421 E 3rd Street, Unit 1, South BostonBoston, MA 02127Price: $599,900

If your South Boston search keeps coming down to one compromisegreat location or real outdoor spacethis East Side home deserves a closer look. Here, city living extends beyond the back door to a private, fenced, beautifully landscaped backyard with over 550 square feet of exclusive outdoor spaceready for morning coffee, fall dinners, gardening, entertaining or giving your dog room outside. Inside, classic Southie character meets everyday function with 10-foot ceilings, crown molding, hardwood floors and an updated kitchen that flows naturally into the living space. The second bedroom gives you the flexibility city buyers are constantly searching for: create a dedicated home office, guest room or true second bedroom instead of asking one room to do everything. There's useful basement storage for the things you don't want taking over your living space, plus commercial-grade common laundry. Newer windows and a newer roof add to the appeal, while a low condo fee helps keep monthly ownership costs in check. Pets are permitted, too. Then there's the East Side locationclose to neighborhood restaurants, cafs, shopping, Castle Island, the beach, public transportation, the Seaport and downtown Boston. Some city condos give you a place to live. This one gives you room to live inside and out.