Livability Score

69
/100
i The AreaVibes Livability Score evaluates 9 different categories and creates an overall score out of 100. The higher the score, the better the area.

amenities A-

There are some amenities close to this location.
Coffee (3) F
Flat Black
Coffee Shop
Coco Leaf
Coffee Shop
Homestead bakery & cafe
Coffee Shop
Unknown Name
Coffee Shop
McKenna's Cafe
Coffee Shop
Dunkin' Donuts
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Vivi's Bubble Tea Cafe Quincy
Coffee Shop
B Cafe
Coffee Shop
Yocha
Coffee Shop
The Sugar Bowl
Coffee Shop
Coco
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Victoria's Diner
Coffee Shop
Coffee Break Cafe
Coffee Shop
Midway Cafe
Coffee Shop
Doyle's Cafe
Coffee Shop
Forest Hills Diner
Coffee Shop
Brassica Kitchen + Cafe
Coffee Shop
Brassica Kitchen + Cafe
Coffee Shop
Ula Cafe
Coffee Shop
Dudley Cafe
Coffee Shop
Fiore's Bakery
Coffee Shop
Caffè Nero
Coffee Shop
Kamado
Coffee Shop
Entertainment (3) A+
Pierce House
Museum
Boston Bowl
Bowling Alley
Dorchester Art Project
Theatre Arts
William E. Reed Auditorium
Theatre Arts
Wildebeest
Attraction
Captain Robert Bennet Forbes House
Museum
Plains Zebra
Attraction
Goat
Attraction
Ostrich
Attraction
Tiger
Attraction
Lion
Attraction
Unknown Name
Attraction
Grevy's Zebra
Attraction
Franklin Park Zoo
Zoo
Masai Giraffe
Attraction
Tree Kangoroo
Attraction
Red Kangoroo
Attraction
Emu
Attraction
Condor
Attraction
James Blake House
Museum
Commonwealth Museum
Museum
Flamingo
Attraction
Andean Condor
Attraction
Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate
Museum
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
Museum
Food and Drink (15) A-
Unknown Name
Alcohol
Ashmont Deli
Fast Food
Dunkin'
Fast Food
Eire Pub
Bar
Dunkin'
Fast Food
McDonald's
Fast Food
Dunkin'
Fast Food
Subway
Fast Food
Lambert's
Deli
Phillips Chocolate
Sweets
Deadwood Cafe
Fast Food
McDonald's
Fast Food
Blarney Stone
Bar
McDonald's
Fast Food
Dunkin'
Fast Food
Burger King
Fast Food
Dunkin'
Fast Food
Steel and Rye
Bar
Lucky's Wine & Liquors
Alcohol
I Love Italian Pizza
Fast Food
Panera Bread
Fast Food
D'Angelo
Fast Food
McDonald's
Fast Food
Savin Hill Wine and Spirits
Alcohol
Dunkin' Donuts
Sweets
Fitness (1) F
Dorchester YMCA
Gym
Boys and Girls Club of Dorchester Colonel Daniel Marr Clubhouse
Gym
Boston Center for Youth and Families Gallivan Community Center
Community Centre
Grove Hall Community Center
Community Centre
Lena Park Community Center
Community Centre
Mildred Avenue Community Center
Community Centre
The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center
Community Centre
Anytime Fitness
Gym
Boston Liberation Center
Community Centre
Roxbury YMCA
Gym
Shelburne Community Center
Community Centre
Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Center
Community Centre
Boys & Girls Club of Boston: Orchard Garden Club
Community Centre
Old Oak Dojo
Community Centre
Archdale Community Center
Community Centre
Curtis Community Hall
Community Centre
Anna M. Cole Community Center
Community Centre
Dewitt Center
Community Centre
Blissful Monkey Yoga Studio
Gym
Cooper Community Center
Community Centre
Eritrean Community Center
Community Centre
Lucy Parsons Center
Community Centre
Planet Fitness
Gym
Cathedral Community Building
Community Centre
Thomas L. Johnson Community Center
Community Centre
Groceries (2) F
Greenhills Irish Bakery
Bakery
Super Stop & Shop
Grocery Store
Star Market
Grocery Store
Stop & Shop
Grocery Store
Carmelo Bakery & Cafe
Bakery
Star Market
Grocery Store
Stop & Shop
Grocery Store
C Mart Quincy
Grocery Store
99 Ranch Market
Grocery Store
Fruit Center Marketplace
Grocery Store
Unknown Name
Grocery Store
Stop & Shop
Grocery Store
Babycakes
Bakery
Montillio's
Bakery
New York Marts supermarkets
Grocery Store
Stop & Shop
Grocery Store
Happy Market and Spirits
Grocery Store
Price Rite
Grocery Store
Monumental Cupcakes
Bakery
City Feed and Supply
Grocery Store
Tropical Foods
Grocery Store
The Blue Frog Bakery
Bakery
Joseph's Bakery
Bakery
Stop & Shop
Grocery Store
Gondres Bakery & Cafeteria
Bakery
Parks (57) A+
Hemenway Playground
Park
Unknown Name
Playground
Peabody Square
Park
Claymont Terrace
Park
Unknown Name
Playground
Cronin Playground
Park
Unknown Name
Playground
Henry Square
Park
Centervale Park
Park
Unknown Name
Playground
Unknown Name
Playground
McMorrow Playground
Park
Doherty-Gibson Playground
Playground
Gibson Playground
Park
Rev. William F. Toohig Playground
Park
Wellesley Park
Park
Unknown Name
Playground
William H. Garvey Playground
Park
Codman Square
Park
Unknown Name
Playground
Unknown Name
Playground
Martin Playground
Playground
Unknown Name
Playground
Unknown Name
Playground
Unknown Name
Playground
Shops (9) C+
Tedeschi Food Shops
Convenience Store
APC Integrated / A Plus Computer Services
Electronics
Codman Cycle Co
Bicycle
Ashmont Cycles
Bicycle
Tedeschi Food Shops
Convenience Store
Citgo
Convenience Store
Speedway
Convenience Store
7-Eleven
Convenience Store
7-Eleven
Convenience Store
Adi's Bike World
Books
Niecy's New & Used Furniture
Furniture
5 Corners Food Mart
Convenience Store
Target
Department Store
Alves Market
Convenience Store
Healing Thai Spa
Beauty
7-Eleven
Convenience Store
Dorchester Mrket
Convenience Store
Mystic Hair
Hairdresser
Cappy's Convenience
Convenience Store
Coleen's Flower Shop
Florist
Classic Hairstyling
Hairdresser
T&T Hair Salon
Hairdresser
Garden Comb Salon
Hairdresser
Creative Men's Hair Styling
Hairdresser
Dot Dogs
Hairdresser
See more South Dorchester amenity data

