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Lower Roxbury

Lower Roxbury

Urban Core Neighborhood in Boston, Massachusetts

Suffolk County 02118, 02119, 02120

$778,899 Average Value
$803 Average Price per Sq Ft
25 Homes For Sale

An ever-improving part of the greater Roxbury area

Lower Roxbury, named after the sedimentary rock beneath the area, is a neighborhood with a rich architectural history and urban amenities. The community is well known for Nubian Square, an icon in the Boston area that's at the center of African American culture. Residents here have access to numerous parks and community facilities, as well as nearby dining and shopping choices. The area has also seen a lot of growth in recent years, partially thanks to the support of The Madison Park Development Corporation, a leading affordable housing developer.
Nubian Square in Lower Roxbury really brings people together with their culture.
Nubian Square in Lower Roxbury really brings people together with their culture.
Lower Roxbury offers all the amenities of the city with a more space.
Lower Roxbury offers all the amenities of the city with a more space.
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Wall to wall homes and townhouses

Lower Roxbury is a community where neighbors can truly get to know one another. Most of the homes are townhouses and condominiums built between 1910 and 1988. They often have modest exteriors of brick or wood-paneled siding and smaller front yards. Street parking is common here. Many homes often share a wall or two with neighbors and are usually separated into smaller communities, with each neighborhood block a different style from the last. “There are a lot of townhouses here,” says Jose Tavares, an associate at Madison Park Village who has been serving the area since 2022. “The community is pretty well known for them.” Many properties have been refurbished, but some are marketed as investment opportunities. Home prices often range from around $400,000 to $800,000.
Apartment style building with parking lot in Lower Roxbury.
Apartment style building with parking lot in Lower Roxbury.
A variety of historic styles can be found throughout Lower Roxbury.
A variety of historic styles can be found throughout Lower Roxbury.
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Roxbury’s parks and community centers

Bynoe Park offers shaded basketball and tennis courts, a playset and a little league baseball diamond. The neighborhood’s western border is made up of Southwest Corridor Park, a linear park that stretches over 4 miles with splash pads and sports fields connected by paved and shaded trails. Ramsay Park is another option with a playground, public art display and additional sports fields. The Cooper Community Center has served the Greater Roxbury area for over 100 years. The Dewitt Center, in the middle of the neighborhood, offers daily classes and has a multi-purpose recreation room and a technology center for all ages. Tavares says the center is an excellent place for the community, especially teenagers, because of its designated teen room and teen night events held throughout the year.
Ramsay Park is a popular park in Lower Roxbury providing tennis courts and basketball hoops.
Ramsay Park is a popular park in Lower Roxbury providing tennis courts and basketball hoops.
Kids in Lower Roxbury can enjoy playing games at Bynoe Park.
Kids in Lower Roxbury can enjoy playing games at Bynoe Park.
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Boston Public Schools and local universities

Boston Public Schools serves students in the Lower Roxbury neighborhood. They can begin their education at Orchard Gardens K-8 Pilot School, which offers multiple extended day programs to fit the schedules of local families. Students can then finish up at Madison Park High School, which is well known for its technical and vocational programs and dual enrollment opportunities with local colleges like Northeastern University. Both schools receive a C rating on Niche.
Madison Park Technical School is the only technical vocational high school in Boston.
Madison Park Technical School is the only technical vocational high school in Boston.
Orchard Gardens School entrance and sign in Lower Roxbury.
Orchard Gardens School entrance and sign in Lower Roxbury.
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Malcom X's house is a national historic site in Lower Roxbury.
Malcom X's house is a national historic site in Lower Roxbury.

Historic Boston tours and downtown excitement

Historic Nubian Square, located just south of the neighborhood, offers walking tours to national civil rights landmarks like the Malcolm X-Ella Little-Collins House and a monument that honors Phillis Wheatley, the first African American author of a published book of poetry. Residents can also head to the nearby Roxbury library for events like the annual Juneteenth celebration, which “keeps bringing the community together month after month,” Tavares says. Lower Roxbury is also only 2 miles from major attractions like Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, and the Franklin Park Zoo.

MBTA in and around Roxbury

Just off Interstate 93 and 5 miles from Boston Logan International Airport, Lower Roxbury is easily connected to downtown Boston. The area is not only convenient for drivers, but it is also accessible for pedestrians and bicyclists. The MBTA serves Lower Roxbury, with the 1, 8, and 47 buses running through it and multiple T stops both in and around the community.
The Lower Roxbury community finds many visitors using its beloved Dudley Station.
The Lower Roxbury community finds many visitors using its beloved Dudley Station.
Lower Roxbury residents can easily hop on the Orange Line at Roxbury Crossing.
Lower Roxbury residents can easily hop on the Orange Line at Roxbury Crossing.
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African cuisine and sandwiches in Roxbury

