Boston, MA 02116 · 02118
South End Real Estate
Victorian brownstones, a celebrated dining scene, and the SoWa arts district
Updated
- ZIP codes
- 02116 · 02118
- Getting around
- Orange Line at Back Bay, Massachusetts Avenue and Tufts Medical Center; Silver Line along Washington Street
- Typical homes
- Brownstone condos, loft conversions and a limited number of single-family rowhouses
The South End is home to the largest intact Victorian rowhouse district in the United States, with block after block of red-brick bowfront brownstones set along tree-lined streets and around residential parks like Union Park and Rutland Square.
It's one of Boston's most walkable neighborhoods: a nationally recognized dining destination, the heart of the SoWa (South of Washington) arts and design district, and home to seasonal open-air markets, all just south of Back Bay.
The Pettengill Group is based in the South End at 16 Clarendon Street, so this is our home turf. We know its streets, its buildings, and its market first-hand.
Where the South End is
Living in the South End
What makes the South End special
Historic architecture
Victorian bowfront brownstones, ornate ironwork, and garden squares, much of it protected as a landmark district.
SoWa arts district
Galleries, design studios, and the seasonal SoWa Open Market and First Fridays draw visitors from across the city.
Dining destination
One of Boston’s densest and most acclaimed restaurant scenes, from neighborhood cafés to destination dining.
Parks & green space
The Southwest Corridor Park runs along the neighborhood's western edge, with residential garden squares dotted throughout.
Getting around
Highly walkable, with Orange Line (Back Bay, Massachusetts Avenue, Tufts Medical Center) and Silver Line access to downtown and South Station.
Central location
Bordered by Back Bay and close to downtown Boston, the Financial District, and the Seaport.
Where to eat
A few of our South End favorites
Toro
Spanish tapasBarcelona-style tapas and pintxos from James Beard Award-winning chef Ken Oringer, on Washington Street since 2005.
1704 Washington St · Directions to Toro (opens Google Maps)
Myers + Chang
Asian fusionJoanne Chang's lively diner-style take on Taiwanese, Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese cooking, at Washington and East Berkeley Streets.
1145 Washington St · Directions to Myers + Chang (opens Google Maps)
Coppa
Italian enotecaAn intimate Italian enoteca on Shawmut Avenue with house-made pastas, charcuterie and a patio, from chef Ken Oringer.
253 Shawmut Ave · Directions to Coppa (opens Google Maps)
The Market
South End homes & real estate
South End housing is defined by its Victorian brownstones, many long ago converted into condominiums ranging from garden-level one-bedrooms to full-floor and multi-level residences with original detail. You'll also find loft-style homes in former industrial buildings around SoWa, a limited number of intact single-family rowhouses, and a growing set of new-construction and boutique developments.
Because so much of the housing stock is historic, condition, floor level, outdoor space, and parking vary widely from building to building, details that make local, first-hand guidance especially valuable. For current South End pricing and what your home could sell for today, reach out and we'll put together a tailored picture.
Helpful guides: Renting in BostonFirst-time buyer guideHow offers work in MassachusettsMortgage options by property typeSelling a house in Massachusetts
Compare: South End vs. Back Bay
Getting around: Orange Line guide
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the South End known for?
The South End is known for having the largest intact Victorian rowhouse district in the United States, along with the SoWa arts district, a celebrated restaurant scene, tree-lined streets, and residential garden squares.
What types of homes are for sale in the South End?
Most South End homes are condominiums within converted Victorian brownstones, ranging from garden-level units to full-floor residences. You will also find loft conversions around SoWa, some single-family rowhouses, and boutique new-construction buildings.
What ZIP codes cover the South End?
The South End is primarily covered by ZIP codes 02116 and 02118.
What is there to do in the South End?
The South End offers an acclaimed restaurant scene, the SoWa arts district with its galleries and seasonal open-air market, the Southwest Corridor Park, and historic garden squares, all within a highly walkable neighborhood.
Is parking hard to find in the South End?
Many South End streets have resident permit parking, and many brownstone condos don't come with a deeded space, so parking is one of the most common buyer questions. Options include deeded spaces in some buildings and rented spaces in nearby lots and garages; it's worth confirming what a specific home includes before making an offer.
Stay in the loop
Be the first to know about the South End
Get updates, guides and the first look when homes come to market, straight to your inbox.
- Homes coming to market in the South End
- South End market updates and new guides
- Occasional emails, unsubscribe anytime
Keep exploring
Home value
South End home values
What could your South End home sell for? A free, personalized estimate.
Read moreNearby
Back Bay
Victorian brownstones, Newbury Street, and the Commonwealth Avenue Mall
Read moreNearby
Bay Village
Federal and Greek Revival rowhouses on a few gaslit blocks by the Theater District
Read moreNearby
Roxbury
Nubian Square, the Fort Hill tower, Franklin Park and nearly four centuries of history
Read moreNearby
Chinatown
The Beach Street gate, 1800s rowhouses and new towers beside the Greenway
Read moreComparison
South End vs. Back Bay
Both are Boston neighborhoods of Victorian brick rowhouses, mostly divided into condos, with the same city tax rate and services. The biggest practical differences are the historic district rules (two different commissions), the transit lines, and the street plan.
Read more