It would be a losing bet to say that South Boston is not still changing. Though the area has seen dramatic growth blossoming through the early 2000s to now it has yet to fully bloom. With rentals transforming into condos and restaurants popping up for every taste, Southie is fastened on a long track of prosperity. Wetake you past homes in one of Bostons most booming area for this weeks Neighborhood Spotlight.
South Boston is known for its significant place in Boston history. A port for Irish immigrants escaping the Great Famine, Southie tells an ongoing story opportunity. In modern times, the narrative continues with more colorful illustrations of people and developments. Yet through all the change, South Boston holds strong to its distinct special features. Known for offering the best of all worlds, the neighborhood allows residents to enjoy a big-city lifestyle and still escape to a park or beach. Waterfront access and ample green spaces keep the area grounded while new construction shoots up left and right.
209 West 2nd Street, South Boston
According to the Boston Planning and Development Agency, new housing units in the waterfront area alone grew 349.6% from 2000 to 2001. Young professional and families have enjoyed this growth, moving into the neighborhood at higher rates than ever before. Arianna Brown, a prominent member of the GSIR team and proud Southie resident, has watched these changes happen all around her.
593 E 5th St #3, South Boston
There is a diverse population of people living in South Bostonfamilies, young professionals, and empty nesters who span all ages, races and backgrounds. Though varied in age and lifestyle, this group has collectively sparked a dramatic shift in the area. In the past five years there has been a shift from rentals to condos, Arianna notes, so the curbside appeal has increased since the owners have a vested interest in keeping the area looking clean and well-kept.
Along with new residential development comes commercial buildings, restaurants, and shops that freckle the neighborhood particularly on East Broadway, the main drag of South Boston. For updates on the latest trends, residents can look to Caught in Southie: South Bostons very own online neighborhood magazine. The website chronicles Southies latest and greatest restaurants, cult sports-clubs, wardrobe trends, and upcoming events. Though resources like this are easy to find, Southie natives still remain true to the areas long-standing establishments.
For Arianna, The Galley Diner on P street is a hole-in-the-wall diner that embodies that homey diner feel, while K and 8th Street market offers all the essentials beyond the stark white walls of a generic grocery store.
Check out our current listings in South Boston here.
