Dorchester, Massachusetts

Dorchester, Massachusetts Details

History

In the spring of 1630, a sea-worn Captain by the name of Squib brought the ship called Mary and John into port with eight Puritan settlers aboard. Those English immigrants founded Dorchester, which, for the first chapter of its existence, was a Puritan citadel.

A neighborhood of firsts, it is home to the oldest surviving house in Boston, America’s premiere chocolate factory — not to mention the country’s first public elementary school and community health care center. Stunningly, over 30 locations in the neighborhood appear on the National Register of Historic Places. Political historians might also note that Joseph and Rose Kennedy — John and Bobby Kennedy’s parents — both hailed from Dot. And today, it’s the location of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.

By the time 1870 rolled around, Dot had been fully annexed by Boston.

During the Victorian Era, the pocket became a getaway for the upper crust and eventually transformed into a “streetcar suburb” and part of the city. But the neighborhood maintains its own identity — and to this day, residents still celebrate the founding with an annual parade and festivities.

Demographics

Dorchester is a true ethnic melting pot and holds the distinction of being the first racially integrated neighborhood in the city. During the 20th century, Polish, Irish, Jewish, Caribbean, French and Canadian immigrants settled in the region. Those roots are still visible– and over the past 20 years, many Asian families have also moved in. Latinos and African Americans also represent a healthy percentage of the population.

Notably, Dot’s LGBTQ community is large, proud and growing. The neighborhood is home to the largest concentration of same-sex couples in the metropolitan region.

The current median income is around $45,000, but the number of homes making between $100,000 and $200,000 increases yearly.

Revitalization and 21st Century Community Building

Dot has a long and storied history of social activism and community growth. It’s where many of the suffragettes lived and gathered in the early 20th century — and where Martin Luther King, Jr. got his start in the civil rights movement while earning his Ph.D. at Boston University.

Looking for an up-and-coming neighborhood in Beantown? Then look at Dot. Restaurants are moving into town, as are cute new boutiques and community stores. Crime has been on a steady decline since the early 2000s — and the 2017 budget includes a 5-year capital improvement investment in Dot’s infrastructure, parks and six public libraries.

Neighborhoods and Transportation

Being a vast area, Dot is divided into several sections — each with a distinct flavor. Conveniently, five MBTA commuter lines service the area.

Popular residential districts include Savin Hill, Jones Hill, Popes Hill, Meeting House Hill and Neponset. More commercially focused pockets include Bowdoin, Fields Corner, Peabody Square, Adams Village and Lower Mills.

Residents also enjoy several bike trails, including the Lower Neponset River Trail and Neponset River Greenway.

Real Estate

Real estate options in this particular area of metro Massachusetts runs the gamut — in both style and price. But be sure, people are flocking to the area — in droves — and renovating older homes. In short, Dot is experiencing a revival, and you’ll often hear people exclaim, “I never knew this neighborhood existed. It’s so nice here.”

Dot is awash with all manners of real estate options, from classic, triple-decker apartments and Queen Anne Romanesque homes to modern lofts. As far as price goes, the range is large. You can still find a lot for $100,000 — or a multi-million-dollar penthouse. In the residential pockets, single family homes abound.

To learn more about real estate options in this part of Massachusetts, get in touch today.

Dorchester Property Management

Our property management team specializes in residential areas throughout Dorchester, MA. We offer multiple services to take your rental property and convert it into reliable income. We have a thorough screening process that helps to identify the right tenants for your property. Our team works hard to keep both parties happy through effective communication, bullet proof lease agreements, and timely monthly rent collection. We offer maintenance services to enhance the property and ensure that it will retain or increase in value. We oversee everything, allowing you to sit back and relax and know that your property and your tenants are in good hands.

Contact us today if you are ready to receive a comprehensive analysis of your rental property and to inquire about our Dorchester area property management services.