North End
Winding, narrow cobblestone streets, fantastic views of Boston Harbor and the home of Paul Revere make the North End a popular destination for visitors and Bostonians. North End is the oldest neighborhood in Boston. It is also known for its eclectic shops, Italian food and public art. Although small in area, this one-square-mile neighborhood is big in its sense of community. Mostly residential, the North End features brownstones, pleasantly-scaled brick apartment buildings, industrial buildings converted to lofts and modern luxury condos. The Rose Kennedy Greenway and Christopher Columbus Park add greenspace.
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The North End is well-connected to other points in Boston by road, water ferry and nearby metro links. It is the fourth most walkable neighborhood in Boston, convenient to the Financial and Waterfront districts.
North End Residential Investments
The North End is home to about 10,000 residents. Many have lived there for generations, but the neighborhood has become popular for its convenience to downtown, Charlestown and Cambridge. Four- and five-story brick apartment buildings and row houses form attractive street façades with small shops, trattorias and restaurants on street level.
The median home value of $647,900 is a 14.7 percent increase over the past year. North End home values are predicted to rise 5.7 percent over the next year. The median sales price of $660,000 is higher than Boston's $589,000 for the quarter ending February 2015.
Apartment rentals are higher in the North End than for Boston as a whole. In June 2015, the average rent for a one-bedroom was $2,300. A one-bedroom averaged $2,225 for all of Boston.
Choosing the Right North End Investment Property
The demand for housing in the North End is high. New developments like Christopher Columbus Plaza have added 150 luxury apartments to this desirable neighborhood. Conversions of commercial property to condominiums near the waterfront are an option for investors interested in renovation projects with the potential for high returns.
North End's foreclosure rates are higher than Boston's. Foreclosures are one way for investors to acquire undervalued properties in a strong market. The foreclosure experts at Boston City Properties can help you identify undervalued properties and assist you in the foreclosure process.
For more information about conversions, foreclosures and other North End residential investments, call 617-247-1933, or fill out the contact form on this page.
North End Market Report 2017
Boasting of amazing views of the Boston Harbor, North End was once the home of Paul Revere. Today, it includes narrow cobblestone streets that wind throughout the neighborhood. Because of its historic past, it attracts visitors from throughout the city and the country. It is known as the oldest neighborhood in Boston.
Other than its historic past, North End is also known for its public art and unusual shops. While it spans just one square mile in size, it offers delicious Italian food and a strong sense of community. For green spaces, residents can check out the Christopher Columbus Park and the Rose Kennedy Greenway. The neighborhood is readily reached by other areas of Boston through its water ferry, roadways and metro links.
This neighborhood contains quaint brownstones and brick apartment buildings. Many of the industrial buildings that dot the neighborhood have been transformed into luxurious condos and gorgeous lofts. A number of four-story and five-story apartment buildings can be found along the streets as well as gorgeous row houses. Many of these properties offer gorgeous street facades. On the street level, they house trattorias, restaurants and independent shops. Considered the fourth most walkable neighborhood in the city, North End is readily close to the Waterfront and Financial districts.
Real Estate Investments in the Neighborhood
Today, this community is home to about 10,000 residents. While there are some newcomers to the area, many of the residents have lived here for generations. In the modern era, it has become a popular home for residents who want easy access to Charlestown, downtown and Cambridge. Since the area has a higher foreclosure rate than the rest of Boston, investors can readily find undervalued properties for a good price.
In the last year, the average price per square foot has advanced from $822 to $852. The median sale price has jumped significantly in the neighborhood. By the end of August of 2017, a typical home sold for a median price of $705,000. One year ago, the same neighborhood had a median sale price of just $568,250. This marks a 24.1 percent increase in price between 2016 and 2017. For renters, the average unit costs $1,800 per month.
2017 Real Estate News
With a large demand for housing, new developments are underway for North End. Recently, developments like Christopher Columbus Plaza have added an extra 150 luxury apartments to the neighborhood. Because of the scarcity of vacant land, many developers and investors choose to convert former industrial buildings to loft condominiums.
2017 was the first year since 2000 that the legendary Spite House was put up for sale again. Built in the 1880s, this home was built into a narrow alleyway between two larger properties. According to legend, it was part of a larger property owned by two brothers. While one brother was away and fighting in the Civil War, the other brother used almost the entirety of the land to construct a large home. The returning brother built the narrow Spite House to block the sun and use up the remaining land. Placed at 44 Hull Street, the single-family home last sold for $345,000 in 2000. Now, it is on the market for $895,000 and includes 1,166 square feet.
More lavish properties are readily available in the North End. At 357 Commercial Street, Apartment 814 recently hit the market. Priced at $1,049,000, this penthouse duplex includes bamboo floors, open living spaces, beautiful finishes and custom upgrades. Encompassing 1,230 square feet, the home has a private deck that boasts of views of the Charlestown Navy Yard and the inner harbor. Residents will find amenities like a fitness center, a common garden, 24-hour concierge and bike storage included in the monthly association fees.
On the lower end of the price range, residents can find homes like the condos at 455 Arlington Street. This development will be completed in 2018, but investors can already reserve a space at the property. Once finished, it will have luxury amenities, a garden area and sleek hardwood flooring.
At the upper end of the price range, residents can find homes like the residence at 93 Charter Street. Placed across from the historic Copp's Hill cemetery, this three-bedroom home includes most of the three-unit building. It spans 4,528 square feet in size and boasts of 10-foot ceilings. Plus, it includes a private balcony and private roof deck access. The elegant, lavish home is on the market for $4,995,000.
WIn upcoming developments, the North Square will be getting a complete overhaul in the next few months. Known for being a plaza outside of the Paul Revere House, the North Square is a part of a $2.5 million renovation. The street grades will be adjusted, and the lighting will be improved. To make access easier for people with disabilities, all of the cobblestones will be replaced. The historic North Square dates back to the mid-17th century, but this is the first refurbishment that has happened to it since the 1970s. Ultimately, the project is expected to finish by the end of 2018.
While the North Square is getting a total overhaul, the shocking development is what builders found underneath the ground. An archaeological dig in the same area around the Paul Revere House resulted in a recent discovery of some of the oldest European-produced artifacts in the city. These ceramics were crafted in northern Italy before 1650. Archaeologists had expected to find relics from the 19th century as they started digging around the Paul Revere House, but they were completely surprised by the ancient find.
Known as the Little Italy of Boston, the North End offers excellent public transportation and a rich culture. From Revolutionary War sites to Paul Revere's House, this area is filled with architecture from Boston's storied past. Today, the area is home to brick apartment buildings, cobblestone streets and beautiful parks. Considered Boston's oldest residential community, the North End is still a primarily residential neighborhood. Unique amenities in the area include the Mirabella Pool, Copp's Burying Ground, the Old North Church and the Steriti Ice Rink.
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