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Downtown Boston

Downtown Boston

$1,693,168 Average Value
$1,445 Average Price per Sq Ft
103 Homes For Sale

Downtown Boston residents thrive in the heart of the city

Downtown Boston forms the core of one of the country’s most historic cities, where centuries-old landmarks share the skyline with modern office towers and condo developments. The area has served as Boston’s central hub since the colonial era, and the Freedom Trail brings that history to life through landmarks like the Old State House and Faneuil Hall. The Financial District is a buzzing hive that draws workers from all around the city, and getting around is easy thanks to the neighborhood’s extensive public transit network. Other key attractions like the New England Aquarium and the Boston Tea Party Museum are perched on the harbor. And when annual events like First Night Boston and the Fourth of July’s Harborfest roll around, downtown residents get front-row seats to the action.

There's always something going on in Downtown Boston.
There's always something going on in Downtown Boston.
Historic buildings and newer high-rises share the skyline in Downtown Boston.
Historic buildings and newer high-rises share the skyline in Downtown Boston.
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Condo developments define the housing market

Downtown residential properties are mostly condos and apartments, many in mixed-use buildings. High-rise and midrise condo developments tower above the Financial District, the waterfront and the edges of Boston Common. Some are older commercial buildings that have been remodeled into residential units, while others date to the mid-2000s or later. Full-service buildings can include upscale amenities like concierge services, indoor pools, fitness centers and rooftop lounges. The median sale price is around $1.8 million, and prices usually start in the lower $600,000s for smaller condos and climb to around $8 million for high-end penthouses. Monthly HOA fees add to the housing costs and cover utilities such as heat, water and snow removal. These typically range from around $800 to several thousand dollars for full-service luxury buildings.

You'll find high-end condos in luxury developments such as The Intercontinental in Downtown Boston.
You'll find high-end condos in luxury developments such as The Intercontinental in Downtown Boston.
Waterfront condos are prime real estate for residents of Downtown Boston.
Waterfront condos are prime real estate for residents of Downtown Boston.
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Residents can get around easily without cars

Walkability is one of Downtown Boston’s greatest assets. As any resident will tell you, parking in the city is a perpetual hassle, but many people opt to go car-free here. Multiple MBTA bus routes run through the neighborhood, and T stations serve the Red, Orange, Blue, Green and Silver lines. South Station provides access to the MBTA Commuter Rail, as well as Amtrak routes for travel beyond Boston. Additionally, water taxis shuttle passengers across the harbor to Logan Airport. If you do drive, Interstate 93 curves along the waterfront, leading north toward Cambridge and south toward the parks and beaches on Quincy Bay.

Trains on the Orange and Green lines run through the neighborhood frequently.
Trains on the Orange and Green lines run through the neighborhood frequently.
The commuter rail makes it easy to get in and out of Downtown Boston.
The commuter rail makes it easy to get in and out of Downtown Boston.
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Dining and nightlife in Downtown Boston

Downtown Boston’s food scene is deeply rooted in history, with some modern additions to keep things lively. Highlights include:

  • Sorelle Bakery & Cafe, known for its homemade pastries
  • Union Oyster House, the country’s oldest continuously operating restaurant, serving clam chowder and raw oysters since 1826
  • Mariel, featuring craft cocktails and Latin-inspired plates
  • Yvonne’s, a supper club adorned with marble and mahogany
  • The Palm, a high-end steakhouse with whimsical decor
Nightclubs like Icon and Apex Rooftop Bar and Lounge keep the neighborhood busy through the wee hours, especially on weekends. However, nightlife here favors theaters, historic pubs and stylish speakeasies over the full-throttle clubbing scenes you might find in other cities. The adjacent Theatre District is home to venues such as the Boston Opera House and the Orpheum Theatre, which host Broadway shows and concerts throughout the year.

