Boston is filled with rich history, tree-lined streets, historic buildings, and majestic views of the Charles River. The green spaces and vast architectural styles throughout Boston only add to the New England charm of the city and its many neighborhoods.
If you’re trying to decide where to live in Boston, you might be having a hard time. Countless neighborhoods form the city – each with a distinct charm and flair. To help you find the perfect Boston neighborhood to call home, here’s a guide covering some of the most popular ones. Let’s get started!
Before we jump into the neighborhoods, let’s discuss the housing options you’ll come across while searching for the perfect Boston neighborhood. From traditional New England-style houses to modern apartments, you’ll find various homes in Boston. You’ll also see countless historic homes in the city, such as Colonial, Victorian, and Georgian houses, many of which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Newer neighborhoods have a mix of Cape Cod, ranch, and split-level homes.
There are many types of apartments in Boston, from high-rise luxury apartments to more traditional units. Boston also has many unique and historic apartment buildings, such as the Brownstone apartments on Commonwealth Avenue. Now that we’ve covered the types of homes and apartments you’ll encounter, let’s get into the neighborhoods themselves.
1. Allston
Allston is known for its location between three universities and is home to several Harvard University buildings and athletic facilities. You’ll find a great array of restaurants, bars, and a vibrant nightlife scene.
2. Back Bay
Back Bay is a historical area known for its Victorian brownstone houses and tree-lined streets. This neighborhood is also home to some of the city’s best shopping, dining, and popular tourist attractions. You can also find some of Boston’s most iconic landmarks, including the Prudential Center and Copley Square. Back Bay is also one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Boston, with a Walk Score of 97.
3. Bay Village
Bay Village is a small neighborhood composed mostly of residential buildings, with some local businesses and restaurants. The area is known for its picturesque streets filled with brick row houses, tree-lined sidewalks, and historic buildings, including the Bay Village Historic District. Bay Village is the 4th most walkable neighborhood in Boston, with a Walk Score of 98. The public transportation is also excellent, with a Transit Score of 100.
4. Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill is a historic neighborhood known for its cobblestone streets, gas lanterns, and Federal architecture. This area is also home to the State House, which is the seat of government for the state of Massachusetts. Beacon Hill is an excellent area to live in Boston if you don’t have a car, as it’s the most walkable neighborhood in the city, with a Walk Score of 99.
Median Sale Price: $1,523,000
Homes for sale in Beacon Hill | Apartments for rent in Beacon Hill
5. Brighton
From the bustling shops and restaurants of Brighton Center to the quiet tree-lined streets of Oak Square, there is something for everyone in Brighton. The community is also home to countless parks and green spaces, like Chestnut Hill Reservation.
6. Charlestown
Charlestown is home to many historical landmarks, including the Bunker Hill Monument and the USS Constitution Museum. It’s a historic neighborhood, with many 18th and 19th-century buildings still standing – many of which are currently used as restaurants, shops, and apartments.
7. Commonwealth
Commonwealth is another historic neighborhood that’s home to many of the city’s most important landmarks, including Boston College to the west. The area is also home to numerous businesses and restaurants like cafés, bars, pizzerias, and bakeries.
8. Dorchester
Dorchester is Boston’s largest neighborhood and actually used to be a city until 1870. The area is home to a number of different parks and recreation areas, like Pope John Paul II Park, Dorchester Shores Reservation, and Malibu Beach, making it a great place to live for those who enjoy the outdoors.
Median Sale Price: $640,000
Homes for sale in Dorchester | Apartments for rent in Dorchester
9. Downtown Boston
Downtown is the central business district of Boston and is also popular with tourists. It’s home to renowned attractions such as Quincy Market, Faneuil Hall, and the New England Aquarium. From opera houses, Irish pubs, historic buildings, and farmers’ markets, there’s something new around every corner. Downtown is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Boston, with a Walk Score of 98. Downtown is also great for public transit. There are about 21 buses, two subways, and two light rail lines.
10. East Boston
East Boston is located across Boston Harbor from the city’s downtown. The neighborhood is home to Logan International Airport, as well as plenty of waterfront parks and beaches. So, you’ll always be close to a new adventure.
11. Fenway-Kenmore
Fenway-Kenmore consists of the areas around Fenway Park and Kenmore Square. The neighborhood includes a number of colleges and universities, as well as Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. Fenway-Kenmore is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Boston, with a Walk Score of 95. The neighborhood also has great public transportation and is a good area for bikers, with a Transit Score of 93 and a Bike Score of 91.
Median Sale Price: $1,250,000
Homes for sale in Fenway-Kenmore | Apartments for rent in Fenway-Kenmore
12. Hyde Park
Hyde Park is located in the southernmost part of the city and is named after Hyde Park in London. The neighborhood is home to many parks, and green spaces, and is close to the Neponset River. Along the Neponset River, you can find countless trails perfect for running, hiking, biking, and walking, or you can try kayaking on the river.
13. Jamaica Plain
Jamaica Plain is known for its lively arts scene, diverse restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. The area is home to several parks, including the Arnold Arboretum and the Boston Nature Center.
14. North End
North End is one of the most historic and iconic neighborhoods in Boston. It’s a densely populated area with a mix of residential and commercial buildings. North End is also home to various iconic landmarks, including the Freedom Trail, the Paul Revere House, and the Old North Church. The neighborhood is known for its excellent restaurants and cafés, so make sure to grab a slice of pizza, a cannoli, or a sub at one of the local favorites. North End is another neighborhood that’s great for those without a car. The area is the 3rd most walkable neighborhood in Boston with a Walk Score of 99. It also has great public transportation with a Transit Score of 99.
Median Sale Price: $870,000
Homes for sale in North End | Apartments for rent in North End
15. Roxbury
Roxbury is a historic neighborhood known for its Victorian homes and architecture, as well as its many churches and parks. You can also find the Shirley-Eustis House, Malcolm X Park, and Franklin Park Zoo in the Roxbury neighborhood.
16. Seaport District
The Seaport District is located along the city’s waterfront and has many businesses, waterfront restaurants, and several residential buildings. The neighborhood is also home to many parks and public spaces, including the Boston Children’s Museum and the Institute of Contemporary Art.
17. Shawmut
Shawmut is named for Shawmut Peninsula, the original site of Boston. The area is known for its unique architecture, its vibrant culture, and proximity to Northeastern University. You’ll also find a great collection of restaurants, ranging from pizzerias and Puerto Rican cuisine to delis and French bistros.
Median Sale Price: $1,212,500
Homes for sale in Shawmut | Apartments for rent in Shawmut
18. South Boston
South Boston is located along the waterfront. The neighborhood is home to a number of parks and beaches like Carson Beach, M Street Beach, and Castle Island, as well as a variety of shops and restaurants.
19. South End
South End is known for its Victorian row house architecture and the many art galleries, restaurants, and nightlife venues along South End’s main streets. It’s a very artistic community, and you can check out some local artisans at the SoWa Open Market, which takes place on Sundays from May through October.
20. West End
West End is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Boston, with a history dating back to colonial times. You’ll find a vibrant nightlife scene and some of the best restaurants in the city located in this charming neighborhood. West End is one of the most walkable areas in Boston, with a Walk Score of 97. The neighborhood also has superb public transportation, with a Transit Score of 100.
Methodology: All neighborhoods must be listed as a “neighborhood” on Redfin.com. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during October 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com during October 2023. Walk Score, Bike Score, and Transit Score from Walkscore.com during October 2023.
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