A fresh start for the community around a historic Massachusetts mill
The South Common neighborhood of Lawrence, Massachusetts, centers around the O’Connell South Common, a 12-acre park that gives the community its name. It is predominantly made up of large multi-family dwellings constructed to house workers at the Ayer textile mill along the banks of the Merrimack River. For many years, this impressive 1,500-foot-long building sat dormant after the mill shut down. However, in 2023 a revitalization push saw the reopening of the building as the Riverwalk Apartments and Lofts, a luxury condo space designed to cater to the young professionals who have started to warm up to the neighborhood’s potential. “With the elevated prices we’re seeing in other communities, a lot of people are moving to Lawrence as opposed to Andover down the street,” says Vivien Marcus, associate broker with Keller Williams, who has lived in the area for 25 years. “The area has a lot of appeal as an up-and-coming district.” The rejuvenation project has brought trendy eateries and fitness centers to South Common while also sparking success for small businesses further afield from the mill building. The overall effect of these efforts has been to breathe new life into the community, with results that developers and locals alike hope are a sign of things to come.
Triple-layered multi-family homes south of the Merrimack River
Multifamily homes are most common in this neighborhood, many built between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They often possess Victorian and colonial architectural features and sit close together on the densely clustered city streets, adorned with small patches of fenced-in yard to either side. Buyers will find these priced from around $600,000 to about $850,000, with some of the larger properties climbing over $1 million. Detached single-family Cape Cod homes and Dutch gambrel colonials can be found in the northeasternmost corner of the neighborhood. Lots here are still small but are large enough to accommodate above-ground pools in backyards. Some boast stubby driveways, though street parking is more usual. These homes tend to cost between $365,000 and $600,000 depending on the number of bedrooms and the condition of the property. The development of the Riverwalk area has also led to an increase in apartment construction. “A lot of the historic mill buildings along the river have been refurbished into apartments,” Marcus says. These units come in one- and two-bedroom options and feature quick access to fitness centers and retail space. Much of the neighborhood, from the apartments to the homes, sits in the flood zone of the Merrimack River, so prospective owners should be aware of potential water damage to properties.
A row of triple decker multifamily homes in South Common are painted in a variety of colors.
The Merrimack River, near South Common, was a vital artery during the Industrial Revolution.
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Diverse cultural offerings throughout South Common
A web of sidewalks connects the packed residential areas of South Common to the many businesses that likewise occupy space in the neighborhood. Several blocks along South Union Street are lined with small grocery stores like Amables Supermarket and Tropical Mini Market, which offer a combination of fresh produce and prepared hot food throughout the year. World cuisine is available from dedicated restaurants along this road, from American fare such as burgers and onion rings at Hayes Tavern to Dominican empanadas and quipes just across the street at Empanadas Oleaga. Fresh fish at Saigon Market, macaroons at Heng Hai Boba Tea and classic takeout options at Paisano’s Pizzeria complete the picture. Other shopping needs can be satisfied at North Andover Mall, home to a more conventional supermarket in Market Basket and The Purple Couch Bookshop, which has been actively encouraging community readership since it opened in October of 2023. “We host weekly story times, three monthly book clubs, author events like book signings and more,” says Shelley Thompson, a manager at the store. Readers are the shop’s primary clientele, but like-minded hobbyists also meet up here. “There’s a Warhammer group that comes to paint models and play tabletop games together as well,” Thompson continues. “That’s our only non-book-related event at the moment, but we’re happy to host other game nights if folks are interested.”
Hayes Tavern in South Lawrence boasts being the oldest bar in town.
Stop by the Essex Market for groceries, a Spanish American super market in South Common.
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Accelerated education pathways in the Lawrence Public School District
Children in South Common may attend John Breen School for kindergarten, which earns a B-minus from Niche and has operated in the community for over 100 years. For grades 1 through 5 they can then attend South Lawrence East Elementary before proceeding to Spark Academy for grades 6 through 8, both rated C-minus and occupying the same building on Osgood Street. Lawrence High is the closest public high school option. It scores a B-minus and is located on Parish Road, making it walkable from most homes in the neighborhood. Another nearby choice is Abbott Lawrence Academy, an independent accelerated honors high school founded in 2015. The school operates within the Lawrence Public School District and partners with Merrimack College in North Andover to offer an early college program for juniors and seniors. All courses on the curriculum are either advanced honors or Advanced Placement classes.
