If one of your plans for the new year includes buying a home, here are a few things you can do now to help put yourself in prime position for 2025:
1. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
Understanding what you can afford/are comfortable committing to for a monthly payment is a critical early step. It not only provides clarity on your budget to [...]
Boston, one of the oldest and most vibrant cities in the United States, is a hub for students, professionals, and families alike. When it comes to finding a place to call home, the debate arises: renting vs. buying. Let's explore the pros and cons of each [...]
As winter blankets Boston in a layer of glistening snow, the City transforms into a wonderland of seasonal charm and festive spirit. Despite the chilly temperatures, there's no shortage of activities to keep you entertained and enchanted during the winter months. In this guide, we'll explore a variety of activities that will make your winter [...]
Beacon Hill is one of Boston's most historic neighborhoods, known for its charming cobblestone streets, elegant brick townhouses, and proximity to the Massachusetts State House. It is located in the heart of the city and is bordered by the Charles River, the Boston Common, and Back Bay. Beacon Hill is a highly sought-after neighborhood for [...]
Similar to the rest of the country, the Boston real estate market seems to be experiencing somewhat of a slow-down.
What does a "slow down" mean? Sale prices are leveling or decreasing, and homes are taking longer to sell. You likely won't see many agents calling Boston a "Buyer's Market" just yet, but we are starting to see a shift to [...]
Did you know one of Boston's most desirable neighborhoods used to be a swamp? It's true. In the mid 1850's, the area was wetlands, a tidal bay. Trains brought in gravel from places like Needham to fill in the 700 acres now known as the Back Bay. These days, the Back Bay is considered to be one of Boston's top neighborhoods, with its stately brownstones, quaint shopping and top-notch restaurants. Talk about places in demand, according to LINK, the Back Bay had 112 condo sales in Q4 of 2021 with an average selling price of $2,972,135 and an average price per square foot of $1,555 (12% higher than 2020).
It is perhaps the most walkable part of the City. The streets are a grid laid out in alphabetical order starting at Arlington Street. It's a short stroll to Fenway Park, Copley Place and the Prudential Center. In fact you can walk to all of the attractions in this area of the City, and it's one of the top areas in the City for bike riders.
Some of the most popular spots in the Back Bay:
Charles River Esplanade – Perfect for afternoon exercise, this State-owned park stretches in a 17 mile loop along the Charles River. It is one of Back Bay’s most popular spots when the weather warms up and is filled with playgrounds, hiking, and biking trails. You won't find a better place in the city for a picturesque run, walk, or picnic! Watch the sailboats or rowers out on the river. It's THE place to be for the annual 4th of July concert by the Boston Pops and fireworks show at the Hatch Shell.
Newbury Street - Running from the Public Garden through Brookline Ave., Newbury Street is best known for its high-end shops and restaurants. Still, there is something for everyone and it is a wonderful place to wander and spend an afternoon.
Public Garden - The famous George Washington statue is there to greet you as you enter the Public Garden at the end of Commonwealth Ave. It's one of the most photographed green spaces in the Country, let alone in Boston. Sit under a tree in the shade and read a good book, or maybe take the kids and enjoy a ride on the iconic swan boats, or pose for a picture by the Make Way for Ducklings statues.
Boston Public Library - This Library has over 23-million items, making it one of the largest collections in the Country. It includes pieces from William Shakespeare, Mozart and the personal library of John Adams. Historian David McCullough called it one of the five most important libraries in the United States. Grab a coffee and read a book or make a reservation to have an elegant 90 minute dining experience at the Courtyard Tea Room. Located in Copley Square, the Boston Public Library is a wonderful Back Bay treasure.
Famous for the St. Patrick's Day Parade and its Irish roots, South Boston has become one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the City. Located between the Seaport District, the South End and Dorchester, “Southie” has a fresh vibe mixed in with old school charm. Have a pint at one of the classic neighborhood taverns and take a stroll the beach. You can pretty much do it all in Southie.
The South Boston real estate market has experienced a steady climb and its rentals are constantly in demand. According to the latest quarterly report from LINK Boston, condo sales in South Boston are up 23% compared to a year ago and the average sale price per square foot is up 5% to $797/SF.
Things to Do:
Castle Island - A perfect place for a quick stroll or to spend the day. This 22-acre location offers endless activities for a day out of the house. Stroll around the harborwalk, watch the planes land at Logan Airport, take a swim, walk the dog or tour historic Fort Independence. It’s one of the more popular outdoor areas in the city with plenty of room to roam.
Lawn on D - Get some fresh air, surf the web with free WiFi and enjoy the wide assortment of games and light-up swings. A popular place to spend a relaxing evening.
Lincoln Tavern and Restaurant - One of the many award-winning eateries in Southie. If you want a great burger, this is your place. It won Boston Magazine's “Battle of the Burger” competition in 2019. If you’re in the mood for pizza, Lincoln Tavern and Restaurant can satisfy that craving too, winning Eater Boston's “Best Pizza in Boston” in 2014.
The Broadway - Just down the road from Lincoln you can find another popular hangout, The Broadway. It's known for always having a great atmosphere and widely recognized for its brunch and wood-fired pizza. A wonderful spot to hang out with old friends or make new ones.
The L Street Tavern - This place is quintessential Southie. A popular place to hang out and a tourist attraction, thanks to the movie Good Will Hunting. Come see where Matt Damon and Ben Affleck hung out and took some of their first steps to Hollywood superstardom!
It’s a distinctive Boston neighborhood with a style all its own. The South End. The mere mention of the name immediately brings to mind images of stately Victorian homes, quaint side streets and parks galore. It has become one of Boston’s most desirable places to live. The location is fantastic, situated between Boston’s Back Bay and Bay [...]
It’s one of the saddest days on the calendar, the day you have to put away the golf clubs. It’s something our friends in warm-weather climates don’t understand, but those of us who call the northeast home feel the pain every year. Here in Boston, it can be tough to practice and keep from getting too rusty in the winter. Golf is a feel game [...]