Southie - South Boston Neighborhood

Ranked #579 in Travel & Places, #25,653 overall

South Boston - Things to do in Southie, Photos, and More About Boston's famous Irish Neighborhood

Southie, also known as South Boston, is one of the most famous city neighborhoods in the United States. South Boston's popularity has grown, making it one of the most expensive parts of the city. In Southie, you can still expect to find some of the Irish pubs, Irish bars, local restaurants, historic landmarks, and rugged appeal that have made the neighborhood a household name. On this page, you can find things to do in Southie, photos, videos, maps, links, and history on South Boston.
Intro image of Southie found on Photobucket.

Southie Quiz: Test Your South Boston Knowledge!

Random Southie trivia - a 10 question Boston quiz

logan airport view from southie


Think you know everything there is to know about Southie? Test your knowledge about this Boston neighborhood and see how you score! You can also share your results on Twitter or Facebook. Email it to a friend!

Photos: The Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston

Located in Southie

The Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston can be found at 100 Northern Avenue in Boston. The phone is (617) 478-3100 to find current hours (or visit the website).

"Award-winning architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro designed the ICA, conceiving the building both "from the sky down," as a contemplative space for experiencing contemporary art, and "from the ground up," providing dynamic areas for public enjoyment. The design weaves together interior and exterior space, producing shifting perspectives of the waterfront throughout the museum's galleries and public spaces."

You can also view some photos of the artwork here:

Giant art spider from the ICA by brokentrinkets
Institute of Contemporary Art by Smart Destinations
Institute of Contemporary Art Boston by cherrylet
first day in the states by holia
Institute of Contemporary Art - included with the Go Boston Card by Smart Destinations
curated content from Flickr

Don't Miss in Southie

Castle Island, also known as Fort Independence, is a beautiful fort constructed in 1851. The fort is surrounded by causeways, with excellent views of the city and the harbor.

South Boston Stats

Population, home value, average income and more about Southie

The population of 02127 is 31,119.

That's #2838 out of all 42,305 zip codes.

82% of the population is white, which is 8 points more than the national average.

The average household income in 02127 is $39,625, which is $9,927 more than the typical average.

This contributes to the average house being worth $206,400. When the survey was done in 2000, that represented a difference of 162% from the typical value.

Men make up 44% of the population, and the typical age in this part of MA is 34.5.

Stats about: Boston, MA

Population: 31,119
Number of Households: 14,761
Average House Value: $206,400
Average Income per Household: $39,625
Elevation: 20 ft

Population Breakdown:

Population Chart

Castle Island

Fort Independence Park, South Boston

Castle Island Boston

Castle Island is Southie's most scenic attractions, and one of the most visited spots on the Boston waterfront. On Castle Island, you can find the historic Fort Independence. The fort is open for tours from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The island itself has walking and drivable causeways that offer outstanding views of the harbor, Pleasure Bay, and Logan International Airport to the north.

Directions to Castle Island
To get to Castle Island from I-93, take exit 15 for Columbia Rd toward Edward Everett Square for 0.3 mi. Turn right at Columbia Rd, then, at the traffic circle, take the 1st exit onto William J Day Blvd. This will lead directly to Castle Island.

Castle Island South Boston



Top Sellers in Massachusetts

The Current Weather in South Boston

South Boston weather conditions and five day forecast

Current weather conditions in Boston, MA (02127)

Local Pollen Reports

52°F (Feels like 52°F)

Last update: 6/4/12 4:04 PM EDT

Humidity: 88%
Visibility: 3.0 mi
Dew Point: 48°F
UV Index: 1 (Lawn and Garden Weather)
Barometer: 29.73in steady
Moon: Rush Hour Traffic
Wind: 22mph From: Airport Conditions
powered by weather.com

Tonight


Low
Low: 50°F
Sunrise: 5:09 AM
Sunset: 8:17 PM
 

Tuesday
Jun 5 


N/A
High: 59°F
Low: 50°F
Sunrise: 5:08 AM
Sunset: 8:17 PM

Wednesday
Jun 6 


Showers
High: 62°F
Low: 51°F
Sunrise: 5:08 AM
Sunset: 8:18 PM

Thursday
Jun 7 


PM Showers
High: 65°F
Low: 53°F
Sunrise: 5:08 AM
Sunset: 8:19 PM

View of Boston Skyline from South Boston

Boston skyline view at night - poster print

Massachusetts Financial District from South Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Massachusetts Financial District View from South Boston
Poster available at AllPosters.com (click photo to view details)



One of the best things about Southie is its incredible views of downtown Boston and the Financial Center from streets like Broadway. From atop many of the apartment buildings, you'll have incredible views of the city, spanning all the way to the Prudential Center and beyond. This poster print is a great example of some of those great views. The photographic print is also available framed in many style frames and mattes.