Neighborhoods with high amenity scores:

1. South Boston (A+)

2. East Boston (A+)

3. North Dorchester (A+)

4. Roxbury (A+)

5. Charlestown (A)

commute A+

Of all people who commute, 31.0% take public transportation in South Dorchester.
Public Transit Stops (239)
Stops & Stations A+
Adams St @ Msgr Lydon Way
Bus Stop
Adams St opp Msgr. Lydon Way
Bus Stop
Adams St opp Lonsdale St
Bus Stop
Adams St @ Lonsdale St
Bus Stop
Adams St @ Ashmont St
Bus Stop
Adams St @ Ashmont St
Bus Stop
Adams St @ King St
Bus Stop
Adams St @ King St
Bus Stop
Dorchester Ave @ Lonsdale St
Bus Stop
Dorchester Ave @ Welles Ave
Bus Stop
Adams St @ Helena Rd
Bus Stop
Dorchester Ave @ King St
Bus Stop
Dorchester Ave @ Cheverus Rd
Bus Stop
Adams St @ Oakton Ave.
Bus Stop
Dorchester Ave @ Banton St
Bus Stop
Dorchester Ave @ Msgr Lydon Way
Bus Stop
Dorchester Ave @ Centre St
Bus Stop
Dorchester Ave @ Centre St
Bus Stop
Dorchester Ave @ Talbot Ave
Bus Stop
Adams St @ Franconia St
Bus Stop
Adams St @ Westmoreland St
Bus Stop
Dorchester Ave @ Dracut St
Bus Stop
Adams St @ Elmdale St
Bus Stop
Talbot Ave @ Argyle St
Bus Stop
Talbot Ave @ Dorchester Ave
Bus Stop
Workers Taking Public Transit
31.0% A+
See more South Dorchester commute data

