Boston & Neighborhoods

The City of Boston

A bustling metropolis, there are few cities as fun to visit as Boston. As you stroll down city streets in this very modern city, you'll still get a real sense of the historic past that is uniquely Bostonian. Ancient red-brick sidewalks twist past handsome Federalist houses, homes that perhaps stood in the days when a young government was being forged, just block from soaring glass towers housing state-of-the-art technology that glitter in the sun. And, there are no people anywhere that are quite the same as native Bostonians.

More avid sports fans you'd be hard-pressed to find. It is almost impossible to walk down a street and not see someone wearing one of our hometown team t-shirts or hats. And with the Red Sox, Patriots, and Celtics having done so well in recent years, adoration is the name of the game. Bostonians are fiercely protective of their neighborhoods and fiercely critical of the MBTA, the government and the weather – but none of their comments are meant with true malice.

In the harbors of Boston, you'll find the port of none other than the majestic U.S.S. Constitution, still in commission. Also at bay, you'll spy sleek, fiberglass pleasure boats while on the waters you're bound to see everything from fishing boats to extravagant sailing vessels. Hungry visitors to Boston will find cozy little establishments tucked into rose-hued brick townhouses, trendy bistros with music spilling out onto sidewalks, and spacious restaurants offering breathtaking views from the tops of soaring skyscrapers. The cuisine will appeal to any palate, offering every taste from spicy Cajun and other American treats, to down-home Boston cooking and exotic foreign dishes. A diverse, historic but modern city of neighborhoods, Boston offers a better quality of city living than you'll find in many other major U.S. locales.

From the North End to Bay Village, Back Bay to the South End, Jamaica Plain to Charlestown, Boston shows its diversity of populations, cultures, languages, food, and philosophies. Immigrants from every corner of the globe have made their homes in Boston, becoming contributing American citizens whose memories and customs enrich the Community as a whole. Boston – the only city where politics is everyone's hobby...but sports are spoken of with utmost seriousness and reverence; and where gilded stone lions and a towering 60-story wedge of glass comfortably rub shoulders from the same street.

Each neighborhood in Boston has its own unique charm, a certain distinct flavor - highlighted and heightened by the mix of people living there. Each neighborhood inside the city of Boston is so special, so different from the others, that many are considered to be their own separate towns or communities. But, each one of them is actually a part of Boston, and all of them combine to give the city its one-of-a-kind atmosphere.

Allston

Allston was once a thriving little center of industry, marked by its colorful stockyards, slaughterhouses, and other meat packing industries. Today, Allston is still a thriving mecca, a center of activity. Students and young families make up many of the residents of Allston, giving the area its reputation for highly affordable living. Many come to Allston looking for a hip, fun place to live - and that's exactly what they find. Cozy furniture boutiques and thrift stores make for easy discount shopping. The "main drag" of Allston is probably Harvard Avenue, named for the historic University nearby. Here, shoppers can walk among upscale eateries, pool halls where crowds gather, even local dives for a rowdier scene. Family-run establishments thrive alongside well-known chains. An active nightlife gives people something to do in Allston, all the time.

Brighton

Brighton, like neighboring Allston, was home to an array of agricultural plots and stockyards that sprang up in post-colonial days. An extension of the street car lines in the 1800s changed the make-up of Brighton, encouraging residential growth, and soon houses and apartments were built to make up quaint neighborhoods. Unlike lively Allston, Brighton is fairly quiet, and very peaceful at night. The neighborhood, which is primarily populated by graduate students, young professionals and families, consists of an intricate network of streets lined with houses and small apartment buildings. Local family businesses mix with national chains of pharmacies and banks along Brighton's Washington Street, which runs straight through Brighton Center to Oak Square.

Back Bay

Once a stagnant pool of water behind the Public Garden, the neighborhood now known as Back Bay holds some of the most prized real estate in all of Boston. On beautiful Newbury Street you'll see high fashion, trendy ice cream parlors, and a number of other shops and boutiques sure to keep you window-shopping. Walk back up Commonwealth Avenue to view some of the more stately and elegant town homes you'll find in the city. Historic homes and an extensive commercial area make Back Bay one of the most interesting neighborhoods in Boston.

Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill is an exclusive, close-knit Community named for the landmark once used to signal settlers and warn them of foreign invasions. This downtown area featured cobbled streets, brick townhouses, and directly borders Boston Common and the Public Garden, the very first botanical garden in the United States. You'll be dazzled by the gold leaf of the State House Rotunda, a famous Boston landmark on top of the hill. The gold light shining across Boston Common is a breathtaking sight. Many families call Beacon Hill home, and enjoy living in such an historic neighborhood. The classic architecture and lush private gardens keep Beacon Hill true to its historic roots.

Charlestown

The traditional home of employees at the now-decommissioned Navy Yard, Charlestown has experienced a shift in its population and industry over the years. The Navy Yard, a national historic landmark, has been converted to residential and office space. This change has brought an increasing number of young professionals, to join the families who have lived in the area for years. These newcomers are discovering Charlestown's beautifully renovated rowhouses and its easy accessibility to downtown Boston and the North End. Many residents walk their places of work in the downtown area, or down to the nearby waterfront, both of which are only five minutes away from Charlestown.

Chinatown

Chinatown may have been built on a landfill, but you'd never know it while walking around this neighborhood. What identifies this area of the city is the patchwork zoning design. Residential properties co-exist with family-owned and operated businesses, local institutions and, of course, some of the best Chinese restaurants in the country. A walk through Chinatown streets is almost like a cultural and historical journey through the past. You'll see old ads from days gone by, and four public murals still gracing walls. Chinatown is also unique in how accessible it is to residents and visitors, with several nearby MBTA stations and major roadways providing easy access. Much more than food, Chinatown is a whole experience.

Dorchester

Dorchester is Boston's largest neighborhood and also its oldest, founded a few months before the city itself. This neighborhood's historical diversity is displayed in decadent architecture. Gracious, grand Victorian homes of wealthy Bostonians from days long gone and the multi-family dwellings of groups of immigrants who came to join them provide an historical feast for the eyes. Today, Dorchester retains this diverse mixture as it experiences a grand revitalization. The main thoroughfare, Dorchester Avenue, connects many close-knit neighborhoods and thriving commercial districts together. Dorchester is also home to the University of Massachusetts at Boston and the John F. Kennedy Library.

Downtown/Midtown

The downtown area is really the heart of Boston. Many companies and agencies have their headquarters in the area, and City Hall and the State House are also located here. The downtown area comes alive each weekday, right around noontime, as thousands of corporate business professionals and other downtown employees break for lunch to do some quick shopping or run errands. A larger commercial area makes Downtown Boston prime for shopping, dining, and exciting nightlife attractions. This area has become a mecca for luxury living, with a number of large-scale high-end condominium high-rises. If you're looking for full service, concierge, penthouse living, then this is the place to be.

East Boston

A lot of neighborhoods claim to be diverse, but East Boston is the real deal. This area has historically been a neighborhood of immigrants and in recent years has become home to people from all over South and Central America, as well as South East Asia, Haiti and Eastern Europe. This rich mix of culture makes East Boston like no other part of the city. Though it is well known as home to Logan International Airport, East Boston is full of so much more. You're bound to hear wonderful stories and smell the aromas from delicious restaurants representing different ethnic groups, just by being in East Boston. Long-time Italian restaurants stand next to exotic Brazilian cafes, and somehow it all seems to blend together and fit. East Boston housing is a mix of historic buildings and new dwellings, with many three-deckers lining neighborhood streets. In recent years, homeowners have been restoring the historic homes of the area to their former glory.

Fenway/Kenmore

Fenway, perhaps best known as the home for the "boys of summer," (The Boston Red Sox) is more than just a ballpark. It is actually a dense urban neighborhood with a considerable amount of green space (the "Fens"). Although the Fenway consists of a large number of college students, it also contains a significant population of professionals of all ages. The famous (or infamous) Landsdowne Street, bordering the Mass Pike on the North and Fenway Park on the South, is home to many of Boston's most popular clubs and watering holes. If you travel the street, however, keep your eyes open for the occasional home run ball that clears the "Green Monster" (Fenway Park's famous green wall).

Hyde Park

Hyde Park, not to be confused with the Hyde Park in England and its famous speaker's forum, is a true merger of city life and suburban life that somehow blends beautifully. Hyde Park prides itself on its tremendous amount of useful, open space that includes the fabulous George Wright Golf Course. Hyde Park also retains the city's character in people and Community institutions. Hyde Park is also the place Boston Mayor Thomas Menino calls home, so you know this area offers some of the best living in the entire city.

