South Boston hosts a variety of architecture and living options. Traditional triple-deckers divided into condominiums and apartments border historic single-family homes and modern new construction developments with elevators and garage parking. There is a distinct difference between the housing options on the East Side, which are more conventional, and the West Side, where homes are largely brand new and modern.

Many planes landing at Logan International Airport fly directly adjacent to South Boston, though the residential neighborhood is not actually in the flight path. Residents often consider them a reminder of the cosmopolitan hub that Boston is, and the distant hum of jet engines fades into the background.

Castle Island, a historic park surround on three sides by saltwater that’s absolutely packed in fair weather. Joggers do the Loop (technically the Head Island Causeway, though no locals call it that) and families grab a burger and soft serve from Sullivan’s. Castle Island beaches line Pleasure Bay and Old Harbor on Dorchester Bay.