FeaturesBathroom - Tiled With Tub & Shower, Closet/Cabinets - Custom Built, Flooring - Marble, Countertops - Stone/Granite/Solid
56 Commonwealth Ave # 53, Boston MA 02116
Boston, MA 02116 • Back Bay
$549,000
$450,000
Est. $3,272/month
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About this home
Rare opportunity to own a stunning, smartly designed studio in a premier pet-friendly elevator building on Commonwealth Avenue. Located just a block+ from the Boston Public Garden, this sun-drenched fifth-floor residence perfectly balances sophisticated style with maximum utility. The interior features high ceilings, recessed lighting, and lovely parquet floors. The beautifully renovated kitchen boasts granite counters, upgraded cabinetry, a dishwasher, and a raised breakfast bar that provides an elegant separation from the main living area. Storage is unmatched for a studio, featuring two generous closets plus custom built-ins surrounding a functional murphy bed. The luxurious bathroom is finished with Calcutta marble floors, a custom linen closet, and a tiled tub/shower. Professionally managed with common laundry and reasonable dues that include heat and hot water. Experience the best of Back Bay living with world-class dining and shopping right at your doorstep.
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Recently Sold Nearby
Property History
Market Insights
3
Price Changes
18%
Price Range
1
Previous Sales
Property Timeline
Price Reduced
May 21, 2026
$450,000
$40,000
(-8.16%)
From $490,000 to $450,000 (-8.2%)
Price Reduced
Apr 18, 2026
$490,000
$20,000
(-3.92%)
From $510,000 to $490,000 (-3.9%)
Price Reduced
Mar 5, 2026
$510,000
$39,000
(-7.1%)
From $549,000 to $510,000 (-7.1%)
Listed for Sale
Feb 7, 2026
$549,000
Original listing
Agent: Barbara Wales
Office: Engel & Volkers Newton
Previous Transaction - MLS #73200055
Full transaction history available when tracking began
Previously Sold
Apr 11, 2024
$515,000
MLS #73200055
| Date | Event | Price | Change | $/sqft | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05/21/2026 | ↓ Price Reduced | $450,000 | $40,000 | - | From $490,000 to $450,000 (-8.2%) |
| 04/18/2026 | ↓ Price Reduced | $490,000 | $20,000 | - | From $510,000 to $490,000 (-3.9%) |
| 03/05/2026 | ↓ Price Reduced | $510,000 | $39,000 | - | From $549,000 to $510,000 (-7.1%) |
| 02/07/2026 | 🏠 Listed for Sale | $549,000 | - | - | Original listing |
| 04/11/2024 | 🏷️ Previously Sold | $515,000 | - | - | MLS #73200055 |
Tax History
| Year | Taxes | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $6,351 | $508,100 |
Financial Details
Annual Property Tax
$6,351
Tax Year 2026
HOA Fee
$267
Monthly
Assessed Value
$508,100
Facts & Features
Home Facts
Type
Residential
Style
Condominium
Year Built
1850
Living Area
340 sq ft
Full Baths
1
Total Rooms
2
Interior
Heating
Central
Cooling
Window Unit(s)
Flooring
Wood, Marble
Appliances
Range, Dishwasher, Disposal, Refrigerator
Fireplace
None
Basement
Y
Laundry
None
Features
None
Exterior
Construction
None
Architecture
None
Roof
None
Features
None
Pool
None
Spa
None
Fencing
None
Patio/Porch
None
Parking
Features
None
Utilities
Electric
Circuit Breakers
Water
Public
Sewer
Public Sewer
Gas
None
Other
For Gas Range
Financial
Annual Tax
$6,351
Assessed Value
$508,100
HOA & Community
HOA Fee
$267 Monthly
Fee Includes
Heat, Water, Sewer, Insurance, Maintenance Structure, Snow Removal
Amenities
Hot Water, Laundry, Elevator(s)
Optional Fee Includes
None
Down Payment Resource
Eligible
Pets
Yes w/ Restrictions
MA Disclosures
Seller Disclosures
Rental Cap Exists And May Be At Capacity. Trustee Approval May Be Required For Pets.
