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Chinatown

Chinatown

$938,886 Average Value
$1,483 Average Price per Sq Ft
13 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.
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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 dishes
  • 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. 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.
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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.
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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 and upcoming performers include Paul Simon 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.
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Chinatown is a walkable neighborhood with excellent public transit

As any Boston resident will tell you, driving and parking in the city is 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 serves not only the Red Line, but Amtrak’s Acela route, Concord Coach and 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.
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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.
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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 (CCBA) 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

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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

17 min drive

Train

South Station

Bus

South Station

Bus

Chinatown Gate

Bus

Dep Lincoln & Beech St

Bus

South Station, Boston, Ma

Bus

Washington St & Tufts Med Ctr

Bus

Washington St & Essex St

Bus

Boston (South Station)

Reviews

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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
603
Number of Homes for Sale
13
Median Year Built
1920
Months of Supply
3.20
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,856
On par with the national average
1,932
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,695
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,327
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,117
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
1,289
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
1,306

Open Houses

  • Sunday, May 31
    1 - 2:30pm

    210 South St Unit 32, Boston, MA 02111

    $979,000

    • 1 Bed
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,347 Sq Ft
    • 210 South St
    • Unit 32
    • New 26 days ago

    Urban Oasis! Stylish loft living at the premier Residences at 210 South Street in the Leather District! Light flooded, corner loft with 9’+ ceilings and 13 windows to enjoy sunset views of Boston! Expansive, open living with Italian cabinetry kitchen, stainless appliances & oversized granite breakfast island to enjoy your morning coffee. Easily entertain 8 friends in the dining area & room for a

    Kathleen Alexander Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro | Back Bay

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  • Sunday, May 31
    11:30am - 1pm

    70 Lincoln St Unit L414, Boston, MA 02111

    $679,000

    • 1 Bed
    • 1 Bath
    • 670 Sq Ft
    • 70 Lincoln St
    • Unit L414
    • New 1 day ago

    Welcome to Lincoln Plaza and this beautifully maintained, fully furnished one-bedroom residence in the heart of Boston's historic Leather District. Offered with premium furnishings and custom window treatments, this turnkey home features high ceilings, oversized windows, central air conditioning, and a thoughtfully designed layout that maximizes both comfort and functionality. The spacious

    Onnelly Parslow Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Warren Residential

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  • Sunday, May 31
    12:30 - 2pm

    1 Nassau St Unit 1607, Boston, MA 02111

    $889,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,099 Sq Ft
    • 1 Nassau St
    • Unit 1607

    DRAMATIC PRICE DROP! MOTIVATED SELLER. Gooden opportunity to purchase this luxury residence at The Metropolitan, one of Midtown Boston's prestigious buildings. This elegant 2 bedroom, 2 full bath condo futures floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing breathtaking panoramic city views and abundant natural light throughout the day. Prime location with easy walking distance to T station, Tufts Medical,

    Judy Song Magic Realty Investment Services

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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
91
Median Rent
$4,000
Median Single Family Home Rent
$3,100
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$5,500
Median Condo Rent
$3,748
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$4,450

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 friendly

Bikeability®

60 / 100

Exceptionally friendly

Walkability®

100 / 100

Exceptionally friendly

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
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