Section Image

Chinatown

Chinatown

$934,791 Average Value
$1,443 Average Price per Sq Ft
20 Homes For Sale

Chinatown is a culinary and cultural hub near Downtown Boston

An iconic green-tiled gate welcomes residents to Chinatown, a vibrant neighborhood that flanks Downtown Boston and the Mass Pike. Once home to a bustling garment district, the area has evolved into a cultural and culinary magnet. The restaurant scene is popular with locals and tourists, and festive celebrations fill the calendar. In addition to being steps away from downtown, the neighborhood borders Boston Common, one of the city’s best-known green spaces.

Welcome to Chinatown, where Boston living meets a community rich with culture.
Welcome to Chinatown, where Boston living meets a community rich with culture.
Chinatown's restaurant scene draws a blend of visitors and longtime locals.
Chinatown's restaurant scene draws a blend of visitors and longtime locals.
1/2

Classic restaurants draw crowds to Chinatown

Chinatown is known for its thriving food scene, with options that range from noodle shops to trendy lounges. Visitors regularly flock to the neighborhood to enjoy spots like:

  • New Golden Gate Seafood, offering an array of stir-fries, fried rice and noodle dishes
  • Hunan Cuisine, known for its bold, spicy entrees
  • Hei La Moon, a banquet-style dim sum restaurant
  • The Q, a hip lounge serving sushi and Mongolian hot pot
  • Jade Garden, where you can check out the seafood tanks before dinner
Some restaurants have off-menu “secret” dishes known only to regulars, and living here can provide that inside track. For cooking at home, Jia Ho Supermarket is centrally located and well-stocked with spices, condiments and specialty produce.

Hungry residents satisfy their cravings at restaurants like Jade Garden.
Hungry residents satisfy their cravings at restaurants like Jade Garden.
Residents and visitors love the food at Hei La Moon restaurant.
Residents and visitors love the food at Hei La Moon restaurant.
1/2

What renters and homebuyers can expect to spend in Chinatown

Nearly 90% of Chinatown residents are renters, and apartments and condos make up the lion’s share of the property blend. Converted residential lofts occupy the upper floors of mid-rise buildings, many of which are mixed-use. The median rent price is $4,150, while the median home sale price is currently around $1.3 million. Prices start in the lower $500,000s for smaller condos and climb to the lower $5 millions for luxury penthouses with panoramic city views. HOA fees add to the monthly housing costs; for lower-priced condos, fees are usually around $500, but for luxury units, they can top $5,000.

Many homes in Chinatown sit above local businesses.
Many homes in Chinatown sit above local businesses.
Luxury condos occupy high-rise buildings in Chinatown.
Luxury condos occupy high-rise buildings in Chinatown.
1/2
Lunar New Year is one of Chinatown's many cultural celebrations.
Lunar New Year is one of Chinatown's many cultural celebrations.

Big crowds and cultural festivals keep Chinatown buzzing

Between the train tracks, the Mass Pike and the busy restaurants, Chinatown seldom sees a quiet moment. The neighborhood hosts several events that draw even larger crowds. Here are the highlights:

  • Lunar New Year, a celebration that includes music, lion dancing, calligraphy and arts and crafts
  • Lantern Festival, featuring street vendors, martial arts demonstrations and tai chi
  • August Moon Festival, which brings cultural performances, vendors and moon cakes to Chin Park
  • Chinatown Block Party, a free family-friendly event hosted by local community groups
  • Films at the Gate, which pays tribute to Asian filmmakers and artists
Weekly offerings keep the social scene alive between celebrations. Locals can gather for activities like Late-Day LEGOs and “crafternoons” at the Chinatown library, and the Pao Arts Center hosts art gallery viewings and family-friendly programs. Additionally, well-known acts regularly take the stage at the nearby Wang Theatre. Recent performers include Paul Simon, Alvin Ailey and Chelsea Handler.