Neighborhoods with high commute scores:

1. Allston-Brighton (A+)

2. Back Bay-Beacon Hill (A+)

3. Central (A+)

4. Charlestown (A+)

5. East Boston (A+)

cost of living F

The cost of living in South Dorchester is 155/100 - which is 17% higher than Massachusetts.
Cost of Living
Goods & Services, Housing, etc. F
Tax Rates
Income & Sales Tax A
See more South Dorchester cost of living data

Neighborhoods with high cost of living scores:

1. Mattapan (F)

2. Roxbury (F)

3. Fenway-Kenmore (F)

4. East Boston (F)

5. Roslindale (F)

crime F

South Dorchester crime rates are 2,923 per 100k, which is 110% higher than Massachusetts
Property Crime
2,150 crimes per 100k D+
Violent Crime
773 crimes per 100k F
See more South Dorchester crime data

Neighborhoods with high crime scores:

1. West Roxbury (A)

2. Allston-Brighton (B)

3. Roslindale (B)

4. Fenway-Kenmore (C+)

5. East Boston (C+)

employment A

The median income in South Dorchester is $72,827 - which is 3% higher than Massachusetts.
Med. Household Income
$72,827 B-
Unemployment Rate
5.2% F
See more South Dorchester employment data

Neighborhoods with high employment scores:

1. Central (A+)

2. Hyde Park (A+)

3. North Dorchester (A+)

4. South Dorchester (A)

5. East Boston (A)

health A+

There are some hospitals, police and fire stations.
Health & Safety (8)
Dentist, Doctor, Hospital, etc. A+
Boston Fire Department Engine 18, Ladder 6
Fire Station
Boston Fire Department Engine 20
Fire Station
Boston Police Department Area C South Boston Dorchester
Police
CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Codman Square Health Center
Clinic
Carney Hospital
Hospital
CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Boston Fire Department Engine 17, Ladder 7, Car 7
Fire Station
Harbor Health
Clinic
Boston Fire Department Engine 16
Fire Station
Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center
Clinic
Boston Fire Department Engine 52, Ladder 29
Fire Station
Walgreens
Pharmacy
Boston Fire Department Engine 24, Ladder 23
Fire Station
Boston Police Department District B-3 North Dorchester-Mattapan Neighborhood Station
Police
Quincy Fire Department
Fire Station
CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
CVS Quincy Shore Drive
Pharmacy
Walgreens
Pharmacy
Boston Fire Department Engine 21
Fire Station
Community Pediatrics, PC
Doctor
Blue Sky Family Dental
Dentist
Unknown Name
Pharmacy
Mattapan Community Health Center
Clinic
Lemuel Shattuck Hospital
Hospital
Air Quality
Median Air Quality B-
See more South Dorchester health & safety data

Neighborhoods with high health & safety scores:

1. Mattapan (A+)

2. South Boston (A+)

3. South Dorchester (A+)

4. East Boston (A+)

5. Hyde Park (A+)

housing B-

South Dorchester home prices are $499,479 - which is 46% higher than Massachusetts
Home Price
$499,479 A+
Home Appreciation Rate
29% A+
Home Affordability
6.9x (home price to income ratio) F
See more South Dorchester housing data

Neighborhoods with high housing scores:

