LRG Boston Real Estate Blog

Craig Anne Lake

Craig Anne Lake, tells us why she decided to live in the South End of Boston, MA.

It was funny to me that when talking to a client recently about the South End (he was about 50 years old and went to school at BU back in the day), he was astounded that I lived there.  His perception of the South End was that it was crime ridden, dangerous, and seedy, which at this point couldn’t be farther from the truth.  When I drove him down Tremont – he was in utter shock at how nice the neighborhood was, and said he could not believe the turnaround.

The South End has become a mecca for young urban professionals, but also boasts diversity.  It is known to be a very gay friendly area, and let’s face it – gay men have great taste!

Having lived in NYC for 8 years, I love being able to walk out my doorstep to grab a cup of coffee at Starbucks on Tremont St. or at The Buttery on Shawmut Ave. as well as numerous restaurants.  In addition, I like the mix of gentrification and unique boutiques and love the artsy feel of the area.

When asked what my favorite bars and restaurants are in Boston, they are mostly located right in the South End:  Masa, Union, Stella’s, Toro, B&G Oysters, The Beehive, Noche, Picco’s, The Buttery, Stephy’s on Tremont (the little sister restaurant to Boston’s Newbury St. staple Stephanie’s), and more.  In addition, $2 Taco Tuesdays at 647 Tremont is a favorite of mine (although, it sometimes also turns into Tequila Tuesday, which makes for a somewhat difficult Wednesday)!  Regardless, the South End is a great place to socialize.  (More on all of these restaurants in a Blog to come).

Moreover, I find the people in the neighborhood to be, well, neighborly.  We have stoop parties (one got so big the police came and broke it up).  I moved to the South End in April, and I already have neighbors that would water my plants for me while I am away. I feel fortunate to have amazing neighbors all of different ages – some just married, some married with kids in college, some single, and so forth.

The South End has become one of the trendiest areas of Boston.  It is a fantastic neighborhood to live in, but there are parts that are still up and coming.  The area around Tremont and Mass Ave. is really developing as demonstrated by the new Parish Café that has opened (a favorite spot for many at the Boylston St. location right next door to my office).

Don’t be fooled by the “Checks Cashed Here” place, this part of the South End is the place to buy a condo, where in years people will be shocked at how amazingly nice the area has become.

Another hot up and coming area that is developing quickly is SoWa (South of Washington St.).  New condos and lofts are going up left and right.  It’s where BSC is located along with restaurants like Myer’s and Changs, Toro, and Gaslight. 

These are the areas that in 5-10 years people will be asking themselves why they didn’t purchase when that Craig Anne Lake told them to do so.   For now, as a renter, I am definitely keeping my eye open for great opportunities, and I am ecstatic to live in what I think is the best neighborhood in Boston!