South End

Welcome to South End

A diverse community with historic charm

The South End has been a hub of diversity since it was first established as a residential district at the turn of the century. The neighborhood has since preserved its historic charm: ivy climbs the brick walls of Victorian row houses and cast iron scrolls undulate down the stair railings framing many homes’ front stoops.

A family-friendly and diverse neighborhood within range of the Prudential Center and the Back Bay skyline. Victorian row houses and well-maintained sidewalks lend the community a walkable and engaging vibe.

What to Expect

A dynamic neighborhood boasting proximity to great restaurants and cultural institutions

Sidewalks in the South End are well-maintained, making the neighborhood jogger- and stroller-friendly. The area is home to cultural institutions like the Calderwood Pavilion, a mecca for art performance, and residents often scan the community corkboards for local workshops in creative living, from cooking classes at Stir to 3-D knitting.

The Lifestyle

Relaxed, neighborly, and engaged

Saturday mornings unfold slowly in the South End: once the Boston Globe is retrieved from the stoop and the window box blooms are watered, residents amble leisurely to Caffé Nero for a cappuccino, then enjoy brunch at neighborhood favorite Metropolis or freshly baked donuts from Blackbird Donuts.Late afternoon begins with a glass of Pinot Noir at Barcelona Wine Bar or a chilled, salted dozen at B & G Oyster, followed by browsing for antiquities and home accents at Pioneer Goods Co. Evenings are often spent at nearby performance venues or events.

Unexpected Appeal

Charming Victorian architecture—and the dimensions to match

Since many of the houses were built over a century ago, South End residents either excel in the art of simplicity or rent storage space in the city’s outskirts.

The Market

Historic single families, condominiums and rental apartments mixed with modern mid-rise new construction

Most residents of the South End find homes in the neighborhood’s Federal style and bow-front brick row houses, most of which are five or six levels in total. Condominiums could be anything from a single floor penthouse unit to a triplex home that stretches from the garden to the parlor level. The historic housing stock is a mixture of Federal-style townhouses and bow-front brick row houses, coupled with a growing number of newly built modern mid-rises replete with concierge and garage parking.Bay Village is a small, charming enclave within the South End, nestled between the Theater District and Boston Common. Its architecture is of a shorter and more compact variety – two to four stories in mostly Federal style townhouses – though smaller new developments have surfaced in the past several years.

You'll Fall in Love With

Meandering, historic streets and top-notch restaurants

The South End has earned a reputation as one of Boston’s culinary hubs and entrepreneurial restaurateurs have developed the ground floors of several brownstones with modern concept eateries. These are complemented by standard favorites like the classic bistro-bar Aquitaine and neighborhood stalwart Giacomo’s. After a satisfying meal, residents enjoy long, leisurely walks through the historic streets, sharing slate-paved sidewalks with scooter-led children and their neon-sneakered parents.