Locals play cards, walk and relax near the Chinatown Gate

Lively gathering spaces contribute to community culture. Mary Soo Hoo Park, which sits in the shadow of the Chinatown Gateway, is one of the most popular. “There are some gentlemen who play cards there every day,” says Caroline Morson, a Realtor with Compass Realty who has 10 years of local experience. “It’s set up in a roundtable fashion, and they’re serious players.” Beyond Beach Street, Rose Kennedy Greenway stretches 1.5 miles from Chinatown to the North End. The linear park is a harmonious collection of promenades, gardens and public art installations. “The park changes block by block, but in a good way,” Morson says. “There are places to relax in Adirondack chairs, arboretums with fountains and waterfalls, live music, and food trucks.” Some residents use the Greenway to walk to and from work.

Take a peek at the waterfall when you walk through the Rose Kennedy Greenway.
Take a peek at the waterfall when you walk through the Rose Kennedy Greenway.
Chinatown residents love to sit and chat near the Rose Kennedy Greenway.
Chinatown residents love to sit and chat near the Rose Kennedy Greenway.
1/2

Chinatown is a walkable neighborhood with excellent public transit

As any Boston resident will tell you, driving and parking in the city can be a pain. Fortunately, it’s easy to get around without a car here. Most of downtown is within walking distance, and some thoroughfares have dedicated bike lanes. If you don’t have your own, there’s a Bluebikes station at Chinatown Gate Plaza. Commuters also have access to several T stations, including Tufts Medical Center and Chinatown, both served by the Orange Line. Meanwhile, South Station is served not only by the Red Line, but also by Amtrak’s Acela route, Concord Coach, and both Peter Pan bus lines and Silver Line buses that connect travelers to Logan Airport. Other MBTA bus stops are available throughout the neighborhood.

Chinatown has several bike-friendly throughfares.
Chinatown has several bike-friendly throughfares.
Chinatown residents have easy access to the Orange Line.
Chinatown residents have easy access to the Orange Line.
1/2

Students can attend schools in the Boston Public Schools district

The Boston Public Schools district serves Chinatown students. BPS offers families a list of school choices based on their address, and placement is determined by lottery when space is tight. Nearby options include Josiah Quincy Elementary, which offers Mandarin classes and swimming lessons. Josiah Quincy Upper School serves students from grades 6 through 12. Both schools are highly rated.

Josiah Quincy Elementary School serves younger students.
Josiah Quincy Elementary School serves younger students.
Josiah Quincy Upper School is a highly rated option for students in grades 6-12.
Josiah Quincy Upper School is a highly rated option for students in grades 6-12.
1/2

Pok Oi Residences adds a relatively affordable housing option

To help combat rising housing costs, real estate developer Beacon Communities joined with the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of New England to create Pok Oi Residences. The 85-unit development, which opened its doors in 2025, is reserved for residents earning up to 80% of the area’s median income.

Adrienne Ryan
Written By
Adrienne Ryan
Kyle Cook
Photography Contributed By
Kyle Cook
Alex Jacobsen
Video By
Alex Jacobsen

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

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

17 min drive

Train

South Station

Bus

Summer St & South Station - Red Line Entrance

Bus

Chinatown Gate

Bus

Dep Lincoln & Beech St

Bus

South Station - Atlantic Ave & Summer St

Bus

Washington St & Tufts Med Ctr

Bus

Washington St & Essex St

Bus

Boston (South Station)

Reviews

Are you familiar with the Chinatown neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Chinatown US
Homicide 7 4
Sexual Assault 6 4
Assault with Weapon 6 4
Robbery 5 4
Burglary 5 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
607
Number of Homes for Sale
20
Median Year Built
1920
Months of Supply
5.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,084
Above the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,695
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,331
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,114
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
1,289
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
1,742

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
83
Median Rent
$3,625
Median Single Family Home Rent
$3,225
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$5,500
Median Condo Rent
$3,650
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$4,500

Demographics

Total Population
7,024
Median Age
38
Population Density
94 ppl/acre
Population under 18
18.1%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$50,776
Significantly below the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$106,896

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
77.4%
College Graduates
51.2%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
27.3%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
65.7%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
43''
Average Winter Low Temperature
23°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
27''

Area Factors

Moderately bikeable

Bikeability®

60 / 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
Chinatown
Alex Wong
Serhant
Section Image