1. West Roxbury (A+)

2. Hyde Park (A+)

3. Roslindale (A+)

4. South Boston (A)

5. Charlestown (A-)

schools D+

The South Dorchester graduation rate is 77% - which is 12% lower than Massachusetts
School Test Scores
30% F
High School Grad. Rates
77% D
Elementary Schools (17) A+
Thomas J Kenny
Neighborhood House Charter School
Dr. William Henderson Lower
St John Paul Ii Catholic Acad.-Neponset Campus
Epiphany School
Richard J Murphy
St Brendan
Codman Academy Charter Public School
Helen Y. Davis Leadership Academy Charter Public School
Dr. William Henderson Upper
Up Academy Charter School Of Dorchester
Techboston Academy
Conservatory Lab Charter School
O W Holmes
St John Paul Ii Catholic Academy
Lee Academy
Joseph Lee
Sarah Greenwood
Charles H Taylor
Mather
Up Academy Holland
Pauline Agassiz Shaw Elementary School
St John Paul Ii Catholic Academy Columbia Camp
Berea Sda Academy
Lilla G. Frederick Middle School
High Schools (6) A+
Neighborhood House Charter School
Codman Academy Charter Public School
Community Academy Of Science And Health
Dr. William Henderson Upper
Dorchester Academy
Techboston Academy
Boston International High School
North Quincy High
Jeremiah E Burke High
Boston College High School
Fontbonne Academy
Boston Collegiate Charter School
Boston Latin Academy
Community Academy
Greater Egleston Community High School
Dearborn
City On A Hill Charter Public School Circuit Street
Boston Day And Evening Academy Charter School
The English High
Milton High
Excel High School
Margarita Muniz Academy
City On A Hill Charter Public School Dudley Square
Boston Collaborative High School
Al-Noor Academy
See more South Dorchester education data

Neighborhoods with high education scores:

1. Fenway-Kenmore (A)

2. Back Bay-Beacon Hill (A-)

3. Central (B+)

4. West Roxbury (C+)

5. Allston-Brighton (C+)

ratings A

South Dorchester has an overall rating of 80% from 6 reviews.
User Reviews (1)
From AreaVibes A
User Surveys (5)
From AreaVibes A
See more South Dorchester user rating data

Neighborhoods with high user rating scores:

1. Jamaica Plain (A+)

2. Charlestown (A+)

3. Roslindale (A+)

4. South End (A+)

5. Back Bay-Beacon Hill (A+)

Amenities Commute Cost of Living Crime Employment Health & Safety Housing Schools User Ratings

South Dorchester, Boston, MA Area Guide

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Photo of Boston, MA
( 6 Ratings )

Living in South Dorchester, Boston, MA

Ranks better than 69% of areas Follow

South Dorchester Area Facts

  • South Dorchester has a Livability Score of 69/100, which is considered good
  • South Dorchester crime rates are 21% higher than the Boston average
  • Cost of living in South Dorchester is 6% lower than the Boston average

What do the locals think about South Dorchester?

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South Dorchester Reviews

Write a review about South Dorchester Tell people what you like or don't like about South Dorchester…
South Dorchester Boston, MA Review 4 rating By Anonymous ( Jun 09, 2014) I have lived in the South Dorchester neighborhood of Boston, MA for over five years. It is one of the best neighborhoods I have lived in for several reasons. What attracted me to the area was the housing. I live in an apartment that is $1,400 a month. This is about average for a ...Read More two-bedroom apartment in the area. My building overlooks the city of Boston, and I find this very relaxing. I enjoy looking at the tall office buildings as well as the hustle and bustle of the city. It is also convenient because I can easily use public transportation to get to work.

Something that I enjoy is going to a coffee shop to read after work. There are about 10 coffee shops in and around the neighborhood. My favorite shop is Dot2Dot. It is very modern, and the staff is friendly. The colors are warm and inviting. The only downfall is that it's not open that late at night. There are also several parks that I walk at on occasion. The best one I believe is Cronin Playground. It can get very crowded when the weather is nice because it has more equipment for children. Peabody Square is a beautiful area with walking trails. This is somewhere to go if you like to relax and if you don't have children.

