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West End

West End

Neighborhood in Boston, Massachusetts

Suffolk County 02114

$734,708 Average Value
$829 Average Price per Sq Ft
29 Homes For Sale

Urban living in a centrally located Boston community

Prior to the 1950s, West End was a working-class community inhabited by Jewish and Italian immigrants. The city’s plan for urban renewal displaced the residents, and the neighborhood’s buildings were torn down and replaced with mid-rise and high-rise condominiums. Today, the area is centered around Massachusetts General Hospital, attracting health professionals and students who occupy the tall apartment and condo complexes. A highly walkable and bikeable neighborhood, West End is also in proximity to many T stations, the commuter rail and highways, making it an accessible transit hub. “What’s interesting is that people used to say West End, in the old days, was a real neighborhood where neighbors really cared for each other,” says Ivy A. Turner, a West End Realtor for 35 years and founder of The Ivy Team at Keller Williams Boston-Metro. “The new West End today has the same characteristics. People come outside and stop on the streets to talk to each other, and they help out the elderly. There’s a real sense of belonging and community.”

Luxury apartments at the Alcott Building in the West End offer epic views of the city.
Luxury apartments at the Alcott Building in the West End offer epic views of the city.
Mass General Hospital offers West End residents world class care right at their door step.
Mass General Hospital offers West End residents world class care right at their door step.
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Condominiums in West End

Designed by architect Charles Bulfinch, West End was built to have residential living spaces contained in tall, vertical buildings with underground parking garages. These condo structures are complemented with abundant pocket parks, gardens, trees and pedestrian walkways. “When I first lived here, the height of the ginkgo trees was around four stories, and now they can at least reach eight or nine floors,” Turner says. “Plus, since parking is all underground, if you look out the window, you’ll see greenery, which is really pleasant.” With over 80% of area residents being renters, West End is largely composed of high-end apartment towers. There are also a handful of converted high-rise condominiums originally built in the 1960s, including Whittier Place, West End Place and Hawthorne Place. These condo units, which have monthly HOA fees, often have spacious layouts with large rooms and balconies. Studio and one-bedroom units are usually around 600 to 1,000 square feet and list between $350,000 and $600,000, while 1,300-square-foot two-bedrooms can go for $1 million. “You get a fabulous amount of space with the condos in West End,” Turner says. “These buildings are older, and the architecture back then was very different. The bathrooms are smaller, but you get a large kitchen and bedroom space. Another draw is the availability of garage parking; underground garages are a rare find in Boston, and people like that they can keep their cars in the city.”

West End Place is a condominium building offering some of the best proximity to Boston.
West End Place is a condominium building offering some of the best proximity to Boston.
There are a number of condos within North Station that make city living a breeze.
There are a number of condos within North Station that make city living a breeze.
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Parks and workout spaces in West End

The Clubs at Charles River Park is a membership-based fitness center offering workout classes and equipment, as well as an indoor and outdoor pool. “People like the health club and everyone in the community comes here,” Turner says. “It’s a place where people meet their neighbors, see colleagues and get to know others in the community.” Residents are often spotted walking or running along the Charles River Esplanade, which has scenic views of the water and the city. The adjacent playground has slides, climbing and zip line structures, and slightly north, adults can play softball at Lederman Park’s Teddy Ebersol’s Red Sox Fields. Pocket parks and green spaces such as Thoreau Path and Nashua Street Park are woven throughout the community. Boston Common, the oldest public park in the city, and the Public Garden sit several blocks south of the neighborhood, providing gardens, open space and free outdoor recreational classes such as yoga and tai chi.

Lap it up at the indoor or outdoor pool at The Clubs at Charles River Park in the West End.
Lap it up at the indoor or outdoor pool at The Clubs at Charles River Park in the West End.
The Esplanade is the perfect spot for West End residents to enjoy a jog.
The Esplanade is the perfect spot for West End residents to enjoy a jog.
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Shopping and dining along Cambridge Street

“There are restaurants and retail all around West End,” Turner says. “The location is now considered incredibly central, and all the grocery stores are within walking distance.” Whole Foods Market is in Charles River Plaza, and Boston Public Market is the area’s year-round farmers market. Additional options include Star Market and Target. Restaurants are concentrated along Cambridge Street, such as the upscale Ma Maison, which serves classic French fare by Chef Jacky Robert, and The Tip Tap Room is a sophisticated bar with hearty gastropub favorites like steak frites and lamb burgers. All around TD Garden and North Station are taverns, hotels and eateries. Although more of a tourist area, locals still frequent places such as Tavern in the Square and West End Johnnie’s for game nights or live music events. Several blocks east, Quincy Market, which has over 50 eateries, is on the ground floor of Faneuil Hall Marketplace. The building is a former meeting hall built in 1742 that has been converted into a shopping center in the downtown area. Nearby neighborhoods, including Beacon Hill, South End and Chinatown are also full of nightlife and entertainment options.

Star Market is a full grocery store located right under TD Garden at North Station.
Star Market is a full grocery store located right under TD Garden at North Station.
Ma Maison in the West End is beloved for delicious french dishes from escargot to clafoutis.
Ma Maison in the West End is beloved for delicious french dishes from escargot to clafoutis.
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Nearby neighborhoods around downtown Boston

The community is within walking distance of many T stations, including Haymarket, Bowdoin and Charles. The North Station is a hub for Amtrak, the Commuter Rail and the T subway lines. Interstate 93 is right by for easy access, and the Boston Logan International Airport is less than 4 miles away via Massachusetts Route 1A. Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School’s largest teaching hospital, is located in the neighborhood.

