For many, South Boston (‘Southie’ to locals) is Boston’s soul: deep-rooted, thrumming with energy, forever reinventing itself. Ringed by ocean and sky, flanked by the South End, Seaport, Dorchester and Roxbury, South Boston mixes historic homes with new, luxury architecture—and a healthy dose of neighborhood pride.
The South Boston Real Estate Market
Waves of development throughout the years have given South Boston a truly eclectic look. Originally a peninsula, South Boston was annexed to Boston at the beginning of the 19th century. Plans in 1805 established its street grid (which still exists today) and with landfill, a thriving neighborhood of wood-frame houses.
The coming of railroads and the Civil War brought foundries, machine shops and shipyards. Row houses and two-family homes followed, and by the turn of the 20th century, triple deckers and public housing. Mansions came too, in a variety of revival styles. Today many vintage gems, often beautifully restored, live comfortably amidst breathtaking modern buildings.
Famously gritty in its not-so-distant past, South Boston was once—and in areas still is—densely-populated and very urban. Yet with its reawakened waterfront and stunning new architecture, ‘Southie’ has also become an emblem of Boston’s sparkling, 21st century style.
Lifestyle
Sports-mad, tavern-filled and host to a world-famous St. Patrick’s Day parade, South Boston is known for its Irish roots and cheeky attitude. Traditional ‘Southie’ homes and families go back for generations.
But there’s more to this Boston story. Ever since the Big Dig relocated the Central Artery (and restored waterfront access to the city) professionals and young families have flocked to South Boston. Here, within easy reach of downtown Boston, they’ve discovered a big area rich with possibilities: the West Side’s Andrew Square and Polish Triangle, the East Side’s City Point and Dorchester Heights/Telegraph Hill, Fort Point’s historic warehouses, Seaport’s luxury construction.
And South Boston continues to look forward to what’s next. From its three miles of beaches and beautiful Castle Island to its great restaurants, pulsing nightlife and cultural landmarks, it’s a place of powerful charm. Tap into South Boston and like so many others, you could find yourself permanently at home.
Is Now A Good Time To Buy In South Boston?
Increasingly, the answer is yes. In fact, South Boston has become one of Boston’s modern success stories. Driven by smart investment in cutting-edge industries like clean tech, information technology and mobile media, property values have soared in the past 15 years. And the trend shows no sign of fading. Today, South Boston presents everything from condos to single and multi-families, plus many “gut” renovations. It’s big enough, varied enough and appealing enough for anyone who wants a great urban experience.