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South Common

South Common

Neighborhood in Lawrence, Massachusetts

Essex County 01843

$560,126 Average Value
$342 Average Price per Sq Ft

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.
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.
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.

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.
Come to O'Connell South common to play a game of basketball.
O'Connell South Common playground in South Lawrence.
O'Connell South Common playground in South Lawrence.
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Hugh Taylor
Written By
Hugh Taylor
Matt Barrett
Photography Contributed By
Matt Barrett
Emily McNamara
Video By
Emily McNamara

Agents Specializing in this Area

  • The Edward Realty Team

    The Edward Realty Team

    Barrett Sotheby's International Realty

    (351) 208-1378

    56 Total Sales

    1 in South Common

    $650,000 Price

    The Edward Realty Team
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  • Jim Serino

    Jim Serino

    Coldwell Banker Realty

    (833) 657-4492

    76 Total Sales

    1 in South Common

    $849,900 Price

    Jim Serino
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  • Treetop Realty Group

    Treetop Realty Group

    Responds Quickly

    Keller Williams Realty

    (781) 670-5559

    266 Total Sales

    4 in South Common

    $420K - $605K Price Range

    Treetop Realty Group
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  • Ian Handel

    Ian Handel

    Responds Quickly

    Ian Handel Real Estate

    (351) 215-0260

    152 Total Sales

    1 in South Common

    $270,000 Price

    Ian Handel
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  • Maureen Moran

    Maureen Moran

    Responds Quickly

    William Raveis R.E. & Home Services

    (351) 215-0895

    88 Total Sales

    1 in South Common

    $325,000 Price

    Maureen Moran
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  • Kyle D'Addieco

    Kyle D'Addieco

    Responds Quickly

    eXp Realty

    (781) 627-3866

    24 Total Sales

    1 in South Common

    $479,000 Price

    Kyle D'Addieco
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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
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to The Edward Realty Team, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

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

South Common Demographics and Home Trends

On average, homes in South Common, Lawrence sell after 8 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in South Common, Lawrence over the last 12 months is $512,500, up 21% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$494,950
Median Sale Price
$512,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$540,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$290,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
-7%
Last 12 months Home Sales
10
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
21%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$342

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
662
Median Year Built
1920
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,542
Significantly below the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,998
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,088
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
823
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
5,227

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

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Homes for Rent

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Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to The Edward Realty Team, 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

Good Transit

Transit Score®

51 / 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.

Learn How Walk Score Works

Nearby Neighborhoods

South West
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Colonial Heights
Colonial Heights

A single-family housing market and rich Latino culture in Colonial Heights

North Common
North Common

Riverside neighborhood lined with international restaurants

Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon

Well-maintained homes across the Merrimack River from downtown Lawrence

Arlington
Arlington

A diverse and welcoming community in Lawrence

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Reviews

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Massachusetts Essex County Lawrence
South Common
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 Common
The Edward Realty Team
Barrett Sotheby's International Realty
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The Edward Realty Team
The Edward Realty Team
Barrett Sotheby's International Realty
Agent experienced in this area
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