The North End is near to North Station, a Boston area transportation hub.
The North End is near to North Station, a Boston area transportation hub.
Commuters breeze out towards Cambridge on the Red Line in West End Boston.
Commuters breeze out towards Cambridge on the Red Line in West End Boston.
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Boston Public Schools

West End is served by Boston Public Schools, which participates in school choice. As the oldest operating school since its opening in 1713, the Eliot K-8 Innovation School has an A-minus Niche rating and offers enrichment classes in robotics and engineering, Italian language and culture, as well as woodworking and bookbinding. Quincy Elementary School, which serves students from kindergarten through fifth grade, and Quincy Upper School, both score a B. Snowden International School at Copley is an IB World School and rates a B-minus. Many private schools are also around the area, including the Torit Montessori School and St John School.

Josiah Quincy Elementary School is located in the Chinatown neighborhood of Boston.
Josiah Quincy Elementary School is located in the Chinatown neighborhood of Boston.
Snowden International School at Copley in Boston has an overall grade of B- on Niche.
Snowden International School at Copley in Boston has an overall grade of B- on Niche.
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Events in Boston

Home to the Boston Bruins, TD Garden is New England’s largest comprehensive entertainment and sports arena, hosting a variety of headliner concerts and sporting events. Locals can walk to the area and grab dinner before heading to the venue for a show. Another option is to attend a live band performance at Big Night Live, a prominent music hall right next door. The Otis House Museum is a 1798 historic building that gives guided tours and discussions on post-Revolution, and residents interested in local history can visit the West End Museum. Boston Common organizes many community events, including social coffee hours and recreational classes such as tai chi and yoga at the park. Throughout the city, Boston is known for its city-wide parades, including the Boston Pride for the People Parade and Festival and the Boston Marathon.

Found on the Canal is taken place in West End, Boston.
Found on the Canal is taken place in West End, Boston.
Game day at TD Garden is an always event in the West End.
Game day at TD Garden is an always event in the West End.
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Christina Xu
Written By
Christina Xu
Colin Gee
Photography Contributed By
Colin Gee
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Brandon Flash Craigie

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 Nicole Blanchard, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

General Edward Lawrence Logan International

8 min drive

Subway

Science Park Station

Subway

Charles/Mgh Station

Train

North Station

Subway

North Station

Bus

Causeway St & North Station

Bus

Portland St & Causeway St

Bus

N Washington St & Medford St

Bus

Causeway St & Medford St

Crime and Safety

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

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$694,500
Median Single Family Price
$849,999
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$1,144,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$685,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$829
Number of Homes for Sale
29
Last 12 months Home Sales
68
Months of Supply
5.10
Median List Price
$779,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
20%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,144
Median Year Built
1967
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,586
Below the national average
1,936
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,361
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,266
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
795
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
622
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
1,306

Open Houses

  • Saturday, May 3
    12:30 - 1:30pm

    6 Whittier Place Unit 3G, Boston, MA 02114

    $429,900

    • 1 Bath
    • 602 Sq Ft
    • 6 Whittier Place
    • Unit 3G
    • New 7 days ago

    AMAZING LOCATION! WEST END! Updated and Modern! Gorgeous kitchen with granite counters, stainless appliances and beautiful tile floors. Light and Bright! Private bedroom, separate den/office and updated bathroom. Tons of storage with custom closets. Located in a full service professionally managed building with 24/7 security and concierge. Heat, hot water and AC included in HOA. Located

    Marci Giorgio Amo Realty - Boston City Properties

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  • Sunday, May 4
    2 - 3pm

    121 Portland St Unit 503, Boston, MA 02114

    $799,999

    • 1 Bed
    • 2 Baths
    • 810 Sq Ft
    • 121 Portland St
    • Unit 503
    • New 22 days ago

    Experience urban luxury at Forecaster 121! This exceptional 1.5-bed, 2-bath unit boasts an open floor plan, high ceilings, and luxurious bamboo flooring. The spacious bonus room is perfect as a study or flex space. Nestled at the edge of Greenway, just steps from Faneuil Hall, this home offers a large living area, an open kitchen with a breakfast bar. The primary suite is complete with a walk-in

    Louise Touchette Coldwell Banker Realty - Lynnfield

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  • Sunday, May 4
    2 - 3pm

    121 Portland St Unit 205, Boston, MA 02114

    $849,999

    • 1 Bed
    • 1.5 Baths
    • 954 Sq Ft
    • 121 Portland St
    • Unit 205

    Experience urban luxury at Forecaster 121! Exceptional 1-bed|1.5 -bath unit boasts an open floor plan, high 11'ceilings & luxurious Plyboo flooring. Enjoy access to a fully equipped fitness studio, inviting club rm for business/social gatherings, & peace of mind w/24-hour concierge service. Bask in the beauty of this unit's captivating views, generously adorned w/oversized windows that flood the

    Louise Touchette Coldwell Banker Realty - Lynnfield

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Condo Buildings

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

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
8,930
Median Age
37
Population Density
96 ppl/acre
Population under 18
15.2%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.1%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$136,991
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$161,010

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
94.3%
College Graduates
77.7%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
40%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
70.9%

Weather

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

Area Factors

Very Bikeable

Bike Score®

88 / 100

Walker's Paradise

Walk Score®

92 / 100

Rider's Paradise

Transit Score®

100 / 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
West End