Lynn

Austin Square is smaller and less commercial than other parts of Lynn, and a big part of its charm lies in its location. “It’s all about access to Boston — you can get to Boston and Logan Airport easily,” says Tyson Lynch, a broker and Realtor with The Proper Nest Real Estate, a 30-year North Shore resident. “Austin Square is mostly residential, so homeowners can find more privacy and easier parking than downtown. The vibrancy of Lynn is on your doorstep, though.” Single-family bungalows with tidy front lawns border the expansive green space at Hood Playground, and a blend of townhouses and late-1900s homes line the winding Saugus River. Austin Square is one of the closest Lynn neighborhoods to Boston, which allows for shorter travel times. For those who prefer to drive the 11-mile distance to Boston, Lincoln Avenue links up with U.S. Route 1. Though there are commuter rail stations in downtown Lynn, Lynch says that he would recommend driving to the Wonderland subway station in Revere, which is around 5 miles south. The Lynn Ferry Terminal is just over 2 miles from the community, and the ferry ride into Boston takes about 40 minutes. Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority bus stops along Summer and Boston Streets allow for travel around the greater Lynn area as well. Boston Logan International Airport is less than 9 miles away, and it offers direct flights to more than 140 locations around the world. Austin Square offers a good percentage of single-family homes, many of which have off-street parking. “Housing runs a gamut from older, late 1800s homes to newer, post-World War II homes," Lynch says. Two- and three-bedroom Colonial Revivals are usually priced between $500,000 and $650,000. Surrounding Hood Park are early 1900s bungalows and Cape Cod-style residences from the 1950s. Buyers might find a modest two-bedroom house in need of repairs in the $400,000 range and updated five-bedroom options may near $650,000. “There are some side streets where people have larger, manicured lawns, but most homes are on compact lots that are easy to maintain,” Lynch says. There are also entry-level one-bedroom condo units along the Saugus River and two-bedroom townhouse units. Most units sell between $400,000 and $600,000. Homebuyers who are looking to supplement their mortgage with rental income might find entire multifamily buildings priced between $700,000 and just over $1 million. Austin Square students are part of Lynn Public Schools, a district that serves more than 15,000 students with a student-teacher ratio of 12-to-1. At Callahan Elementary School, which earns a C on Niche, students can participate in extracurricular robotics and literacy clubs or contribute to the school’s newspaper. Breed Middle School also receives a C rating. Classical High School holds a B-minus score. Classical High’s Advanced Placement offerings in subjects such as Latin, microeconomics and calculus allow learners to get a leg up on their college admission requirements. Many Austin Square homes border Hood Park, where kids can practice their shots on the basketball court or join the Lynn Youth Soccer league. Younger children can climb around on the playground. Along the southern edge of the neighborhood is the Northern Strand & Lynn Community Path, a 10-mile paved rail trail that connects cyclists and runners to Saugus and other nearby towns. Lynch says that Nahant Beach and Lynn Woods are also popular among all Lynn residents. Both are around 5 miles from Austin Square. Austin Square’s restaurant scene includes more independent businesses than chain offerings. PapiVivi, a small casual restaurant on Boston Street, specializes in Puerto Rican-style tripleta sandwiches packed with melty cheese and seasoned meats. At Casa Metapan Restaurant, diners can stop in for a breakfast of huevos rancheros or sit down for a hearty meal of carne asada. In downtown Lynn, a 2-mile drive from most homes, restaurants include The Blue Ox, serving up its prize-winning Sin Burger, and Rossetti Restaurant, where diners can enjoy Italian food by candlelight. Home chefs can find a Market Basket about 1 mile east of the community. Many homes along the Saugus River lie within flood-prone areas, meaning that homebuyers might need to purchase flood insurance. The Environmental Protection Agency recently determined that the Saugus River contains bacteria and oil. The EPA does not advise swimming or boating in it. In 2020, plans were drawn up to improve the river's quality, restore animal habitats and increase drainage to lower the risk of flooding.

