Multi-unit homes with access to downtown and riverside park
The community of South West is known for its housing options and access to parks. Though it is a small area, the neighborhood is situated just south of Lawrence and the Merrimack River and has an abundance of relatively affordable multi-unit and triple-decker homes. “You see a lot of people moving to the area because they have friends or family that live nearby, but choose the Lawrence area for its prices,” says Emmanuel Frias, a Realtor with Home Realty Group who has been serving the Methuen and Lawrence areas since 2016. This compact community may have little yard space, but it makes up for it by being a short distance from Riverfront Park, a popular Lawrence greenspace with walking trails, sports fields and a public boat ramp. When it comes to dining and shopping, locals can hop in the car to one of the many fast and casual chains along Broadway or head into downtown Lawrence for local restaurants and cafes.
Many different home styles line the streets of the South West neighborhood.
South West sits close to the bustling downtown Lawrence.
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Triple Deckers and multi-unit homes near the Merrimack River
Occasional single-family residences or turn-of-the-century Colonial Revivals and Cape Cods dot the streets of South West, but most of the housing market consists of multi-family units and triple-deckers built between the late 1880s and mid-1950s. Front yards are rare for the community, and the sidewalks immediately give way to multi-family triplexes with three levels of front decks. Single-family homes can range from $400,000 to $650,000, and condos often fetch between $250,000 and $550,000. Several multi-unit homes are also available around the neighborhood, ranging from $700,000 to $950,000, which Frias says also draws in a lot of investors. Several parts of the South West area are at risk of flooding, and some lenders may require buyers to purchase flood insurance.
Lawrence boasts multi-family homes that blends comfort and city living.
You'll find larger three-story properties throughout the South West area.
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Riverfront State Park and Donovan Park
Riverfront State Park is the primary park here, with tennis courts, a baseball diamond and a large, colorful playset. The park also features several trails that weave through the trees and offer views of the Merrimack River. The park has a public boat ramp and is also home to the Greater Lawrence Community Boating Program, which has provided safe boating instruction for over 25 years. At the renovated Donovan Park, on the southern end of the neighborhood, there are new play structures.
Be sure to give your dog a good scratch as you take a break during your walk in South West.
South West locals love to play a game of pick-up basketball at Riverfront Park.
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Lawrence Public Schools and technical education options
South West students can start their education in the community at the Emily G. Wetherbee School, which receives a C-minus rating on Niche. They can then continue to Frost Middle School, which earns a C, before finishing up at the B-minus-rated Lawrence High School. There, students can join the school's “After Dark Program,” where they can head to the Greater Lawrence Technical School for vocational and technical education opportunities from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
A view of the back corner of the historic Lawrence High School near South West.
Greater Lawrence Technical School is located on River Road in Andover.
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Spring carnivals and the Bread & Roses Festival
The city of Lawrence hosts several annual events for residents of South West. In mid-May, the community comes together for the Lawrence Spring Carnival, which takes place over four days and features classic carnival games, rides and food vendors. In the fall, people gather for the Bread & Roses Heritage Festival, which celebrates the city's cultural diversity and labor history on the anniversary of the famous textile strike of 1912. The event includes social justice presentations, historic workshops, craft vendors and arts performances.
Broadway’s access to major Massachusetts interstates
Broadway, also known as State Route 28, is the main road for the South West community for several reasons. While the strip has several shopping and dining options, its primary use is leading commuters to Interstate 495 to the south and Interstate 93 to the east. Boston and the New Hampshire Border are about 12 miles away. While most people drive, area sidewalks allow for a small space for pedestrians to walk dogs and push strollers. The Lawrence Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority Commuter Rail Station is less than 2 miles from the neighborhood allowing for a trip to Boston in just under an hour. Boston Logan International Airport is 28 miles to the south, and Lawrence General Hospital is 2 miles away, just across the Merrimack River.
You'll know you're near your home in South West when you see this infamous Lawrence clocktower.
Commuters can take the train from Lawrence to Boston.
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Popular neighboring local Lawrence eateries
Lawrence is well known for its Latin American shops and restaurants, and some of the city’s more popular spots are just a short drive from the South West neighborhood. La Grekka Café Art & Lounge is closer to the community and offers an interior that rivals many art museums. The café has several craft sandwiches, pastries and coffee options. At Terra Luna, diners can eat steak and sip mojitos on the open-air patio. "These places are my personal favorite because they are in more of a professional setting. It is quiet enough where you can sit down and have a chat with clients along with good food and drink,” Frias says. Locals are also just a short walk from the Riverwalk Innovation District, a newer part of the Lawrence area with renovated spaces for apartments, retail and medical services. Residents can shop at the Market Basket across the Merrimack River.
Be sure to take a look at the art inside La Grekka Cafe before heading home to South West.
Groups love to gather for dinner and drinks at Terra Luna near South West.
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Lawrence gas leaks and renovations
In the long history of the South West community, residents have experienced challenging times. In 2018, a series of natural gas explosions caused by excess pressure in the lines rocked the area, forcing 30,000 residents across Merrimack Valley to evacuate their homes. “The community came together during that time,” says Jefri Liriano, broker and team leader of the Liriano Team with Keller Williams Success. Since then, Liriano says that Columbia Gas has completely replaced and rebuilt the heating systems, plumbing and electrical lines in homes across the riverfront.
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
Campagnone Common
Lawrence Riverfront State Park
Lawrence Heritage State Park
Bike Trails
Fishing
Picnic Area
O'Connell South Common
John P. Kane Park
Bike Trails
Picnic Area
Trails
Pemberton State Park
Donovan Park
O'Neil Park
Transit
Airport
Manchester Boston Regional
42 min drive
Bus
Newton Street & Salem Street
Bus
Beacon Street & Glenn Street
Bus
Beacon Street & Amherst Street
Bus
Newton Street & Atkinson Street
Bus
Andover Street & Beacon Street
Bus
S Broadway & Groton Street
Bus
S Broadway & Salem Street
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
South West
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
7
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
South West Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in South West, Lawrence sell after 22 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in South West, Lawrence over the last 12 months is $445,250, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Check this one out! Are you looking for the best value in this current market? This 2 family need your love and care to bring it back to its former glory. 4/2/1 per apartment. Great for owner occupy or beginner investor. OH / Group showing Sunday June 15 at 11 to 2pm.
**Buyers financing fell through, now it's your chance to purchase this affordable home!** Introducing the perfect two-family home for a young starting family or investment in this historic gem! It features one bedroom on the first floor, allowing you to pay your mortgage with the two-bedroom apartment above. The beautiful yard is ideal for family gatherings. It offers convenient access to
Lead certified recently updated 2bd 1b apartment for lease. Heat & Hot water included in the rent. New Stove, Refrigerator & Dishwasher, Quartz countertop, new flooring and freshly painted apartment is looking for new Tenant's. Apartment is located Andover town line and close proximity to major highway, shopping center, school and many more. Laundry facility in the building and also 1 assigned
Property Id: 1803604Welcome home to this freshly updated 3-bedroom, 1-bath apartment located on a quiet residential street in South Lawrence.Step into a bright and airy living space featuring refinished hardwood and laminate floors, large windows, and clean neutral tones throughout. The kitchen has been fully refurbished, boasting new appliances, fresh white cabinetry, and stylish
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
8,084
Median Age
35
Population Density
12 ppl/acre
Population under 18
28%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
12.5%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$51,472
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$64,921
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
72.6%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
13.8%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
6.3%
% Population in Labor Force
74.3%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
49''
Average Winter Low Temperature
20°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
35''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
48/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
73/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
39/ 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.
