The South End is one of the premier neighborhoods in Boston. This tree-lined neighborhood is known for its historic properties, brick sidewalks, restaurants, shopping, art galleries, and many small parks. Geographically, the South End is located between Back Bay and South Boston and is in close proximity to the theater district, Chinatown, Beacon Hill, and downtown Boston. The neighborhood extends from Massachusetts Avenue on the west to Berkley Street on the east, and north tosouth from Columbus Avenue to Albany Street. 
This diverse neighborhood is home to folks from all walks of life, including singles, young families, working professionals, and empty-nesters. Major tenants in the neighborhood include Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine. Residents of the South End inhabit a mix of historic brick townhomes, modern loft-style properties, and full-service condominiums. Nearby parks, playgrounds, and community gardens all add to the neighborhood's charm.
The neighborhood’s restaurants, bars, galleries, and boutiques line Columbus Avenue, Tremont Street, and Washington Street. The South End's diversity is reflected in the variety of restaurants and cafes. Choices include Thai, Mexican, French, Italian, Indian, and American, just to name a few. Theater options include City Stage Co. and the Boston Center for Performing Arts. The SoWa District on Harrison Avenue is filled with art galleries and artist's studios, and on Sundays between the spring and early fall, it hosts the SoWa Open Market, which attracts artisans and shoppers from all over the city.
The South End is well served by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), with an orange line subway stop on Massachusetts Avenue; Silver Line (Bus) along Washington Street, and bus lines running along Tremont Street, Massachusetts Avenue, and Harrison Avenue. Within walking distance from all points of the South End is the Back Bay station, which provides Commuter rail access, bus stops, and the Orange Line subway.
As one of Boston's most desirable neighborhoods, the South End real estate market is highly competitive. In 2022, there were only 27 single-family home sales in the South End, which was a 50% drop from the 54 that occurred in 2021. The median sales price in 2022 was $3,000,000, an 8.5% increase from the median sales price in 2021 of $2,767,500. The average number of days on the market for single-family homes in the South End in 2022 was 91 days, a 30% increase from 70 days in 2021. Through May 2023, there have been only 4 single-family home sales. The median sale price has been $5,200,000, with an average of 51 days on the market.
Condominiums make up the majority of the real estate in the South End. In 2022, there were 531 condominium sales in the South End, a 10.6% decrease from 594 sales in 2021. The median sales price was $1,060,000, a 14% increase from the $929,600 median in 2021. The average days on the market for condominiums were just 40. This represents a 21.6% decrease from the 51-day average in 2021. So far in 2023, inventory has been tighter than in previous years. Through the end of 2023, there have been 118 condo sales in the South End at a median price of $1,137,500 and an average of 53 days on the market.
With its vibrant social and cultural life, historic properties, and proximity to all of Boston's best, the South End remains a popular destination for Massachusetts home buyers looking for houses and condos for sale.
If you are looking to buy or sell in the South End, it is essential to work with a local agent with expert knowledge of the neighborhood. Andrew McKinney has lived and worked in the South End for 15 years and knows it inside and out. If you have questions about the South End or any other neighborhoods, contact Andrew McKinney Real Estate for more information or to discuss any of your real estate needs. We can be reached by phone at (617) 501-0233 or via email at [email protected].
Attorney Andrew McKinney, formally of Buyers Brokers Only, LLC is an exclusive real estate agent with 13 years of experience in the Boston area having completed over $250 million in transactions. Andrew works with buyers and sellers at all market segments in Boston and the surrounding cities and towns including Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline, Newton Needham, Arlington, Belmont, Watertown, Medford and Melrose. As an attorney and an MBA, Andrew brings a unique skill set and level of professionalism that sets him apart from other agents in the area.