Large ponds, the country’s second-largest park and popular shopping destinations surround the Upper Walnut Street neighborhood. “It’s a quiet suburb community with easy access to parks and shopping,” says Colleen Toner, the broker and owner of Toner Real Estate, LLC. Residents relax in their Cape Cod homes after a long day of enjoying the outdoors or visiting nearby restaurants. Toner says locals move to the area to find more affordable homes than those in Boston while still having access to the busy city with U.S. Route 1 nearby. Single-family ranch homes, raised ranches and Cape Cods fill the Upper Walnut Street neighborhood. “A few new townhouses are being built, but most homes are Cape Cods from the 1950s,” says Toner. Cars often sit on uncovered driveways or in the street. Light-colored siding and shingle roofs make the homes stand out against the nearby clusters of trees. A three-bedroom Cape Cod can sell for $450,000. A Colonial Revival with four bedrooms and a moderate yard can sell for $780,000 or more. Many homes sell within a week, but a few might sit on the market for up to a month. Residents of Upper Walnut Street have plenty of shopping and dining destinations to try out. “There’s a lot of local flavor with all the nearby restaurants,” says Toner. Closer to Lynn, The Lido Café, Old Tyme Italian Cuisine and Tony’s Pub & Grill serve hungry guests hand-crafted dishes. Locals can order ahead at Pamino’s Pizza and Roast Beef or sit down for a slice. When it’s time to stock up on groceries, homeowners visit Trader Joe's or the recently built Market Basket. Residents can also drive down Broadway Street to spend the day shopping at the Square One Mall, picking up essentials at Target or gliding around the rink at Roller World. Upper Walnut Street residents are always minutes away from exciting annual events. Locals head to Saugus every September to join the Founders Day street festival. Guests can see performances from local groups, taste what food vendors serve up and peruse the art stalls. Residents also visit downtown Lynn in April for the Cambodian New Year celebrations or the Greek Festival in September at St. George Greek Orthodox Church. Elementary students attend Julia F. Callahan School before moving on to Breed Middle School, both of which get a C rating from Niche. Classical High School unites the students with talent shows and fundraiser events to support local families. In addition to joining in fun school activities, kids can try out for the state championship-winning girls’ volleyball team or the city championship-winning swim team. Niche gives Classical High a B. North of the neighborhood lies Lynn Woods Reservation, the second-largest park in the country. Guests come to hike or bike over 30 miles of trails, go rock climbing, fish at Birch Pond or ride their horses. Fishing enthusiasts visit Breeds Pond to sit on the rocky shore and catch largemouth bass or yellow perch. Those who want more kid-friendly outdoor options head to the nearby Breed Park or Frey Playground. MBTA buses travel along Walnut Street to take residents to shopping destinations along Broadway Street and downtown Lynn. Locals who work in Boston hop on U.S. Route 1 to get to and from work in less than an hour. Homeowners who want a quick vacation drive 5 miles east to soak up the sun or swim in the ocean at Kings Beach.

Along the shoreline of the glistening Flax Pond is the lakeside Lynn neighborhood, a small, close-knit community of neighbors who love their waterway. Quacking ducks and a humming fountain in the middle of the pond are familiar sounds to wake up to, and residents can sometimes wave to their neighbors as they go by in their boats. Homes in the neighborhood can range from historic Cape Cods along the water to condos and farmhouses lining the quiet streets. The neighborhood is also close to a number of local parks and schools, and dining options are just a quick drive away. For commuting and trips, Lynn has quick access to several roads for drivers and public transportation routes. “It is a very up-and-coming neighborhood,” says Beth Connor of Connor Real Estate, who has served the community for almost 40 years. “A lot of people really want to live here, and it is bringing up the prices.” Lynn is known as a car-friendly neighborhood near Route 107, which runs north to Salem and south to Revere. The neighborhood is just a few minutes from major highways like Route 1 and I-95, which Connor says puts downtown Boston just 20 minutes away. Train service from the Lynn commuter rail station is available into Boston’s North Station. Locals can also use the MBTA bus lines lining Euclid Avenue to head to downtown Lynn. Boston Logan International Airport is 10 miles away, and the Lynn Community Health Center is less than 3 miles to the south. The western end of the neighborhood, often referred to as Wyoma Square, is home to several restaurant and retail options, such as the nearby Four Winds Pub & Grill, located along Sluice Pond. It offers plenty of patio seating on and off the water, where friends can enjoy a seasonal cocktail or their popular ribs. “It is a beautiful place with the views of the water and the food is excellent,” Connor says. Lazy Dog Sports Bar offers another dining option with over a dozen televisions to watch the big game while enjoying steak tips. Neighbors can visit the Stop & Shop less than 2 miles away for groceries. The neighborhood's crown jewel is the pond at its center, with the still water providing a