of public green space and city parks. Commonwealth Avenue Mall is a 32-acre walkway designed in the French Boulevard style by Arthur Gilman in 1856. It provides a stunning backdrop for people to stroll with their pets, jog or relax on benches and read. Another popular outdoor spot, the Charles River Esplanade offers peaceful views of the river, and there's a playground nearby. At the eastern end of the neighborhood is the Boston Public Garden, a 19th-century park known for its weeping willow trees that surround the lagoon where people can take a swan boat ride. Residents can also kayak or sail down the Charles River at one of the nearby launch sites. Additional parks include Back Bay Fens, which sits west of the neighborhood and has multiple ball fields, play areas and gardens.
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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Boston Public Schools
The Hurley K-8 School is a Spanish and English dual language academy rated C by Niche. Quincy Elementary School and Quincy Upper School both have a B score. Snowden International School at Copley is an IB World School with a B-minus rating. Established in 1635 and serving students from grades seven to 12, Boston Latin School is the oldest-running public school in the country. An exam-entry school with an A-plus Niche rating, Boston Latin offers a prestigious academic program that combines classical studies such as Latin with modern learning fields, traveling abroad opportunities and a leadership institute focused on business and entrepreneurial skill development. The high school also has the Keef Library, a media center with an arts wing comprised of music rooms and a black-box theater. Some residents also opt to send their children to private schools in the area, including Commonwealth School and the Kingsley Montessori School.
Josiah Quincy Upper School in Boston has an overall grade of B on Niche.
The Joseph Hurley School is a K-8th grade school in Boston, MA.
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Events around Back Bay and the city
Back Bay residents are connected through local organizations, charity events and community socials. “We have many volunteer-based, community-oriented associations that aim to preserve the beauty of Back Bay,” Herald says. “It’s a very action-oriented place to live.” Associations such as the Back Bay Architectural Commission and the Garden Club of Back Bay are dedicated to maintaining the green spaces and architecture of the historic neighborhood through charity events and community celebrations, such as clean-ups and community days. The Esplanade Association also hosts socials such as the Moondance Gala to raise funds to keep the esplanade clean. Other seasonal events that take place around Back Bay include CraftBoston, the Boston Book Festival, the Donna Summer Disco Party and the Back Bay Block Party. The Hatch Shell, a concert venue on the Charles River Esplanade, hosts orchestras and musicians for events throughout the year. Back Bay is also close to the city’s theatre district, and locals are within minutes of venues such as the Citizens Opera House and the Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre. Slightly east of Back Bay, Boston Common, the city’s oldest public park, hosts many recreational classes, such as outdoor yoga. Locals can also catch a sports game or a live performance at TD Garden or visit the Saunders Castle at Park Plaza. Additionally, the city has myriad celebrations, including the Boston Marathon, the Greek Festival of the Annunciation Cathedral and the Boston Pride for the People Parade and Festival.
Add Copley Square Farmers Market to your list of event to attend near you.
Come visit the vendors an attend a talk at the Boston Book Fair in Copley.
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Within walking distance to Chinatown and Beacon Hill
Tucked between the Massachusetts General Hospital, Tufts Medical Center and Boston University’s medical school campus, Back Bay is within walking distance of many hospitals. Residents can also walk or bike to nearby neighborhoods, including Chinatown, South End, Downtown Boston and Beacon Hill. In addition, the area is home to Back Bay Station, which has access to both Amtrak and the Orange Line of the T subway system. Interstate 90 also runs through the neighborhood, providing a quick, 7.5-mile route to the Boston Logan International Airport.
Enjoy the Boston skyline from the neighborhood of Back Bay.
Locals can walk along Open Newbury Street or find a spot to eat in one of the many restaurants.
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Shopping and dining along the famed Newbury Street
Back Bay is also a renowned shopping and dining destination where both locals and visitors come for a day out. The Prudential Center and Copley Place are large indoor malls with many retailers and restaurants. Newbury and Boylston streets are famous for their shopping and dining options inside historic brownstones. Restaurants like Saltie Girl serve delicious seafood and cocktails, and luxury designers and small boutiques such as The Fairy Shop dot the area. Additional well-known dining spots include Joe’s on Newbury, Abe & Louie's, Fire + Ice and The Friendly Toast. Quincy Market has over 50 eateries and is located on the ground floor of Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Star Market and Trader Joe’s are a few blocks apart, and Target is less than 2 miles away in West End.
Shoppers come and go at the bustling Prudential Center shops on Boylston Street in the Back Bay.