Exclusions
Personal Contents
Additional Details
Possession
None
Accepted Financing
Contract
Structure Type
["Mid-Rise"]
Unit/Building
53
Sq Ft Source
Public Record
Sq Ft Disclosures
Smartly designed. A must see unit.
Documents
None
County
Suffolk
Total market time (incl. prior listings)
165 days
Property Overview
Property Type
Condominium
Listing Type
For Sale
Year Built
1850
Full Bathrooms
1
Living Area
340 sq ft
Total Rooms
2
Stories
1
Entry Level
5
Floor Layout
Interactive room guide
Floor Layout
Finished Area
340 sq ft above grade
FeaturesFlooring - Hardwood, Countertops - Stone/Granite/Solid, Breakfast Bar / Nook, Cabinets - Upgraded
FeaturesCloset/Cabinets - Custom Built, Flooring - Hardwood, Recessed Lighting, Storage
Display Options
Room Markers
BABathroom (4)
BRBedroom (5)
DDining (1)
KKitchen (1)
LLiving (2)
OOffice (1)
Conceptual diagram based on MLS room data. It is not to scale and is not a substitute for architectural plans or on-site measurements.
Interior Features
Flooring:
Wood, Marble
Appliances:
Range, Dishwasher, Disposal, Refrigerator
Interior Features:
Windows:
Insulated Windows
Basement:
Y
Laundry:
Security:
Construction & Materials
Year Built:
1850
Effective Year (Renovated):
1974
Structure Type:
Mid-Rise
Exterior Materials:
Roof:
Foundation:
Stories:
1
Heating, Cooling & Utilities
Heating:
Central
Cooling:
Window Unit(s)
Hot Water:
Water Source:
Public
Sewer:
Public Sewer
Energy Features:
Exterior & Lot
Exterior Features:
Patio & Porch:
Fencing:
Other Structures:
Lot Features:
Road Surface:
Parking & Garage
Parking Features:
Nearby Schools
School District
Boston School District local
C-
Where Graduates Go
Class of 2021
52%
attend college
38%
4-Year
14%
2-Year
7%
Out of State
7%
Working
School Safety
2024-25
3.7%
Above Average
3.2%
Suspensions
0.3%
In-School
0.5%
Emergency
1.8% below state avg
Elementary Schools
10 schools
The Learning Project
0.2 mi
Grades K-06
Park Street School
0.3 mi
Grades K-07
Advent School
0.4 mi
Grades K-06
Kingsley Montessori School
0.4 mi
Grades PK-06
D
Melvin H. King South End Academy
0.6 mi
|
#24 of 25
|
Score: 20.2
Improved 363 spots from last year
-38.1 below state avg
125 students
Diverse
Rising School
Diverse Student Body
Grades PK-12
F
Blackstone Elementary School
0.8 mi
|
#809 of 824
|
Score: 26.3
Improved 12 spots from last year
-31.9 below state avg
582 students
Moderate
Grades PK-06
C
Hurley K-8 School
1.0 mi
|
#258 of 352
|
Score: 35.8
Dropped 23 spots from last year
-22.4 below state avg
335 students
Moderate
Grades PK-08
Kids Are People School
1.2 mi
Grades PK-12
D
Perkins Elementary School
1.2 mi
|
#772 of 824
|
Score: 30.9
Improved 29 spots from last year
-27.3 below state avg
167 students
Diverse
Rising School
Diverse Student Body
Grades PK-06
St. John Elementary School
1.4 mi
Grades PK-08
Middle Schools
10 schools
Middle School Academy
1.8 mi
F
Higginson/Lewis K-8 School
2.3 mi
|
#349 of 352
|
Score: 23.6
Improved 3 spots from last year
-34.6 below state avg
213 students
Diverse
Grades 03-08
Nativity Prep School
2.6 mi
Grades 05-08
A
Uncommon Schools - Roxbury Preparatory Dorchester Campus Middle School
2.9 mi
|
#4 of 16
|
Score: 41.9
Improved 187 spots from last year
-16.3 below state avg
1,126 students
Diverse
Rising School
College Ready Curriculum
Grades 05-08
