
Located north of Roxbury and just minutes from Back Bay, the South End neighborhood is one of Boston’s most elegant. The South End (not to be confused with South Boston, or “Southie”) is renowned for its blocks of Victorian townhouses, many of which were designed by local architect Charles Bulfinch in the early 1800s. Brownstones overlook as many as 30 small pocket parks, which have been interwoven throughout the neighborhood and provide a suburban feel while living in the heart of the city. Modern residential developments include the Savoy Lofts and Atelier 505, providing housing options for all.
While the South End has attracted young families and active professionals, it is perhaps best known for its LGBTQ+ community. Today, the diverse residential neighborhood has welcomed many high-end restaurants, bars, art galleries and boutiques. Tremont Street is sometimes referred to as “Restaurant Row” for its offering of eclectic cuisines from around the world. And while the South End’s jazz clubs that were so popular in the 1950s have been replaced, modern establishments like the Beehive and Darryl’s Corner Bar & Kitchen have moved in, a nod to the jazz musicians of yesteryear.
In addition to live music, people flock to the South End for performances at the Boston Center for the Arts and Boston Ballet. Meanwhile, the neighborhood’s “SoWa” district has begun to take on a life of its own, with its SoWa Open Market and SoWa Open Studios attracting people from throughout the region. SoWa has recently expanded to include the SoWa Art Walk and SoWa Vintage Market. Arts, crafts and indie designers put their wares on full display and a rotating group of food trucks serves hungry shoppers.
The South End is most easily accessed by the MBTA Silver Line rapid transit bus, which provides convenient service from Washington Street to destinations like South Station, Logan Airport and the World Trade Center. The Orange Line is a short walk from Back Bay and Mass. Ave stations. Interstate 90 borders the South End to the north and Interstate 93 runs parallel to the east, offering easy access for commuters.
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