The northern section of the district is bounded by St Mary's Road and some streets to the west and the area to the east is Nicholstown-Newtown.

[3] The football club now known as Southampton Football Club were founded at St Mary's Church, on 21 November 1885 by members of the St Mary's Church of England Young Men's Association.

After winning the Southern League title in 1896–97, the club became a limited company and was renamed Southampton F.C.

The area is home to The Joiners in St Mary Street, one of Southampton's music venues and known for hosting acts such as Oasis, Coldplay and Muse.

[5] There are two radio stations that broadcast from St Mary's, 103.9 Voice FM provides an eclectic mix of programming.