Southie Canvas Tote Bag

Reusable Boston Irish Themed Tote - Great Gift for Southie Residents!

Southie tote bagSouthie Irish Canvas Tote Bag

This retro style Irish Southie tote bag is 100% cotton canvas, reusable, and machine washable. It's also fade resistant and double-sided. Great to carry your stuff to work in, to school, or to give someone as a unique gift idea!
Downtown Boston from Southie

A view of Downtown Boston from Southie, Telegraph Hill. 

Vote: Have You Been to Southie?

Tell us if you've ever travelled to South Boston...

South Boston

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Map of South Boston

Major attractions, businesses and landmarks in Southie

Southie in the News

The latest news about South Boston - updated live

downtown boston view from southie
Southie slayings leave sister, friends at loss
By O'Ryan Johnson The sister of a woman found murdered in South Boston along with a family friend said she cannot sleep because she's trying to figure out why someone would want her dead. ?She had nothing in that house,? said Cynthia Anderson, 53, ...
Plan brings Southie together
By Greg Turner Developers have cleared the way for a 255-unit apartment complex that's part of a wave of residential projects coming to a gritty strip of Southie. Workers demolished the vacant and vandalized Bonney's Express trucking business site at ...
Southie couple were beaten, stabbed to death
By Matt Stout The couple found murdered Sunday after an early morning fire ripped through a South Boston housing project were stabbed and beaten to death, police said. Richard Hallahan, 70, and Diane Bourglas, 54, were found dead ? Hallahan on a bed, ...
Boston comedian peddling humorous US history book
Mike Donovan, 57, a stand-up comedian, Southie guy, history madman, is ready to publish his book. Yes, "the book," that thing that the comedy world has watched him obsess over like a madman for three decades -- he says it is ready. And, wait for it.
Telegraph Hill Boston

Telegraph Hill, South Boston. 

The Departed

2006 movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Jack Nicholson, Matt Damon, Mark Wahlberg

The movie The Departed takes place in Southie, as well as other parts of Boston. Any Southie resident will be able to point out some of the spots the movie were filmed, like the end scene in an apartment overlooking the State House. For a Boston resident, it's fun to watch the movie just to hear the references to local areas in and around Boston. Frank Costello, the main crime boss of the film, is partially based on notorious Southie native and FBI most wanted suspect Whitey Bulger.

The Departed (Single-Disc Widescreen Edition)

Amazon Price: $1.99 (as of 06/04/2012)Buy Now
Used Price: $0.99

One of the most memorable Boston movies, this is set in Southie as well as Charlestown and other destinations inside the city. It's interesting for residents to watch and point out the attractions and local interest spots!

Books About Southie

Southie inspired stories, guides and books

Carson Beach South Boston Pictures, Images and Photos
Above: Carlson Beach, in Southie.



Because of Southie's rugged, unchanged look and feel, it was a big attraction for people looking to really experience "the old Boston." Though much of South Boston has been changed for more commercial viability and to attract a younger crowd, much of the neighborhood's rough-around-the-edges charm is still fully intact in its bars, restaurants, streets, architecture, and people. Southie has also inspired some well known books and best-sellers. Here are a few of those books that have had good reviews from readers:
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Current movies Playing in Southie Right Now

The top five movies you can go see in Southie and the surrounding region

South Boston: C Street and Broadway
Above: South Boston: C Street and Broadway

1. Snow White and the Huntsman - $56.2M
2. Men in Black 3 - $29.3M
3. Marvel's The Avengers - $20.2M
4. Battleship - $4.8M
5. The Dictator - $4.7M

More movies playing in 02127

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Reliable Home Remodeling in South Boston

Condo renovation, apartment remodeling, and home remodeling in Southie

If you're looking for a reliable home remodeling company in South Boston, Green Star Builders is one that you can trust. Green Star Builders specializes in everything from kitchen remodeling to bathroom remodeling, deck renovations to roofing. Visit the website today to view testimonials, view photos of past jobs, or to contact for a free estimate!