The Union Oyster House has been a local staple since 1826.
The Union Oyster House has been a local staple since 1826.
The Palm is an upscale steakhouse with whimsical decor.
The Palm is an upscale steakhouse with whimsical decor.
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The neighborhood has a visitor-oriented shopping scene

Downtown Boston’s shopping scene caters heavily to tourists, but locals can still find what they need in its historic markets and pedestrian-friendly retail districts. You can browse through these spots:

  • Faneuil Hall Marketplace, a multilayered complex with dozens of shops, eateries and the Quincy Market food hall
  • Boston Public Market, an indoor year-round market with vendors selling fresh produce, seafood and artisanal goods
  • Downtown Crossing, an open-air shopping district featuring department stores and fashion retailers
  • Brattle Book Shop, an antiquarian bookstore where you can find rare volumes along with the latest bestsellers
It’s also a short walk to the Back Bay neighborhood, one of Boston’s top shopping and dining destinations. The Prudential Center is packed with high-end retailers, and trendy boutiques and cafes line Newbury Street.

Boston Public Market is an indoor year-round marketplace featuring dozens of vendors.
Boston Public Market is an indoor year-round marketplace featuring dozens of vendors.
Local landmarks like Quincy Market draw throngs of tourists.
Local landmarks like Quincy Market draw throngs of tourists.
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Boston Latin School in Downtown Boston receives an A-plus rating from Niche.
Boston Latin School in Downtown Boston receives an A-plus rating from Niche.

High school students can attend the nation’s oldest public school

Downtown Boston is served by Boston Public Schools, a district that uses a home-based choice system instead of traditional zoning for prekindergarten through eighth grade. Boston Latin School, the oldest public school in the United States, is a nearby option for high school students. Boston Latin receives an A-plus from Niche, which ranks it as the No. 2 public high school in Massachusetts.

Comparing Downtown Boston to nearby neighborhoods

If you’d like to broaden your search beyond the downtown district, nearby neighborhoods have plenty to offer. In Back Bay, you’ll have access to the Charles River Esplanade and the shopping and dining on scenic Newbury Street. Cobblestone streets and gas-lit lanterns bring historic charm to Beacon Hill, where you’ll find a few single-family homes alongside the condos. And the North End is known for its thriving food scene, which focuses on Italian cuisine. Finally, median home sale prices are slightly lower in Back Bay and Beacon Hill, but the difference is especially dramatic in the North End, where the median is around $770,000.

Adrienne Ryan
Written By
Adrienne Ryan
Shawn Miller
Photography Contributed By
Shawn Miller
Mark Tilley
Video By
Mark Tilley

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

8 min drive

Subway

Chinatown Station

Subway

Aquarium Station

Subway

Downtown Crossing Station

Subway

State Station

Subway

Bowdoin Station

Subway

Government Center Station

Subway

South Station

Subway

Haymarket Station

Bus

Haymarket - Congress St & New Sudbury St

Bus

State St & Washington Mall - State St Sta

Bus

Aquarium - Surface Rd & State St

Bus

Surface Rd & Hanover St

Bus

Summer St & Atlantic Ave

Bus

Cambridge St & Government Ctr Sta

Bus

Atlantic Ave & Seaport Blvd.

Reviews

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Crime and Safety

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

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
2,227
Number of Homes for Sale
103
Median Year Built
2006
Months of Supply
8.40
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,939
On par with the national average
1,934
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,225
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,496
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
873
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
480
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
3,049

Open Houses

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Condo Buildings

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
163
Median Rent
$3,600
Median Single Family Home Rent
$7,525
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$16,500
Median Townhouse Rent
$5,750
Median Condo Rent
$3,980
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$5,350

Demographics

Total Population
7,767
Median Age
43
Population Density
32 ppl/acre
Population under 18
14.5%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$147,835
Significantly above the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$176,397

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
90.2%
College Graduates
68.7%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
45.5%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
63.9%

Weather

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

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
Downtown Boston