I’ve lived in that area for 20+ years. I can give lots of info. Depending who you ask, it’s Roxbury, or it’s South End, but never both. They installed “South End Parking Permit Only” signs on my street recently... but then City Hall didn’t recognize my street as SE, and I got a Roxbury pass sent to me. I’m still working that one out with the city.
South Enders believe the South End ends at Mass Ave. But Roxbury isn’t keen on claiming the neighborhood either. Add to that, that Northeastern is moving into most of the cross streets you mentioned, or they’re being turn into popular barely-off-campus apartments. So it’s a younger crowd moving in. It’s a very mixed neighborhood now. Northeastern is Northeastern, but Slade’s across the street is claimed proudly by Roxbury, but don’t you dare call the Piano Factory apartments Roxbury (791 Tremont). ILona and Mida (restaurant on the corner of Mass Ave), are considered South End restaurants, but they’re next door and across from the 24 hour Gas and Guns.
It’s not generally considered safe. That said, it’s not the hood. I love the proximity and location. But I’m not always comfortable walking alone after dark. I’m not scared of being targeted (though I once was), but more of being an accidental casualty as a bystander. I’ve had bullets whizz by my head, and of course the aforementioned assault. Those were wake up calls that I should probably move, and I’m looking to move back to the Tremont/Waltham St. area.
It’s changing, but slowly. In 1995 a realtor refused to show me apartments on “that” side of Mass Ave. I learned to appreciate that. Since I did finally move here because I wanted cheaper rent, I’ve had to constantly remind myself of the money I’m saving. I’d like to feel safer. But I love my rent. But is it worth it anymore?
You’ll have to decide what you’re comfortable with. But I’m city born and raised, relatively street savvy, and I don’t think I’d recommend this area to anyone who isn’t also street smart already. Again it’s not the ghetto, but it does go bump in the night sometimes.