The Boston Public Library is a short distance from my apartment. I like going just to look at the historical aspects of the building. It is one of the largest libraries I have been to, and the staff tries to keep the latest books on the shelves. I can also use the computers and printing services. While living in South Dorchester, I like going to the shopping centers. Instead of the large malls, there are more small shops that sell items like crafts, souvenirs for visitors and items that have the Boston name. This neighborhood is somewhere friendly that is safe for families. I have never had an issue with my safety because it is so busy in the area. The number of stores and attractions is wonderful, and the history of the area is a bonus. Read Less
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Compare Boston, MA Livability

      vs

      A- Amenities

      Are there many local amenities in South Dorchester? Yes, there are some amenities close to this location.

      Parks

      Hemenway Playground
      Unknown Name
      Peabody Square
      Claymont Terrace
      Unknown Name
      Cronin Playground
      Unknown Name
      Henry Square

      Entertainment

      Pierce House
      Boston Bowl
      Dorchester Art Project
      William E. Reed Auditorium
      Wildebeest
      Captain Robert Bennet Forbes House
      Plains Zebra
      Goat

      Food & Drink

      Unknown Name
      Ashmont Deli
      Dunkin'
      Eire Pub
      Dunkin'
      McDonald's
      Dunkin'
      Subway

      A+ Commute

      Is public transit available in South Dorchester? Of all people who commute, 31.0% take public transportation in South Dorchester.
      Drive to Work
      47%

      24% lower than the US average

      Take Public Transit
      31%

      21% higher than the US average

      Walk to Work
      3%

      2% lower than the US average

      F Cost of Living

      What is the cost of living in South Dorchester? The cost of living in South Dorchester is 155/100 - which is 17% higher than Massachusetts.
      South Dorchester
      155

      55% more expensive than average

      Boston
      166

      66% more expensive than average

      United States
      100

      National cost of living index

      F Crime

      What is the crime rate in South Dorchester? South Dorchester crime rates are 2,923, which are 110% higher than Massachusetts
      Total Crime
      2,923 per 100k people

      26% higher than the US average

      Chance of being a victim
      1 in 35

      26% higher than the US average

      Year-over-year crime
      10%

      Year over year crime is up

      A Employment

      What is the median income in South Dorchester? The median income in South Dorchester is $72,827 which is 3% higher than Massachusetts.
      Median household income
      $72,82732% higher than the US average
      Income per capita
      $34,09214% higher than the US average
      Unemployment rate
      5%

      11% higher than the US average

      A+ Health & Safety

      Is South Dorchester a healthy and safe place to live? Yes, there are many hospitals, police and fire stations.

      Hospitals

      Massachusetts Eye and Ear
      Floating Hospital for Children
      Commonwealth Community Care
      Boston Medical Center
      Brigham and Women's Hospital
      Shriners Hospitals for Children - Boston
      East Boston Neighborhood Health Center
      Massachusetts General Hospital

      Pharmacies

      CVS Pharmacy
      Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates
      CVS Pharmacy
      Osco Pharmacy
      CVS Pharmacy
      CVS Pharmacy
      CVS Pharmacy
      CVS Pharmacy

      Doctors

      Brookline Avenue Medical Building
      Franciscan Children’s Pediatrics
      Brookside Community Health Center
      Boston Children's at Martha Eliot
      Urban Eye MD. Associates PC.
      Charles River Community Health
      New Health Northend Waterfront Health
      Porter Pediatrics

      B- Housing

      What are South Dorchester home prices? South Dorchester home prices are $499,479 - which is 46% higher than Massachusetts
      Median home value
      $499,479170% higher than the US average
      Median rent price
      $1,56465% higher than the US average
      Home Ownership
      43%

      32% lower than the US average

      D+ Schools

      Does South Dorchester have good schools? The South Dorchester graduation rate is 77% - which is 12% lower than Massachusetts
      High school grad. rates
      77%

      7% lower than the US average

      School test scores
      30%

      37% lower than the US average

      Student teacher ratio
      0:1

      100% lower than the US average

      A User Ratings

      Is South Dorchester a good place to live? South Dorchester has an overall rating of 80% from 6 reviews.
      Overall user rating
      80%

      6 total ratings

      User reviews rating
      80%

      1 total reviews

      User surveys rating
      81%

      5 total surveys

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