Housing in Boston

Boston has some of the most sought-after real estate in the country. There is never a shortage of people looking to live in one of the most vibrant and historic cities in the nation.

With more and more people moving to the area, real estate developers and brokers are having a field day. Real estate values continue to rise every year. The average home sale price in Boston is about $202,000.

An understanding of Boston's neighborhoods is essential for anyone looking for a place to live. Home real estate is particularly on the move in Beacon Hill and South End, often called the "Soho and Greenwich Village" of Boston. Other hot-selling neighborhoods are Back Bay, North End-Waterfront and Downtown. Nearby Brookline offers up everything from beautiful wood houses to brick apartment buildings, many of which have been converted to elegant condos.

Across the Charles River, Cambridge is the hub of a highly competitive real estate market. Such areas as Central Square and Iman Square have undergone extensive renovation and condo conversion.

Boston architecture is as varied as the city's residents. It reflects influences from every time period: Colonial, Federalist, Victorian, and contemporary. You'll find everything from elegant brownstones to charming Victorians to "triple-deckers"- three-story structures in which each floor is its own apartment. Older homes are well-maintained without sacrificing their historical quality.

Boston real estate has attracted not only home-owners, but investors. Much like Los Angeles, Boston developers are buying up old buildings and converting them into lofts and other luxury units. In the past decade, many of Boston's formerly low-end neighborhoods have enjoyed a tremendous renaissance.