Boston is a major city that continues to see an influx of people looking for homes. The median listing price per square foot in Boston is $831, while the median sale price in Boston is $775,000. There are 23 official neighborhoods in Boston. Out of the 23 neighborhoods, here is an overview of the 5 best neighborhoods in Boston: Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Brighton, Charlestown, and South Boston.
Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill is one of the most desirable Boston Neighborhoods. The cobblestone streets and the charming brick buildings is one of the many reasons for this. There are shops, restaurants, and markets hidden in the brick buildings of this neighborhood, so everything you need is very close. The median listing price for a home in this neighborhood is $2.4 million, making it the most expensive neighborhood in Boston. This is what buyers can expect prices to be around for 3-4 bedroom homes in Beacon Hill Boston:
3 bed home is priced around $1,720,000
4 bed home is priced around $2,305,000
Beacon Hill is in a fantastic location if you are looking for things to do or places to eat. A few of our recommendations for places to eat in the neighborhood are Ma Maison, Emmet's Irish Pub, and Mooo Beacon Hill. Also, take great photos on Acorn Street and enjoy the Boston Commons & Boston Public Gardens and the Freedom Trail tour.
South Boston
South Boston, commonly referred to as "Southie," is located near the water, down past the Seaport district. This area has become one of the most popular places to buy a home since it is close to the water, close to the Seaport district, and is surrounded by many restaurants and bars. South Boston is currently a seller's housing market. This means that prices are higher, and homes are selling very fast because it is so competitive.
In August 2022, homes in South Boston increased by 1.1%, making the median price for a home $855k. 38 homes were sold in September 2022. Of these 38, 27 homes were sold under asking, 3 were sold at asking, and 8 homes were sold over asking. The average price per square foot in Southie Boston is $797. Buyers can expect prices to look similar to this, give or take, by the number of bedrooms. This is what buyers can expect prices:
1 bed home is priced around $530,000
2 bed home is priced around $797,600
3 bed home is priced around $1,000,000
4 bed home is priced around $1,200,000
5+ bed home is priced around $1,500,000
Southie is a neighborhood that is packed with activities, so there is always something to do. If you are in the area around the Summertime, you should be sure to check out the Lawn on D, M Street Beach, and Castle Island.
If you are looking for food in this area, you are in luck! This neighborhood is home to many famous brunch and dinner spots, along with many coffee and lunch spots. We definitely recommend to get a bite at Capo, Lincoln tavern, The Broadway when you are in the South Boston area.
Brighton
Living in Brighton provides residents an urban feel in a peaceful neighborhood. Located just north-west of Brookline, Brighton has a property for everyone; offering condos and apartments, as well as single and multi-family homes. Brighton was a seller's market as of last month, meaning that there are more people looking to buy than there are homes available. The area is full of parks and green space, but also offers some fantastic dining and shopping experiences as well. With easy access to the Green Line and buses, this area has grown very popular for those commuting into the city for work or school.
On average, Brighton properties have been selling for $598-$690 per square foot. Homes have been listed over the last year at a median price of $589.9K and sold at $437.5K-$534K. Currently, the Commonwealth neighborhood of Brighton is the most afford, with a median listing price of $497K. Hoping to buy your next home in Brighton? Buyers can expect similar prices as these, based on the number of bedrooms.
1 bed home is priced around $400,000
2 bed home is priced around $525,000
3 bed home is priced around $749.900
4 bed home is priced around $960,000
5+ bed home is priced around $1,200,000
The Brighton area has so many different delicious restaurants, such as Tasca Restaurant, Barcelona Wine Bar, and Devlin’s Bistro & Bar. Some fun activities we would suggest would be attending a concert at the Brighton Music Hall just over the border into the Allston area or taking a stroll around the Chestnut Hill Reservoir.
Charlestown
Charlestown is located on the other side of the Charlestown bridge that is located right near TD Garden. This neighborhood has become very attractive to those seeking a home because of its fantastic location. Because a large number of people are looking to move here, the Charlestown housing market is currently a seller's housing market because of how fast everything is selling. The median price that homes are being sold for in this neighborhood is $916,666, making each square foot $780. In September 2022, 17 homes were sold. Of those homes, 9 were sold under asking price, 5 were sold at asking price, and 3 were sold over asking price. If you are looking to buy a home in Charlestown, this is an estimate of what you can expect to see as far as prices by number of bedrooms.
1 bed home is priced around $561000
2 bed home is priced around $865,000
3 bed home is priced around $1,200,000
4 bed home is priced around $1,700,000
5+ bed home is priced around $2,000,000
A big portion of Charlestown is located on the water is another reason as to why many people are looking to move here. There are many restaurants to check out, as well as coffee shops, and a number of historic landmarks. This neighborhood is filled with history, so if you are a history buff, this is the neighborhood for you. Some of the historic landmarks you can see in this area include the Boston National Historic Park, The USS Constitution, and the Massachusetts Korean War Memorial.
The restaurants in Charlestown definitely do not disappoint, and many of them have been there for a number of years which adds to the historic vibe. Here are some of the restaurants we insist you try if you are in the area: Pier 6, Monument Restaurant and Bar, and Charlestown's Tavern: Warren Tavern.
Back Bay
The Back Bay neighborhood is located right near the Beacon Hill neighborhood. This is a beautiful neighborhood that is surrounded by delicious food and many places to shop. Back Bay is currently in a buyer's market, meaning prices tend to be lower on homes, and they stay on the market longer than in a seller's market. The median home in Back Bay is priced around $1.3 million, making each square foot around $1,232. In September 2022, 18 homes were sold. Of these homes, 15 were sold under asking price, 2 were sold at asking price, and 1 home was sold over asking price. Buyers looking for a home can expect prices by bedroom to look similar to this in 2022:
1 bed home is priced around $715,000
2 bed home is priced around $1,600,000
3 bed home is priced around $3,300,000
4 bed home is priced around $6,400,000
5+ bed home is starting at $3,800,000
Back Bay is home to the shopping hub, which includes a mall and a whole street. If you are someone who enjoys perusing stores or shopping, this might be the perfect neighborhood for you! Here are some things we recommend checking out if you are in the area. Check out the Prudential Center, Newbury Street, or go to the Boston Public Library to get a good book.
Back Bay isn't just home to shopping; it is also a great spot to check out when you are looking to grab a bite to eat. There are coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, and bars. Our favorite places to dine in the Back Bay neighborhood include Davio's Back Bay, Joe's on Newbury, Saltie Girl, and Buttermilk & Bourbon.
Thinking to Buy a Home?
No matter in what neighborhood you are looking to buy, East Coast Realty is ready to help you with your buying journey. Contact one of your agents today about one of these hot neighborhoods!
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*Note: Average selling prices are from September 2022