relaxing view from the back porches of many houses, and the area hosts boating lessons and derbies. “There are also always a lot of ducks on the pond in the summer and winter,” Connor says. To the west of the pond, Magnolia Park’s tennis and basketball courts, alongside a playset and field, make it a popular spot for a leisurely afternoon, especially due to its location behind the local elementary school. “The park is so beautiful with the pond right there, and that is the spot where all the local football and baseball teams meet up to play,” Connor says. Flax Pond Playground sits at the pond’s southern end with a playset and splash pad where children can cool off on a hot summer day. Homes around Flax Pond can vary in size, from historic colonial revival homes and Cape Cods dating back to the late 1800s to more modern farmhouses and condos further away from the water’s edge. Homes often sit on larger lots, with houses set more towards the street to allow for backyards that can fit a pool or playset. Prices for condos and townhomes range from $225,000 to $375,000, and single-family homes range from $450,000 to $750,000. Nearby public schools include Sisson Elementary School, which Connor says is “one of the best schools in the city,” along with Pickering Middle School and Lynn English High School. Both the elementary and middle schools are within the neighborhood and just a short walk from home. Pickering Middle School is also building a new campus, as the old one has served the community for over 120 years. All schools receive a “C” rating from Niche. Lynn also has private schools like St. Pius V School, a Catholic institution serving prekindergarten through eighth grade. When it comes to events in the Lynn area, Connor emphasized the city’s 4th of July Event each year, saying it is “the best 4th of July event around,” with block parties and fantastic fireworks displays along Lynn Shore Drive. The city also hosts the Lynn Arts & Culture Festival in August each year, where downtown becomes a mix of live music, food, and arts in multiple locations, with trolleys to help transport residents between them.

Named after the former Richard Fay's Estate, Fay’s Estate is a residential community in the coastal city of Lynn, a place known for its manufacturing roots and cultural diversity. Today, Lynn attracts homebuyers for its relatively more affordable housing stock and accessibility to the Boston Metropolis. “There are a lot of legacy families or people who were born and raised here. You still have an immigrant population that continues to migrate through and grow,” says Albert DiVirgilio, a local broker at RE/MAX 360 and whose father, also named Albert, was mayor of Lynn in the 1980s. “It's always been a good mix, and it’s always been a hardworking community.” Fay’s Estate is mainly comprised of single-story cottages, Cape Cods and ranch styles as well as two-story Colonial Revivals and raised ranches. Primarily built in the late 1800s to mid-1950s, single-family homes with three or four bedrooms usually list between $450,000 and $950,000. Residential streets can be narrow and rustic, with trees sporadically lined against the sidewalks. Properties in designated flood zones may be required to purchase flood insurance. The Lynn Woods Reservation has over 2,200 acres of forested woodlands, a popular cave named Dungeon Rock, several gardens and over 30 miles of trails for recreational horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking. “It’s a nice area for people to go for walks with their dogs, run or walk, and to get away from life,” DiVirgilio says. Manning Field and Fraiser Field sit adjacent to each other and are popular for sports games and practices. Folks can take their dogs to Barkland Avenue Dog Park, and the neighborhood is about 5 miles away from Nahant Bay, which is popular for water activities such as boating or swimming. While the neighborhood is car-dependent, there are several Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority bus stops on Western Ave and Fays Ave. The city also has a commuter rail station at Lynn Interim, and commuters can take the Newburyport/Rockport Line for direct access to Boston. Those who drive can take Massachusetts State Route 1A or Interstate 93 to get to downtown Boston or the Boston Logan International Airport, which are about 12 to 13 miles south of Lynn. Salem Hospital is slightly up north in Salem. The neighborhood also has a crime score of 2 out of 10, which is below the national average score of 4. Young students may attend Aborn Elementary School, which is rated C-plus by Niche. Pickering Middle School and Lynn English High School both score a C. English High partners with Salem State University and North Shore Community College to provide students with early college courses. Popular restaurants around Lynn include Lynnapesaukee Four Winds Pub & Grill, which is known for its wood-fired gastropub fare, and Nightshade Noodle Bar, a trendy fusion eatery serving French and Vietnamese cuisine. Stop & Shop is located along Washington Street. Walmart, Target and Market Basket are in Salem, a town about 2 miles northeast of the neighborhood. The Lynn Arts & Culture Festival features live music, arts and crafts and food and is held in multiple locations around the downtown trolley stops. Additional events include the Youth Pride event and the annual Juneteenth Celebration. In the summertime, the Lynn Carnival comes to the city and has amusement rides, games and food concessions.

