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Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill

$1,702,930 Average Value
$1,358 Average Price per Sq Ft
71 Homes For Sale

Beacon Hill is a historic Boston neighborhood in a prime location

In 1635, a signal beacon was placed on the highest spot in Boston to warn colonists of impending danger. Nearly four centuries later, the surrounding Beacon Hill neighborhood retains its old-world charm with cobblestone lanes and brick sidewalks bathed in the glow of wrought-iron gas lanterns. Bordered by the Charles River Esplanade and iconic green spaces like Boston Common and the Public Garden, Beacon Hill also claims one of the city’s prime locations. Downtown Boston is a short walk away, and commuters have access to numerous T stations and MBTA bus stops.

The Charles River Esplanade is a great spot to go for a run.
The Charles River Esplanade is a great spot to go for a run.
Beacon Hill is a highly desirable neighborhood just moments from Downtown Boston.
Beacon Hill is a highly desirable neighborhood just moments from Downtown Boston.
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Historic brick rowhouses and Federal-style homes in Beacon Hill

Classic brick rowhomes and brownstones, many in Federal-era style, line the narrow gas-lit streets. Condos make up over half of the property blend, but single-family homes are more common here than in some other downtown neighborhoods. Most buildings date to the 1800s and retain their original character with high ceilings, hardwood floors and decorative fireplaces. Some also feature modern upgrades, such as gourmet kitchens and spa-inspired baths. Since this is the oldest historic district in Massachusetts, exterior renovations need to be approved by the Beacon Hill Architectural Commission. “I have a nasty crush on Beacon Hill,” says Franklin Knotts, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker. “It’s kept its original charm.”

Lush ivy covers the historic brick entrances of the homes in Beacon Hill.
Lush ivy covers the historic brick entrances of the homes in Beacon Hill.
The Hill House of Joy Street displays the neighborhood's historic charm.
The Hill House of Joy Street displays the neighborhood's historic charm.
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Stunning homes on Louisburg Square in Beacon Hill often fetch high prices.
Stunning homes on Louisburg Square in Beacon Hill often fetch high prices.

What buyers should know about Beacon Hill home prices

Most Beacon Hill residents are renters, and the median monthly rent is around $3,000. As for sales, prices are high for Boston. The median home sale price is around $1.2 million, compared to the citywide median of $890,000. Small one-bedroom condos can sell in the upper $400,000s, but historic brownstones fetch $10 million or more. If the property is part of a homeowners association, monthly fees range from a few hundred dollars for lower-priced units to several thousand for luxury multimillion-dollar townhomes.

A walkable neighborhood with excellent transit access

Beacon Hill “couldn’t be more ideally located,” according to Knotts, who has over 33 years of local experience. “You can walk in any direction and get to the Esplanade on the Charles River, to the T or to the financial district.” The neighborhood is adjacent to the award-winning Massachusetts General Hospital, which has a Level I trauma center and serves as a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. Several nearby T stations serve the Orange, Red and Blue Lines, and MBTA bus routes operate in and around the area. You can also find Bluebikes stations nearby. Downtown Boston is less than a mile away, and the walk can take 10 to 20 minutes, depending on your destination. While driving is an option, “to have a car there is very challenging,” says Knotts. “Parking spaces can go for over $500,000.” If you do drive, Interstate 93 is close by and connects to the greater Boston area.

Nearby T stations serve the Red Line.
Nearby T stations serve the Red Line.
You'll find Bluebikes stations in and around the neighborhood.
You'll find Bluebikes stations in and around the neighborhood.
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Snag a table at The Tip Tap Room in Beacon Hill before catching a Bruins game.
Snag a table at The Tip Tap Room in Beacon Hill before catching a Bruins game.

Neighborhood dining spots offer brunch, cocktails and creative fare

Beacon Hill is home to the original Cheers bar, which inspired the long-running sitcom and served as its exterior filming location. That’s a touristy spot, though, and there are plenty of other places where locals go to hang out. You can grab a bite at these places:

  • Tatte Bakery & Cafe, known for its flaky pastries, brunch plates and inviting patio
  • Toscano, an upscale Tuscan restaurant serving handmade pastas in an inviting European-style dining room
  • 75 Chestnut, a snug bistro offering creative American fare and seasonal cocktails
  • The Tip Tap Room, a gastropub featuring an extensive beer list and game meats like wild boar and bison
“Tip Tap Room is one of the top places to go get a beer,” Knotts says. “People come back from work and stop in there.”

Beacon Hill Books & Cafe is a popular spot on Charles Street.
Beacon Hill Books & Cafe is a popular spot on Charles Street.

Shopping in Beacon Hill and nearby Copley Place

Shopping in the neighborhood centers on Charles Street. Highlights include:

  • Beacon Hill Books & Cafe, which has a curated selection of books in a multistory townhouse
  • Blackstone’s of Beacon Hill, a neighborhood staple for home goods, kitchenware and Boston-themed gifts
  • Beacon Hill Market, carrying fresh produce, deli meats and cheeses and baked goods
At Copley Place in nearby Back Bay, you can browse through designer stores like Dior, Louis Vuitton and Burberry for the latest fashions.

Josiah Quincy Elementary School is located in the Chinatown neighborhood.
Josiah Quincy Elementary School is located in the Chinatown neighborhood.

Highly rated public and private schools serve local students

Beacon Hill is part of the Boston Public Schools district, which relies on a home-based assignment policy for students in prekindergarten through eighth grade. Josiah Quincy Elementary, an International Baccalaureate World School, is one highly rated option nearby. The neighborhood is also home to two private schools: Advent and Park Street, both rated A-plus by Niche.

Colonial-style streets bring old-world charm to Beacon Hill.
Colonial-style streets bring old-world charm to Beacon Hill.

Pros and cons of life in Beacon Hill

Like all neighborhoods, Beacon Hill has its advantages and disadvantages. For the former, it combines historic appeal and walkability in a highly desirable location. Its dining spots and long-standing shops contribute to the quaintness and charm, and popular green spaces are right next door. On the flip side, homes come with steep price tags, and it’s nearly impossible to find a place to park. Because visitors are drawn to landmarks like Cheers and the Museum of African American History, some areas can feel crowded, especially during peak tourist season.

Adrienne Ryan
Written By
Adrienne Ryan
Noel Poage
Photography Contributed By
Noel Poage
Bill Jennings
Video By
Bill Jennings

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

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

General Edward Lawrence Logan International

10 min drive

Bus

Charles & Mgh - Cambridge St & Lindall Pl

Reviews

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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Beacon Hill US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 3 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

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
3,007
Number of Homes for Sale
71
Median Year Built
1899
Months of Supply
5.70
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
3,137
Significantly above the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
3,308
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,095
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
660
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
482
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
1,306

Open Houses

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
432
Median Rent
$3,150
Median Single Family Home Rent
$4,500
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$16,500
Median Townhouse Rent
$4,775
Median 3 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$16,000
Median Condo Rent
$3,000
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$3,713

Demographics

Total Population
9,336
Median Age
36
Population Density
75 ppl/acre
Population under 18
16.4%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$123,410
Significantly above the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$162,580

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
98.2%
College Graduates
88.5%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
47.1%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
76.2%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
43''
Average Winter Low Temperature
23°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
12''

Area Factors

Moderately bikeable

Bikeability®

70 / 100

Exceptionally walkable

Walkability®

100 / 100

Exceptional public transit

Transit®

100 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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
Beacon Hill