Dearborn Middle School
3.1 mi
Mother Caroline Academy
3.2 mi
Grades 05-08
Epiphany School
4.1 mi
Grades 05-08
C
Ohrenberger School
7.4 mi
|
#265 of 352
|
Score: 34.9
Improved 20 spots from last year
-23.3 below state avg
477 students
Diverse
Rising School
Diverse Student Body
Grades 03-08
Timilty Middle
1.8 mi
UP Academy
1.8 mi
High Schools
10 schools
Newman School
0.4 mi
Grades 07-12
C
Quincy Upper School
0.6 mi
|
#268 of 346
|
Score: 44.6
Improved 4 spots from last year
-13.6 below state avg
557 students
Very Diverse
12 sports
• 208 athletes
High Graduation Rate
Diverse Student Body
Grades 06-12
Cathedral High School
0.8 mi
9 sports
• 430 athletes
Grades 07-12
A-
O'Bryant School of Math & Science
1.7 mi
|
#90 of 346
|
Score: 61.1
Improved 94 spots from last year
+2.9 above state avg
1,509 students
Very Diverse
High Graduation Rate
Rising School
College Ready Curriculum
Diverse Student Body
Grades 07-12
A+
Boston Latin School
1.7 mi
|
#19 of 346
|
Score: 73.3
Improved 61 spots from last year
+15.1 above state avg
2,424 students
Very Diverse
18 sports
• 2,006 athletes
Strong AP Program
High Graduation Rate
Rising School
Strong Athletics
Grades 07-12
B
Dearborn STEM Academy
1.8 mi
|
#13 of 25
|
Score: 31.7
Improved 356 spots from last year
-26.6 below state avg
565 students
Diverse
10 sports
• 242 athletes
Early College Program
Rising School
Grades 07-12
D
Charlestown High School
2.0 mi
|
#322 of 346
|
Score: 31.0
Improved 49 spots from last year
-27.2 below state avg
754 students
Diverse
11 sports
• 488 athletes
Early College Program
Rising School
Grades 07-12
A+
Boston Latin Academy
2.6 mi
|
#2 of 25
|
Score: 63.9
Improved 214 spots from last year
+5.7 above state avg
1,693 students
Very Diverse
17 sports
• 1,298 athletes
High Graduation Rate
Rising School
Strong Athletics
Diverse Student Body
Grades 07-12
C-
East Boston High School
2.8 mi
|
#305 of 346
|
Score: 37.3
Improved 31 spots from last year
-20.9 below state avg
1,252 students
Less Diverse
14 sports
• 584 athletes
Early College Program
Rising School
Grades 07-12
C
Ruth Batson Academy
2.9 mi
|
#19 of 25
|
Score: 27.6
Improved 346 spots from last year
-30.6 below state avg
604 students
Diverse
8 sports
• 128 athletes
Early College Program
Rising School
Grades 07-12
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Down: $0
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Monthly Payment Breakdown
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Property Tax
$529
Homeowners Insurance
$200
HOA Fee
$267/mo
PMI (if <20% down)
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Payment Over Time
Year 1
95% Interest
Year 15
50/50
Year 30
95% Principal
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Location
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Neighborhood
Back Bay
56 Commonwealth Ave # 53, Boston MA 02116
Boston, MA 02116
Listing Information
Listing Agent
Barbara Wales
Listing Office
Engel & Volkers Newton
Office Phone
617-936-4194
Agent MLS ID
BB800380
Office MLS ID
AN4462
Listing Data Updated
Jul 21, 2026 3:05 AM EDT
Listing information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Data provided by MLS Property Information Network, Inc. All information should be independently verified.
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