Swing by Levain on Newbury Street in Back Bay and enjoy some outdoor dining.
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
C. Devon Holden,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Carleton Court Dog Park
Dog Park
Charles River Esplanade
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Back Bay Fens
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Football
Frieda Garcia Park
Picnic Area
Playground
Clarendon Street Play Lot
Playground
Public Garden
Bike Trails
Boating
Dog Park
Commonwealth Avenue Mall
Transit
Airport
General Edward Lawrence Logan International
12 min drive
Subway
Hynes Convention Center Station
Subway
Symphony Station
Subway
Copley Station
Subway
Prudential Station
Train
Back Bay Station
Bus
Ring Rd & Boylston St
Bus
Saint James Ave & Arlington St
Bus
Belvidere St & Huntington Ave
Bus
Saint James Ave & Clarendon St
Bus
Boylston St & Prudential Center
Bus
Massachusetts Ave & Clearway St
Bus
Boylston St & Dartmouth St
Reviews
Niche Reviews
4.318 Reviews
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.
5.0Niche User
11/19/2014Niche Review
The local businesses are very high quality with a lot of diversity.
3.0Niche User
4/13/2015Niche Review
I think because Boston is a major city, there are many more job opportunities there than there are in more rural areas. That said, it is not a major hub like NYC, LA or CHI, so some jobs- particularly in the arts, are a bit lacking.
4.0Niche User
4/13/2015Niche Review
I live in a pretty safe neighborhood in Boston, so I never feel like my security is directly threatened. That said, I feel a little squeamish walking by myself at one in the morning, but I think that comes with city living, when not many people are on the street.
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Back Bay
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Back Bay Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Back Bay, Boston sell after 53 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Back Bay, Boston over the last 12 months is $1,489,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Rarely available penthouse duplex just two blocks from the Public Garden, on the sunny side of Commonwealth Avenue. This exceptional residence has been fully renovated with high-end designer finishes throughout. A private elevator opens directly to the main living level, welcoming you into a sophisticated lounge complete with a wet bar and elegant built-ins. The expansive living room, perfect for
This stunning Back Bay residence is located on the parlor level of a classic brownstone on the coveted sunny side of Beacon Street. Overlooking a quiet courtyard and the Charles River and esplanade beyond, this special home features 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and a large open concept kitchen and living area with fireplace. A chef's kitchen with SubZero and Wolf appliances, custom cabinets, and other
Experience classic Back Bay charm with modern luxury in a boutique, professionally managed elevator building. This beautifully updated home features a brand-new designer kitchen by MF Reynolds with quartz countertops, custom cabinetry, and high-end appliances, seamlessly flowing into a gracious dining area. The living space offers exposed brick, a stunning fireplace with detailed mantle, and
Welcome to Unit 29C in The Clarendon, a landmark residence in Boston's Back Bay. This elegant 1,134 sq ft home features 1 bedroom, a den, and 2 full bathrooms with modern design and high-end finishes. Enjoy a sleek kitchen and marble-accented bathrooms. The southern exposure from the 29th floor provides stunning views of the South End, Boston Harbor, and Blue Hills. The Clarendon offers
Welcome to 250 Beacon Street, a distinguished pre-war masterpiece that sets the standard for sophisticated Back Bay living. This thoughtfully designed studio residence, positioned on the first floor, bay windows floods the space in natural light throughout the day. The layout maximizes every square foot, featuring high ceilings and beautiful hardwood floors that flow seamlessly throughout.
Unit 3606, offers stunning views of the Charles River and Fenway Park, from every room. This exceptional one-bedroom, one and a half bath residence is the highest one bedroom in the building. This custom designed unit provides 897 square feet of living area and features a large bedroom with en suite bath and powder room. Floor-to-ceiling windows include electric shades added by the seller. The
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
Features an open layout highlighted with 18 foot high ceilings, exquisite moldings, and stained glass transoms on the 9-foot windows. Beautiful marble mantle and custom millwork renovated kitchen with granite counters, stainless steel appliances, and gas cooking. The bathroom has been updated and has a jacuzzi bathtub. The additional loft area is perfect for home office, 2nd bedroom. In-building
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
C. Devon Holden,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
21,465
Median Age
37
Population Density
55 ppl/acre
Population under 18
15.5%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$113,088
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$148,737
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.8%
College Graduates
87.6%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
45.2%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
66.9%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
43''
Average Winter Low Temperature
23°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
12''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
86/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
100/ 100
Rider's Paradise
Transit Score®
95/ 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.
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.