Visit the website to get started on your South Boston home remodeling projects or estimate.
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Look all over Southie and you'll see signs of its Irish roots in bars, pubs, signs, and businesses. Though Southie used to be a more "working class" neighborhood, property values skyrocketed to become some of the city's most expensive.

Boston's Top Ten: A Guide to the City

A recommended Boston travel guide from DK Eyewitness Guides

If David Letterman were a travel writer, this is the book he would've published. This no-nonsense guide to the city of Boston runs through the top ten of everything Boston, from the restaurants to the buildings, historic parks to the best hotels, this guide has it all. Like all of the DK Eyewitness Guides, this is visually displayed in a way that will help you plan your trip before and during. It's especially helpful to have the visual cues from the book when you're on the go (and don't have time to read big paragraphs of text).

Top 10 Boston (Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guides)

Amazon Price: $4.84 (as of 06/04/2012)Buy Now

160 pages
Includes:
Top Ten Hotels
Top Ten Budget Hotels
Top Ten Restaurants
Top Ten Places Spots for Seafood
Top Ten Places to Shop
Top Ten Performing Arts Venues
Top Ten Italian Bakeries
Top Ten Activities for Kids
... and a lot more. Very useful!

Learn More About the City of Boston

Find more information on things to do in Boston

Southie



What else is there to do in Boston, where are the best places to eat, see, and experience? Here are some additional ideas for things to do in Boston:
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Another Famous Boston Neighborhood: The North End

Boston's famous Italian neighborhood, the North End

The North End is another famous Boston neighborhood, with arguably the best Italian food of any major U.S. city (yes, even you, New York!). Find some of the best restaurants, sub shops, pizza shops, and find out more about this favorite Boston spot for eating, strolling, or exploring:
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Irish Themed T-Shirts and Gifts

Find more unique Irish t-shirts and apparel on these other pages:

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Irish T-Shirts for Southie Residents

Southie T-Shirts and Irish Themed Gifts

South Boston


Looking for unique apparel and gift ideas for Southie residents? Here's a selection of unique tees found from Irish Curlys, who specializes in just Irish tees and stuff.

Proud Irish Men's Fitted T-Shirt (dark)

You're proud, you're Irish, and now you have found the perfect t-shirt that describes you. Great for Southie residents!

Price: $28.99 Buy Now

Boston Irish Hooded Sweatshirt

The Boston Irish are amongst the toughest bunch anywhere! Show your love for your city with this hooded sweatshirt.

Price: $44.99 Buy Now

Southie Irish Women's Light T-Shirt

A vintage style Irish womens t-shirt featuring Southie and a four leaf clover... represent Southie!

Price: $20.99 Buy Now

Powered by Mashed Potatoes Women's Fitted T-Shirt

The Irish diet is a simple one. It usually involves some sort of potato dish, preferably mashed, like the ones seen on this powered by mashed potatoes t-shirt.

Price: $27.99 Buy Now

Funny Cabbage Irish Organic Men's T-Shirt

Some rich people like their caviar, but not the Irish! Our caviar is cabbage, and we're proud of it.

Price: $28.99 Buy Now

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Things to do in South Boston (and Throughout the City)

Yelpers recommend fun things to do in Southie...

Korean War Memorial South Boston

Here's what Yelpers have to say about Active Life in 02127

Urban AdvenTours (Boston)  
"Highly recommend if you are wanting to see a lot of Boston but feel limited on time and want to get in some great exercise while learning some interesting..." more
Social Boston Sports (Boston)  
"One word: DODGEBALL. Seriously, this organization is great. I've played dodgeball with SBS for 3 years now, as well as soccer (indoor and outdoor). I..." more
Boston Derby Dames (Cambridge)  
"what-a-bunch-a-classy-broads-on-wheels i'm used to derby a-la-austin texas this was super on time super family friendly and super all about the bouts next..." more
Cambridge Center Roof Garden (Cambridge)  
"So pretty and hidden away in the middle of super modern Kendall." more
The Esplanade (Boston)  
"The Esplanade's hatch shell is where the Boston Pops do that thing they do, and there are so many cool things to do out on the Esplanade even without them..." more
powered by Yelp

Have You Been to Southie?