Just a stone’s throw away from Downtown Lynn is the Fayette Street neighborhood, a small residential enclave with proximity to nearby public transit, shopping and dining. “We’re proud of Lynn. It’s a proud community,” says Al DiVirgilio, a former Lynn police officer and Realtor with RE/MAX 360. “I’ve never left, and I never plan to.” The city's population is a mixture of longtime residents, immigrants and other new residents looking for an affordable place close to their offices in Boston or Cambridge, DiVirgilio says. “You have longtime residents here now that think the pricing is absolutely crazy, but then you also have others moving into the community who think it’s affordable,” he says. “That’s the shift happening.” Students in this area are zoned for Lynn Public Schools, which receive an overall C rating from Niche. Right across from the neighborhood is the Lynn Mosque/Masjid – North Shore Islamic Center, which was the first Mosque ever established in the North Shore, Massachusetts area. Downtown Lynn and the Lynn Interim commuter rail station are less than a mile away, and the Swampscott train station is just around the corner on Columbia Street. Soraya Cacici, a former Lynn resident and broker/owner with Nest Forward, says the commuter rail runs along the Newburyport/Rockport line, which connects to Boston’s North Station. “In 20 minutes, you can be in Downtown Boston, or you could drive in the opposite direction and find more rural New England areas,” she says. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), which locals simply refer to as the ‘T’, also operates bus services in Lynn and has multiple routes with stops in the Fayette Street neighborhood. Route 107 and Route 129 are main roads traveling through the area, with Route 129 traveling north to connect with Interstate 95. Fayette Street is a mix of renters and owners, with most of the residential property consisting of single-family and multifamily homes. Multifamily properties are often split into separate condos by floor level, making them two-family or three-family residences. Lining the streets are a mix of colonial-style and traditional homes with front-facing gables and vinyl siding. Some homes also feature bay windows and front porches; although there are a couple of driveways scattered throughout the neighborhood, street parking is available and common here. Single-family homes in this neighborhood tend to range in price between $450,000 and $650,000, while some multifamily properties can cost as much as $850,000. There are a handful of local convenience stores in and around the Fayette Street area, including Stop and Compare Market and Merengue Market; at both stores, residents can find a selection of basic groceries and fresh produce items. At the intersection of Essex and Fayette Street is Tony Tipico, a Dominican eatery that offers takeout and delivery. A few blocks away is Crown Fried Chicken, a local chain specializing in Halal foods. For additional dining options, residents can head to the nearby downtown area: “Downtown Lynn is up-and-coming right now; it’s a really artsy place with a large Latino population. There are lots of local restaurants and murals around the downtown area,” says Javier Hurtado Grandon, Realtor with Keller Williams Boston MetroWest. “There’s a bunch of cafes and bars – the Blue Ox restaurant is fantastic, it’s a bistro-style place with great food. There’s also One Mighty Mill, where they use a giant stone to make live flour for their bagels, which is very healthy.” Within the Fayette Street neighborhood is Ingalls Elementary School, which serves kindergarten through fifth grade and earns a C-minus rating from Niche. Ingalls Elementary also features an on-site urban farm that educates local students about agriculture and community food gardens. Thurgood Marshall Middle School is situated only a couple of blocks away from the neighborhood and is also rated C-minus. The C-rated Lynn English High School is also located nearby and collaborates with community colleges and universities to offer Early College courses. Attached to Lynn English High School is Keaney Memorial Park, a large outdoor athletic complex featuring tennis courts, baseball fields, basketball courts and soccer fields; the park also has a small playground area and public restrooms. Residents are also close to Kiley Playground, which has shaded picnic tables and a splash pad where kids can cool off in the summertime. Fayette Street is less than a mile away from the coastline and King’s Beach, which connects to Lynn Beach farther south. “People go to Lynn Beach, but they more often go to Revere Beach and Nahant Beach,” Hurtado Grandon says. Both Nahant Beach and Revere Beach offer more sandy shorelines that make for a relaxing day by the water.

