South End
A neighborhood in central Boston with something for everyone.
The South End is truly a cosmopolitan neighborhood. It is just minutes away from Downtown and the Back Bay, and has recently become one of the City’s most popular neighborhoods.
Neighborhood Contacts
Neighborhood ContactsMichaela Nee
South End and Bay Village Liaison
Michaela Nee is a South Boston native. Her professional journey began in ministry-based initiatives, serving with the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity as an elementary school teacher on the Turtle Mountain Native American Reservation in Belcourt, North Dakota.
In 2020, Nee joined Boston 311 as a call taker, helping residents access City services and connect them with critical resources. She later transitioned to the Mayor’s Office, serving as Operations Manager and as Co-Director of the Coordinated Response Team from 2022 to 2024. In these roles, she worked closely with City departments, community partners, and residents to address complex challenges related to unsheltered individuals and substance use disorder while advancing quality\-of-life improvements across Boston. Prior to her work with the City, she served as a Program Manager at AIM Women’s Center in the Ohio River Valley, where she supported and advocated for women experiencing homelessness and helped create a safe, supportive environment for pregnant women in need.
Christopher Breen
Deputy Director
Christopher Breen was born and raised in the city of Boston. He grew up in Charlestown and is a proud Boston Public Schools graduate of Boston Latin Academy. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Massachusetts in Boston.
Chris has spent over 18 years working in multiple capacities for the City of Boston, beginning his career as a teenager in the “redshirt” program for BCYF. Chris then went on to work nine years for the Boston Public Schools as a teacher at the Eliot School in the North End. He joined the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services where he worked three years as the Charlestown Liaison. He worked close to six years as the Urban Renewal Manager at the Boston Planning and Development Agency before returning to the Mayor’s Office as a Deputy Director of Neighborhood Services. Chris returned to Neighborhood Services because he has a passion for helping improve and streamline City services to help make Boston a better place to live for every resident.
When Breen is not serving the people of Boston, he loves to attend Boston Bruins and Celtics games.
Christopher Breen is the Deputy Director of Neighborhoods: Dorchester, East Boston, North End, West End, Wharf District Liaison, Downtown, Chinatown, Leather District, South End, and Bay Village.
Neighborhood features
The South End is a landmark district. We also have information on the South End's historic St. Botolph District. The South End is home to:
- young professionals
- families, and
- a vibrant gay and lesbian community.
The area’s main streets are Tremont Street, Columbus Avenue, and Mass Avenue. Here you’ll find the area’s renowned Victorian brownstone buildings. The Washington Gateway Main Streets program supports the neighborhood’s many small businesses.
There are nearly 30 parks in the area. It’s also home to a thriving arts community and some of the best restaurants in Boston.
SoWa Open Markets
The markets, located on Harrison Avenue, are open on Sundays from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Tremont Street (Restaurant Row)
You can choose from several different world-class restaurants.
Shawmut Avenue
The tree-lined street is filled with boutiques and restaurants.
Blackstone and Franklin Parks
The two classically designed open-spaces provide a respite from the hustle and bustle of the neighborhood.