Jamaica Plain

Jamaica Plain is often thought to be its own small town, but it's really still a part of Boston. Diversity is the core of "JP," to which it is lovingly referred by residents. A rich artistic and creative Community is strongly represented in this neighborhood. Sandwiched primarily between Roxbury and Brookline (Brookline is its own town), you're bound to catch an eyeful while in Jamaica Plain. The rich diversity in JP has created a strong character of social awareness and tolerance among neighbors and residents, giving this area a friendly and laid-back feeling that charms many. You will find some of the city's most elegant and historic mansions here. Don't forget to take a stroll around Jamaica Pond.

Mattapan

Mattapan was annexed to Boston in 1870 as part of Dorchester, giving this area of Boston a unique past all its own. Like other neighborhoods of the time, Mattapan developed as the railroads and streetcars made downtown Boston more accessible to other parts of the state. Predominately residential, Mattapan is a pleasant mix of single homes and larger family houses. Mattapan Square, where Blue Hill Avenue, River Street, and Cummins Highway meet, is the commercial heart of the neighborhood.

North End

How many other big cities can boast having a friendly neighborhood where residents casually walk the streets visiting local fruit stores, butcher shops, and corner markets for their groceries? The North End is most famous for its plethora of Italian restaurants and strong ties to Italian roots, making this a very family-oriented Community. With a different Italian Festival every weekend throughout the summer, there rarely is a dull moment in the North End. An extravaganza of activity and cuisine, North End is one of the most colorful districts in the city. Need another selling point? The North End is considered one of the safest neighborhoods in Boston.

Roslindale

Roslindale, with it's large Greek population, began as a classic street car suburb. Today, one of the most unique characteristics of "Rozzie", as it is known to local residents, is the sheer number of people from all races, backgrounds and countries who call Roslindale home. Roslindale Square, the heart of the neighborhood, is the subject of a National Trust for Historic Preservation Main Street award – showing that residents here know how to take care of their neighborhood.

Roxbury

A drive through Roxbury is both a history lesson and a tour of an urban neighborhood. One of the oldest neighborhoods in Boston, Roxbury has long thrived on its proximity to the downtown area, while retaining its family-friendly neighborhood qualities. Home to a great number of parks, schools and churches, a visitor can see Boston's history in the architecture and landmarks scattered throughout the neighborhood. But don't let the history fool you, Roxbury is a modern thriving Community with a multitude of housing options and a variety of ethnic shops, thanks to considerable revitalization efforts in the area.

South Boston

If the dictionary had a listing for neighborhood pride, there would be a picture of South Boston residents next to it. South Boston dwellers are famous for their love of and loyalty of their neighborhood. And it's no wonder the residents are quick to defend the area. Southie boasts miles of beaches and waterfront parks that culminate in Castle Island. There, visitors can enjoy a Revolutionary War-era fort, get a bite to eat at Sullivan's, play in the playground, fish off the pier, or simply take a stroll to enjoy all the sights at once. South Boston is densely populated – known for triple-deckers and rowhouses; there are single family homes in the neighborhood as well. It is also home to a great variety of bars, pubs, and more recently has been the location for some new up-and-coming restaurants. Year round, a visitor can find residents strolling up and down Broadway doing their shopping and greeting their neighbors.

South End

The South End, with its blocks of Victorian brick row houses, upscale restaurants, and art galleries, is swiftly becoming one of the most popular places to live in Boston. Many of the row houses underwent renovation starting in the 1960s, and today the neighborhood is filled with a diverse mix of families, young professionals, and a thriving artistic center. Trendy restaurants brush shoulders with coffee shops and mom & pop grocery stores along Tremont Street and side streets, all the way down to Washington Street, which is experiencing an artistic revival. A significant number of artists are moving into the South End, and galleries are cropping up around the area to show their works.

West Roxbury

Originally part of the town of Roxbury, West Roxbury formed its own government in 1851 and was annexed by Boston in 1874. Bordered by Roslindale and Hyde Park, West Roxbury's main thoroughfare is Centre Street, lined with local restaurants and commercial establishments. Today, the neighborhood's tree-lined streets and single-family homes give it a suburban feel even in an urban setting. Life in the neighborhood centers around political and civic activism, as well as local parishes and youth athletic leagues.