Overview
Defined by the twin parks of Blackstone and Franklin Squares, this neighborhood is home to all manner of Bostonians, who daily enjoy the characteristic iron gates and feature fountains of the historic parks. Situated just north of the Boston Medical Center, the Blackstone and Franklin Square neighborhood offers incredible dining, exciting nightlife, walkability, and easy access to public transport.
Location
Blackstone and Franklin Squares, two of the largest parks in Boston’s South End, serve as the cornerstone of this idiosyncratic sub-neighborhood. Designed by the famed architect Charles Bulfinch, the two “squares” were originally intended as one massive park. Today, Blackstone and Franklin Squares offer easy access to eateries and boutiques alongside nearby Washington Street and Shawmut Avenue not to mention a vitale playground for our four-legged friends.
$2M+ Luxury Market Data
In 2025, no sales in the area exceeded $2 million. Four sales surpassed that threshold in 2024, while only one sale did so in 2023.
The neighborhood also features two notable condominium buildings with deep historical roots. The Marais, completed in 2017, occupies the former St. James Hotel along East Newton Street overlooking Franklin Square, offering a boutique collection of residences within a restored historic structure. The Penmark, a 60-unit luxury condominium building on Father Francis Gilday Street, was originally home to both Boston College and Boston College High School before being converted to residential use in 2005, adding another layer of architectural and institutional history to the area.
History
It’s typically quiet in the Blackstone & Franklin Square sub-neighborhood in the $2M price range, but 2022 saw 8 sales over this threshold! That’s an increase from 2021’s 7 sales. The price per square foot retreated slightly to $1,007.75/SF from $1,104/SF in 2021 (not statistically very significant).
Neighborhood Specialists
We believe when real estate consumers are presented with a complete and robust spread of data, in conjunction with their personal preferences, decisions can be reached with the most confidence.
To learn more about changing market dynamics moving into 2026 check out our Perspective on the Boston Luxury Housing Market>
