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South End

South End

$1,407,633 Average Value
$1,205 Average Price per Sq Ft
181 Homes For Sale

History, culture and highways intersect in the South End

The streets of Boston’s South End weave a rich tapestry of local culture, jazz history and contemporary art. Here, you’ll find music venues and landmark restaurants tucked into classic Boston brownstones. Galleries and events at the SoWa Art + Design District draw crowds of creatives, and the neighborhood’s ornate Victorian architecture adds to its distinctive character. With convenient access to the Mass Pike, Interstate 93 and Downtown Boston, the South End blends residential vibes with a lively, arts-driven aesthetic.

South End's Table and Tulip florist was awarded Best of Boston 2023.
South End's Table and Tulip florist was awarded Best of Boston 2023.
Brownstones line Tremont Street in Boston's South End.
Brownstones line Tremont Street in Boston's South End.
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Victorian rowhouses line the streets in the South End

The South End is known for Victorian rowhouses, many dating to the 1800s. “There are basically two types of products,” says Franklin Knotts, a broker with Coldwell Banker who has 33 years of local experience. “If it hasn’t been renovated, you’re buying the charm. But then you have buildings that have been converted to condos and flats.” He adds that some improvements took place more recently than others, and that partial renovations are common. “In some places, people fix the kitchen or the bathroom and leave everything else the way it is,” he explains. “So the questions you need to ask are: When did the renovation take place, and was it complete, or just half?” Buyers should also note that it can be challenging to install central air conditioning in older buildings.

Ornate rowhouses line the streets of South End.
Ornate rowhouses line the streets of South End.
Brilliant iron railings adorn these homes in the South End.
Brilliant iron railings adorn these homes in the South End.
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The South End housing market

The median home sale price in the South End is around $1.2 million, well above the citywide median but lower than in other popular neighborhoods like Back Bay. Properties sell from the upper $300,000s to the upper $3 millions. “Pricing is a little high,” Knotts says, “but I see a downward trend in overpriced places that’s good for buyers.” Those buyers don’t seem deterred by high prices; homes sell after 35 days on average, compared to the national average of 58. Condo owners are responsible for monthly HOA fees, which range from around $250 for simple one-bedroom units to about $2,500 for luxury condos. Most residents rent, and condos and apartments make up the bulk of the property blend. The median monthly rent for the South End is $3,800.

Dining and nightlife in the South End

The South End is hopping with trendy restaurants, bars and clubs. Local favorites include:

  • Charlie’s Sandwich Shoppe, a diner once frequented by iconic musicians like Duke Ellington and Sammy Davis Jr.
  • Wally’s Café, one of Boston’s longest-running jazz clubs
  • Club Café, a cabaret known for events like drag bingo
  • South End Buttery, a chic café and bakery
  • Kava Neo-Taverna, an upscale Greek restaurant serving carefully curated small plates

South End Buttery serves coffee, sandwiches and baked goods.
South End Buttery serves coffee, sandwiches and baked goods.
Stop by Wally's Jazz Cafe in South End for impressive live music.
Stop by Wally's Jazz Cafe in South End for impressive live music.
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A Boston neighborhood where culture and community thrive

The SoWa Art + Design District, a creative hub centered on Harrison Avenue, keeps the cultural calendar full. On SoWa First Fridays, locals can meet artists and view exhibits free of charge, and galleries and studios like ShowUp and Boston Sculptors Gallery host exhibitions and events throughout the year. Visitors head to SoWa Open Market for produce, baked treats and artisan goods every Sunday from May through November.

Victor
Victor "Marka27" Quiñonez's "Souledad," mural on Washington Street in the South End.
You'll find spacious lofts in the SoWa district of the South End.
You'll find spacious lofts in the SoWa district of the South End.
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Transit options make it easy to live a car-free lifestyle

Parking is at such a premium in the South End that spots in local garages fetch prices from around $125,000 to $400,000. Residential parking permits are also available. “As long as the car is registered in Boston, you can get a permit,” Knotts says. However, streets here are narrow, and a lot of them are one-way. It’s much easier to walk or use public transit, which is readily accessible. Orange Line stations at Back Bay, Massachusetts Avenue and Tufts Medical Center are within walking distance, and there are Green Line stops nearby at Copley and Prudential. Amtrak’s Acela route stops at the Back Bay station as well. MBTA bus stops are positioned throughout the neighborhood, with some serving Silver Line routes that connect to South Station, where riders can catch the SL1 to Logan Airport.

Boston's South End offers urban charm just moments from downtown.
Boston's South End offers urban charm just moments from downtown.
Residents gather to catch the next bus in South End.
Residents gather to catch the next bus in South End.
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Public parks offer plenty of space for outdoor play

You’ll find over two dozen green spaces in the South End, including public and pocket parks, squares and gardens. Here are a few highlights:

  • Peters Park, which has a dog run, walking paths, a large play area, sports courts and a Little League field
  • Southwest Corridor Park, connecting the Back Bay to Forest Hills
  • Carter Playground, featuring athletic fields with impressive views of city landmarks
  • Ramsay Park, which offers sports courts, a playground and a splash pad
Other recreational landmarks like the Back Bay Fens, Boston Common and the Public Garden are a short bus or T ride away, giving residents even more opportunities to get outside.

Pitching practice at Peters Park.
Pitching practice at Peters Park.
Carter Playground has sports facilities, including tennis courts.
Carter Playground has sports facilities, including tennis courts.
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Comparing the South End’s different subsections

The South End barely spans 1 square mile, but its small footprint covers a few distinct subsections. The SoWa Art + Design District is the cultural heart of the neighborhood, while the Tremont Street Corridor buzzes with an eclectic dining scene. Meanwhile, young families might consider the Blackstone/Franklin Squares district, where they’ll be near Blackstone Elementary School and two public squares where the kids can run around on the grass.

Adrienne Ryan
Written By
Adrienne Ryan
Matthew Stott
Photography Contributed By
Matthew Stott
Tyler Newbold
Video By
Tyler Newbold

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

Herald St & Harrison Ave

Bus

Massachusetts Ave & Harrison Ave

Bus

Washington St & Herald St

Bus

Tremont St & Aguadilla St

Bus

Tremont St & Appleton St

Bus

540 Albany St Opp Wareham St

Bus

E Berkeley St & Harrison Ave

Reviews

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Crime and Safety

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

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
6,887
Number of Homes for Sale
181
Median Year Built
1900
Months of Supply
7.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,537
Above the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,537
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,156
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
803
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
521
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
1,306

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
463
Median Rent
$3,850
Median Single Family Home Rent
$4,250
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$9,000
Median Townhouse Rent
$4,000
Median 3 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$7,985
Median Condo Rent
$3,800
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$4,250

Demographics

Total Population
28,627
Median Age
40
Population Density
43 ppl/acre
Population under 18
17%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$111,511
Significantly above the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$143,881

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
87.6%
College Graduates
66.1%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
34.4%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
67.1%

Weather

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

Area Factors

Exceptionally bikeable

Bikeability®

90 / 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
South End
Wei Wang
WW Real Estate LLC
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