Tell us about your trip to South Boston, or recommend a favorite place in Southie!

3 Seagulls in Southie

Have you been to Southie before? Do you have a certain beach, pub, restaurant, bar, or view of the city that you recommend people check out? Tell everyone here about your recommendation!

  • cffutah Jan 16, 2012 @ 6:43 pm | delete
    don't know what it is about Boston but I've always wanted to visit there.
  • agent009 Nov 28, 2011 @ 2:21 pm | delete
    I learned about the neighborhood mainly through The Departed, I'd love to visit the historic Irish sections of the city. It fascinates me even if I'm not Irish.
  • KimGiancaterino Oct 15, 2011 @ 12:08 pm | delete
    I've been once -- Boston was the first east coast town I ever visited. My stepson was at school in Boston over the summer, but he wasn't keen on us dropping in. This lens has been blessed and featured at The SquidAngel Dream Vacation Quest. Be sure to vote for it!
  • Tolovaj Sep 11, 2011 @ 10:54 am | delete
    Beautiful place. Wish to be there... ;)
  • Pastiche Sep 4, 2011 @ 4:07 pm | delete
    Born in Boston, maternal grandmother hailed from Southie - d'ya know what a South Boston uppercut is?
  • trippste Aug 2, 2011 @ 12:57 am | delete
    Awesome lens! I am from South Boston!
  • soldonsunday Jun 14, 2011 @ 12:25 am | delete
    Great lens! Thanks for the great post.
  • JaguarJulie Sep 22, 2010 @ 11:52 am | delete
    Oh, I have never been to Southie or Boston, but my dear! I surely do want to go quite badly after reading your delightful page.
  • burgessvillian Jun 30, 2010 @ 10:11 pm | delete
    My grandparents came from Boston and moved to Canada. My grandfather had Irish background. I know I have distant relatives still in Boston, but not sure where. I plan on visiting Boston sometime and your lenses are a big help for me to decide where to go.
    Great job on the lens, Ron
  • prosperity66 Jun 26, 2010 @ 9:06 am | delete
    Seems that there are some beautiful houses and monuments to see in Boston - which is a town located near water; and this is something I really love. Very interesting page!
  • LoKackl Jun 4, 2010 @ 11:13 am | delete
    So comprehensive and lovingly done. SquidAngel Blessed.
  • Janiece May 31, 2010 @ 6:18 am | delete
    Another excellent lens from you! I always enjoy your photos and info so much! Great lens on South Boston!

New Posts from the South Shore Mass Blog

Massachusetts news, history, photos, towns, and more

Here's the latest from the South Shore Mass blog, updated automatically with new posts. This blog contains information on towns, cities, history and photos of the South Shore of MA, as well as Cape Cod and the rest of Massachusetts. See what's new!
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South Shore Tees - Our Newest Arrivals

Hot off the press! New t-shirts and Massachusetts merchandise

Find some our newest merchandise on this auto feed. It's all Massachusetts themed t-shirts, mousepads, bumper stickers, mugs and gifts! Click through any product to read more details on that product, as well as shipping information.
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I'm Kiwisoutback. I write about traveling, marketing, video games, and the music I like. I started writing on Squidoo in 2007, and was slowly sucked into... more »

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Growing Up in Southie 

During mob controlled times -- a true story

The Constant Outsider: Memoirs of a South Boston Mechanic

Amazon Price: $22.49 (as of 06/04/2012)Buy Now

It was a rough part of town to live in back in the day, before this neighborhood was gentrified into its present condition. This book chronicles the true upbringing many Southie residents faced, but couldn't share... until now. Read every detail of a mechanic's life in this crazy part of town in the 70's and 80's, including encounters with Whitey Bulger.

The Ultimate Walking Tour of Boston 

Journey through old streets, architecture, and beautiful waterfront scenery

Walking Boston: 34 Tours Through Beantown's Cobblestone Streets, Historic Districts, Ivory Towers and New Waterfront

Amazon Price: $10.99 (as of 06/04/2012)Buy Now

Boston is a very walkable city. Since the Big Dig, the city has become even more walkable. Get some extra steps in your day and see the amazing sites that Boston has to offer through the best method possible -- walking.