South End

Developed in the mid-19th century around a series of fountained squares, the South End neighborhood was the home of many of Boston’s well-to-do residents before the tidal marsh to the North was filled in, creating the Back Bay. Marked by neat rows of bow-front houses, the South End has seen a complete renaissance occur over the past two decades.

This neighborhood is known for its energy, its embrace of the arts in its SoWa district of art and design, and its proliferation of fantastic restaurants and bistros. Housing in the South End can be as simple as a self-contained studio or elaborate as a Union Park townhouse restored to all its 19th-century glory. The South End also is home to many of Boston’s full-service, doorman buildings.

What is the South End known for?

• Tree-lined streets of red-brick bow-front townhouses dating to the 1800s
• Some of Boston’s best restaurants, design stores and boutiques, especially along Tremont, Shawmut and Washington streets
• SoWa (for South of Washington), where some of the city’s better contemporary art galleries are located
• SoWa Open Market: Every Sunday from May to October, this outdoor market includes an extensive arts/crafts section, an award winning farmer’s market and a collection of the best food trucks around