Restaurants are often big meet-up spots for residents of Lower Roxbury. Local places line the streets, such as Ethiopian Café and Pizza, which serves African dishes and custom pizza for both dine-in and take-out. Locals can also be seen relaxing in the leather seats at Dudley Café, a coffee spot that offers in-house youth empowerment programs. “It’s a nice place to stop by and grab a BLT before work or a meeting,” Tavares says. Daily Table Grocery and Tropical Foods are centrally located shopping options.
Enjoy small bites and coffee at Dudley Cafe in the Lower Roxbury neighborhood.
Enjoy small bites and coffee at Dudley Cafe in the Lower Roxbury neighborhood.
Lower Roxbury residents can grab groceries at the Daily Table in the heart of Nubian Square.
Lower Roxbury residents can grab groceries at the Daily Table in the heart of Nubian Square.
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Madison Park Development Corporation

The Lower Roxbury neighborhood has a CAP Index crime score of 5 out of 10, slightly higher than the national average of 4 out of 10. The community is working on improving it through several organizations, like the Madison Park Development Corporation. The VIP (Violence Intervention and Prevention) program promotes neighborhood safety, and the Roxbury Neighborhood Trauma Team supports residents impacted by community violence. The Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center is less than 2 miles to the west for residents seeking medical care.
Braxton Puentes
Written By
Braxton Puentes
Colin Gee
Photography Contributed By
Colin Gee
Kevin Carter
Video By
Kevin Carter

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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Anne Galvin, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

General Edward Lawrence Logan International

11 min drive

Subway

Massachusetts Ave Station (Orange Line)

Train

Ruggles Station

Bus

Washington St & Ruggles St

Bus

Tremont St & Prentiss St

Bus

Ruggles St & Cabot St

Bus

Nubian

Bus

Dudley St & Dearborn St

Bus

Malcolm X Blvd & Madison Park Hs

Bus

Washington St & Lenox St

Crime and Safety

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

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Lower Roxbury Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$699,000
Median Sale Price
$675,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$315,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$799,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
50
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
4%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$803

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
723
Number of Homes for Sale
25
Median Year Built
1920
Months of Supply
6.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,334
Significantly below the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,380
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,085
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
753
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
413
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
871

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Jun 15
    11am - 12:30pm

    257 Northampton St Unit 409, Boston, MA 02118

    $795,000

    • 1 Bed
    • 1 Bath
    • 833 Sq Ft
    • 257 Northampton St
    • Unit 409
    • New 3 days ago

    Stunning & contemporary loft-style Corner 1-Bed with private balcony and garage parking at The Modern 2, a highly desirable South End 2011-construction elevator building at the edge of Back Bay and Fenway neighborhoods. Rarely available, this spacious one bedroom home offers incredible light and Back Bay skyline views from floor-to-ceiling windows facing north/west. The beautiful open kitchen

    Frank Carroll Homes Team Compass

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  • Sunday, Jun 22
    2 - 4pm

    91 Zeigler St, Boston, MA 02119

    $1,500,000

    • 6 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,769 Sq Ft
    • 91 Zeigler St

    JUST STEPS AWAY FROM VIBRANT DUDLEY STATION, THIS BEAUTIFUL BRICK 3 FAMILY AWAITS YOU. WELL, MAINTAINED WITH UPDATED PLUMBING, AND ELECTRICAL. 12-YEAR-OLD RUBBER ROOF. SOLID REAR DECKS. FIRST FLOOR IS VACANT. COME AND TAKE PART IN ONE OF BOSTON'S MOST RAPIDLY EXPANDING AREAS. OPPORTUNITY FOR THE BUYERS WITH VISION. DUDLEY SQUARE IS IN FULL DEVELOPEMENT MODE. THE POTENTIAL HERE IS UNLIMITED. BOTH

    Eugene Moody Mass Property LLC

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  • Sunday, Jun 15
    1:30 - 3pm

    531 Massachusetts Ave Unit 1, Boston, MA 02118

    $2,350,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,482 Sq Ft
    • 531 Massachusetts Ave
    • Unit 1

    Grand scale and museum quality detail combine in this meticulously restored oversized parlor duplex featuring 3 bedrooms plus family room or 4th bedroom. This finely crafted residence has been remastered by award-winning architects and featured in Metropolitan Home and Boston Home magazine. Gracious main floor with triple parlor has soaring ceilings, ebony floors, marble fireplaces, intricate

    Steven Cohen Team Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro | Back Bay

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Anne Galvin, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
15,930
Median Age
31
Population Density
39 ppl/acre
Population under 18
23.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
12.3%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$33,631
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$58,159

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
77.5%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
32.4%
Advanced Degrees
12.9%
% Population in Labor Force
58.2%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

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

Area Factors

Biker's Paradise

Bike Score®

95 / 100

Walker's Paradise

Walk Score®

92 / 100

Excellent Transit

Transit Score®

89 / 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.

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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
Lower Roxbury