Settled in 1629, Lynn is one of the oldest towns in Massachusetts, making it one of the oldest in the United States. Since the beginning, the Chatham Street neighborhood was home to some of Lynn’s earliest elementary schools, railroad bridges and commercial developments. Today, Chatham Street still occupies the geographical center of Massachusetts's 8th largest town, offering affordability and convenience just minutes north of Boston. “One of Lynn’s most attractive points is its low housing price for its proximity to Boston,” says Jose Rojas, who has been a Boston Realtor with over 20 years of experience at Success! Real Estate. “This is a hot market as it has lots of multi-family homes, commuter rail access and is about 20 minutes away from Boston and the Logan Airport.” Chatham Street is also halfway between the Lynn Woods Reservation and Nahant Bay, making it easy for residents to access both the beach and miles of peaceful and green trails in 1 to 3 miles. Recreational opportunities are available near the picturesque residential ponds surrounding the western borders of Chatham Street. The public tennis courts and playgrounds at Flax Pond Park bustle with activity on weekends, and older residents gather at the Flax Pond Rest Area to catch up with friends while feeding the ducks. On the other side of Flax Pond, Magnolia Park offers basketball courts and a large multi-use field for rec leagues and sandlot-style baseball games. Locals also take advantage of Keaney Park on the campus of Lynn English High School, where the track and playground are open to the public when classes are not in session. About 3 miles to the west, the Lynn Woods Reservation has over 2,200 acres of forestland and over 30 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. Those who like the water can head 1 mile south toward the Lynn Shore & Nahant Beach Reservation, where people can swim in the ocean at Lynn Beach, go boating or sunbathe. There is a boardwalk that stretches along the shores for walks or runs, a playground and an athletic field for sports. The neighborhood streets are almost exclusively residential, and front yards are rare in Chatham Street. Most houses sit close to the well-maintained sidewalks and are separated from one another by narrow driveways and tall hedges. Single-family colonials with New England embellishments dominate the housing market, and are defined by their sharply pitched roofs, gabled windows, porticos and stairs that lead into the sidewalks. Typically around 1,500 square feet, single-family Victorian-era homes usually list from $400,000 to $650,000. Larger multi-family properties, many converted from triple-deckers or three-story homes, fetch between $700,000 and $850,000. Investors can rent out all the individual units, or occupy one floor and lease the adjoining sections. “It’s a great place for a starter home,” says Paul Atwood, a real estate salesperson with Return Realty Group. “You get a lot more bang for your buck, especially when home prices and interest rates are high.” The eclectic mix of international markets and convenience stores makes it easy to grab a few quick items around Chatham Street, though major retailers and big box stores require a short drive down Essex Street. The Merengue Market and Alnour Market provide hard-to-find Mexican and Middle Eastern items, respectively. Sitting adjacent to Keaney Park, Stop and Compare is a Latin-American grocery store known for being reasonably priced while providing a good meat and produce selection. Within the neighborhood, there are a couple of fried chicken places, including Yas Chicken and Crown Fried Chicken. Additional restaurants are located along Essex Street, including the seafood spot Charlie’s, the authentic Italian place Antique Table and Tony Tipico for Dominican fare. Buchanan’s Cafe is Chatham Street’s favorite local bar, home to happy hour prices, generous pours and live music. Residents can drive 2 miles east down Essex Street for the Swampscott Mall, which has Stop & Shop, big-box retailers such as HomeGoods and more restaurant options. Even though most parts of the neighborhood have sidewalks, most people still choose to drive for work, errands and shopping trips. Commuters can take Massachusetts Route 1A, which is near the south end of Chatham Street, and get to Boston or the Boston Logan International Airport in 10 to 12 miles. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Lynn Interim Station is in downtown, and the Newburyport/Rockport Line is three stops from Boston’s North Station. There are also MBTA bus routes throughout the city, and Salem Hospital is 3.5 miles northeast of the community. Students in Chatham Street may attend Ingalls Elementary School or Hood Elementary School, both of which have a C-minus Niche grade. Students can then continue to the C-minus Thurgood Marshall Middle School, and finish secondary education at Lynn English High School, which has a C. Named after the first African American justice of the Supreme Court, Marshall Middle School offers summer camp to its students, including a math academy, programs for robotics, technology, creative arts, as well as field trips and games. As a school with many students who speak English as a second language, English High offers an English Learner Program in addition to providing AP courses as well as curriculums in applied technology and computer science. The Lynn Arts & Culture Festival takes place in the summer with trolley rides, live music, face-painting for children and a beer garden. Local vendors set up tent shops to display and showcase their crafted goods. There are also more community events that take place around the city, including free movie nights and concerts at public parks, the Final Fridays art workshops and holiday celebrations for Juneteenth as well as youth pride.