Watching the unique neighborhoods of Boston transform with the 21st century is a journey - we’ve seen home values skyrocket, buildings surge from the skyline, and families find homes in interesting structures like churches, warehouses, and even old factory lots that once sat empty.

South Boston real estate has been one of those experiences.

We’ve explored this close-knit community and loved seeing the young professionals and new families bloom in its well-kept homes.

And now the scene is growing even more - so we’re shining our spotlight on South Boston real estate that could soon be your own slice of Southie: heaven.

History of Southie

South Boston is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the U.S. A few hundred residents (along with livestock) arrived on this peninsula in 1635, then known as Dorchester. After generations, Southie became home to the blue collar workers and their families living in the triple-decker buildings across the channel from the South End.

This beautiful space hugged the Boston harbor, offering oceanside views with easy access to the rest of the city. Southie was also a neighborhood filled with recent college graduates and young people, as the homes were affordable, and the area was friendly and accommodating.

How It’s Changing

As the years went on, South Boston became more gentrified. Developers soon saw the opportunity to add new high-end homes at a time when these homes were typically only going up in areas like The South End and Back Bay.

Because of this vision, South Boston has transformed into a demanding real estate market. The average home price has risen significantly, which has changed the demographics - many of the undergrads or new grads being replaced with young professionals in their late 20s and 30s.

The quaint triple-decker buildings are still beautiful gems in South Boston, but many of the new areas, like The Seaport (waterfront), are coming alive with towering luxury developments.

What’s Next for South Boston Real Estate?

Recent developments in South Boston real estate have focused around boutique condos and apartments more than high-rises. This change of pace has led to a unique blend of structures and architecture in the neighborhood - much like its own diverse history of residents.

Here are some of the beautiful buildings that are changing the landscape:

• The Allele Lofts: A 48-unit luxury development right next to the Broadway Red Line T stop. With gorgeous bamboo floors, 10-foot ceilings, and direct access to private terraces and balconies, each unit is incredible. The second phase of the Allele Lofts will be coming in early 2016! It feels like new restaurants and bars are opening each week in this neighborhood, while new developments and hotels pop up every few months.
• Six West Broadway construction started recently, and it will be exciting to watch this development near completion. This boutique project will hopefully be done sometime in 2017.
• There are also dozens of new projects under review and in the construction phase that show just how rapidly new things are making their way to Southie.

The Bottom Line

Real estate is in high demand across all of Boston - but we have a special place in our hearts for Southie. One of the oldest neighborhoods in the country hasn’t lost its charm and welcoming attitude, even as the housing market there booms.