Street hockey on the common and football on the rooftop
O’Connell South Common, from which the neighborhood draws its name, sits at the north end of the community. It offers two baseball diamonds, a street hockey rink, shaded outdoor basketball courts and an interlacing knot of walking paths woven through its two blocks of green space. Shawseen Park, located behind the elementary school, features four baseball fields and is within walking distance of Lt. Colonel Edward J. Higgins Swimming Pool, open annually from mid-June to mid-August. Among the newer features of the neighborhood is the massive Riverwalk Pavilion complex along the banks of the Merrimack River, which won the 2023 CoStar Impact Award for the best commercial development in the Boston market. “The Pavilion is mixed-use. There’s some residential space, and Lupoli Companies, the developer, is working on getting businesses involved,” Marcus says. “It’s part of a rejuvenation project for Lawrence that has been happening for a while now.” Among the most innovative features of the Pavilion is the full-size multi-purpose athletic field on the complex’s roof. Lupoli Companies donated use of the field to youth athletics organizations in Lawrence such as the Pop Warner football and Beyond Soccer programs.
Come to O'Connell South common to play a game of basketball.
O'Connell South Common playground in South Lawrence.
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Perpetual construction on the interstate
Lawrence Station on the Haverhill train line is located north of O’Connell South Common. From here, residents can make the trip to North Station in Boston in just under an hour. The closest major highway is Interstate 495, which winds north 23 miles to join with Interstate 95 and swoops a wide 72 miles through eastern Mass. down to Foxborough and beyond. In April 2024, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation initiated a four-year project to replace six bridges between Lawrence and Andover, which is anticipated to cause traffic disruptions for the next four years. “It’s an ongoing thing that you deal with here,” Marcus laughs. “I’ve lived here for many years, and I don’t think I can remember a time when 495 wasn’t under construction.” Interstate 93, which cuts south 30 miles to Logan International Airport and north through New Hampshire and Vermont, is also close by. For local travel, the number 9 bus line weaves through the neighborhood and ferries passengers to North Andover Mall in around 20 minutes. Other bus lines heading across the Merrimack River into the heart of Lawrence or to Lawrence General Hospital can be picked up at Lawrence Station.
Commuters board the MBTA commuter train at Lawrence Station in South Common.
The Route 9 bus serves South Common residents with stops along South Union Street.
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Musical nights by the Merrimack River
On Fridays, the Tavern on Merrimack, across the street from the Riverwalk Lofts, comes alive with dancing. A house DJ helps keep the party going from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. regularly and participates in other events throughout the week. Local bands take over the tavern’s patio on Saturdays for live music nights. The Lawrence Public Library allows prospective comedians to test out their material at occasional workshops. Otherwise, residents can head into Boston on the Haverhill Line train, which runs directly to North Station at TD Garden for Bruins and Celtics matchups or national concert tours.
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
Jim Serino,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Lawrence Heritage State Park
Bike Trails
Fishing
Picnic Area
Costello Park
Bike Trails
Picnic Area
Trails
O'Connell South Common
John P. Kane Park
Bike Trails
Picnic Area
Trails
Shawsheen Park
Pemberton State Park
O'Neil Park
Stockton Park
Transit
Airport
Manchester Boston Regional
43 min drive
Train
Lawrence
Bus
Parker Street & Springfield Street - Molin Building
Bus
Winthrop Avenue & Cambridge Street
Bus
Loring Street & Greenfield Street
Bus
Merrimack Street - Cambridge College
Bus
Amesbury Street & Parker Street
Bus
Riverwalk
Bus
Parker Street & Abbott Street
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
South Common
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
7
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
6
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in South Common, Lawrence sell after 9 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in South Common, Lawrence over the last 12 months is $526,125, up 33% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover an exceptional investment opportunity with this versatile multi-use property, featuring a blend of new construction and existing residences. Enjoy four beautifully designed residential units, including two newly constructed open-space units with 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, and central AC. Additionally, there are two spacious units offering 3 bedrooms and 1 bath each. Complementing the
Welcome to Riverwalk Lofts, where upscale, urban chic meets historic charm. Located in the heart of Lawrence’s bustling Riverwalk Innovation District, these brand-new 1- and 2-bedroom loft apartments redefine luxury living. Featuring exposed brick, 16-foot ceilings, and 12-foot windows, each apartment is designed to impress. Indulge in updated kitchens with quartz countertops, custom cabinetry,
Spacious 4-Bedroom Apartment for Rent in Lawrence, MA. Welcome to this charming and spacious 4-bedroom apartment, perfectly situated in the heart of Lawrence, MA. This apartment is ideal for families or professionals looking for comfortable living with easy access to all the amenities the city has to offer. Good sized bedrooms with ample closet space, perfect for restful nights. Bright and Airy
Proudly introducing Riverwalk Apartments, a community full of character and charm. Our Lawrence, MA, apartments are built to inspire, and this shows as much in their timeless style as it does in their versatile floor plans and lifestyle-oriented amenities. Best of all, they are part of the thriving live-work-play hub known as the Riverwalk Innovation District, which puts exciting shopping,
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jim Serino,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
10,532
Median Age
33
Population Density
14 ppl/acre
Population under 18
29.5%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
10.5%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$50,863
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$70,670
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
73.7%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
15.6%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
5.4%
% Population in Labor Force
75%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
49''
Average Winter Low Temperature
20°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
35''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
50/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
85/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
49/ 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.
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.
