Neighborhood Information

A Review of Boston's Neighborhoods

Allston/Brighton
Low rents combined with thrift stores, clubs, bars and restaurants once made Allston a haven for students and young professionals. However, renovations, new bars and restaurants, and major clean-up efforts on Harvard Ave. have made the area more desirable and caused rents to rise quickly. Allston is still popular for roommate situations, with affordable rents available in multi-bedroom units.

Brighton is farther from downtown and offers residential areas and open spaces, ideal for those who work in the city but prefer suburban life. Like Allston, clean-up and rejuvenation efforts have raised Brighton rents. Housing options consist of brick building apartments and 2-3 family homes in Oak Square and Brighton Center.

Back Bay
Boston?s most desirable neighborhood, Back Bay is located at the heart of the city and is filled with elegant luxury units. To rent, mostly studios and one bedrooms are available, while most multi-bedroom units have been converted into condos. Parking space rentals are scarce in Back Bay, but parking is available with permits.

Accessible by several green line T stops, Back Bay is within walking distance of Copley Square, the Charles River, the Boston Common and the Boston Gardens. The chic Newbury Street is also located in Back Bay, which offers the best couture shopping in the city. Back Bay?s Theater District is a short walk away, offering dozens of entertainment and dining options. The convenience and charm of this area has drawn much attention, filling it with some of the highest prices in Boston.

Beacon Hill
Home to Suffolk University and Massachusetts General Hospital, and a short walk from the Financial District, this charming neighborhood is home to a few students and many professionals. The cobblestone streets, lined with two hundred year-old homes and elegant brick facades, are centered around the quaint Charles Street, whose variety of small antique shops and privately owned cafes are perfect to explore on a summer stroll. A warm community spirit is prevalent on Beacon Hill, especially during the holiday season.

Just steps from the Boston Common and accessible by the red line at Charles MGH, Beacon Hill?s prime location and quaint charm have earned some of Boston?s higher rents. But the unique nature of the area provides a quality of living that keeps residents there to stay.

Brookline
Surrounded on three sides by Boston, Brookline is easily accessible by the MBTA?s C and D lines, as well as by bus. To drive out of the city, Brookline is easily accessible by Rt. 9, and the Fenway area of Boston is just a walk away. A mixture of thriving urban and quaint suburban life, Brookline offers the convenience of the city for those who don?t want to live in it. Private schools, police, and public works services make Brookline an increasingly desirable place to live, causing rents to rise steadily. Brookline features both brick apartment buildings and beautiful wood houses, most of which have been converted to upscale condos.

While Brookline has shown commercial growth along its major thoroughfares, it still retains a unique quality that has resisted complete urban transformation. The Coolidge Corner Theater, located among the eclectic shops and restaurants of Coolidge Corner, is the only operating art-deco theater in the Boston area, featuring mainly independent films, short films, and frequent midnight movies. Brookline also offers many recreational parks for golf, hiking, and a variety of individual and team sports. No overnight street parking.

Cambridge
The proud home of both MIT and Harvard University, Cambridge is a thriving example of development. Once home to a vast artistic community and filled with cheap deals for rents, Cambridge has become the focus of a very competitive real estate market. The areas such as Central Square, Inman Square and Cambridgeport have undergone extensive renovations and condo conversions. If not yet renovated, multi-family housing can still be found cheaply in these areas.

Cambridge is very accessible by a string of stops on the red line, and permit parking is available. The up-and-coming nature of this eclectic area has made it a desirable place to live or visit. The shops and dining of Harvard Square have made it widely popular, and other areas — like Central Square — are becoming similarly chic in the wake of renovations.

Charlestown
Boston?s oldest and most historic neighborhood has been the focus of major construction and renovation, bringing Charlestown?s charm back to its full glory. Housing consists mainly of quaint little rowhouses, most of which still feature old-fashioned wide-plank floors, and offer both single and multi-family units. Some affordable housing is still available for rent, although upscale, newly renovated condos are becoming more prevalent.

Accessible by the orange line at Sullivan Square and Bunker Hill, Charlestown?s historic sites and dining choices make it a great place to live or to visit. Restaurants like Olives or the Warren Tavern — which is nearly two hundred years old — are popular choices for a night out. Or, simply stroll through the neighborhoods and enjoy the restored historic houses. Charlestown residents can walk to the Navy Yard, or over the bridge to the city — the North End and Waterfront are just five minutes away. The water shuttle is also an option for quick city access.

East Boston
Formerly home to Boston?s Italian working-class population, East Boston has become an ?up-and-coming? area. More money has been invested in East Boston?s development than in any other place in the city. Park and open space expansion has been at the forefront since the opening of award-winning East Boston Piers Park in 1995.

While rents have been rising, the area is still in the early stages of renovations, making it still an affordable place to live. Common multi-family housing gives the area a distinct neighborhood feel. Triple-deckers are particularly prevalent in Jeffries Point, while single-family units are available in Orient Heights and Harbor View. The heart of East Boston is located in Maverick Square, just one stop from downtown on the blue line. Several other T stops in the area make East Boston as accessible as it is affordable.

Fenway/Kenmore
Perhaps best known as the home of Fenway Park, Kenmore is also home to colleges (such as BU, Simmons, Wheelock and Northeastern), museums (The Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum and the Christian Science Museum) and the hospitals of the Longwood Medical District. It?s a popular rental spot for students and hospital workers. Condos are also available.

The Fenway is home to part of Boston?s ?Emerald Necklace,? which consists of ample park and recreational space. Boston?s community gardens provide a unique backdrop for a summer walk. Kenmore Square offers a more social, urban atmosphere. The famous Citgo sign serving as a landmark, the bars, restaurants, and shops are popular places to hang out, as are the Lansdowne street clubs for late-night action.

The area is conveniently located at the Kenmore stop on the green line, making the city easily accessible. The diversity and prime location of this area, combined with still-affordable prices, make it a great place to live.

North End/Waterfront
One of Boston?s oldest residential neighborhoods and filled with multi-family housing, the North End is known as Boston?s ?Little Italy.? The narrow streets are laced with the aromas of whatever?s cooking in the dozens of bakeries, restaurants, and small espresso bars, making it a popular tourist spot. The area is rapidly evolving; with many family homes sold for high prices, the community is becoming mixed, rather than family-oriented. Despite these changes, however, the North End has retained its ?Old World? charm.

In the southern corner of the North End, The Waterfront is close to the downtown area and has a contemporary style. Fantastic waterfront condos and apartments are built right on the wharves, all with views of the harbor. Nice restaurants coupled with stylish housing makes the Waterfront an elegant and exclusive neighborhood, perfect for luxurious tastes.

South End
With a more relaxed urban atmosphere and formerly low rents, the South End once attracted an artistic community that blended with long-established residents. However, the opening of several fancy eclectic restaurants and an abundance of high-end condo renovations have transformed the South End into one of Boston?s best neighborhoods.

The majority of dwellings consist of Victorian rowhouses, and the area also boasts the revived and charming Chester Square, which is one and a half centuries old. Tremont and Columbus Streets provide a multitude of shops, galleries and restaurants. Back Bay, the Financial District and the Theater District are just a short walk away. While the area isn?t as close to the T as most Boston neighborhoods, it?s easily accessible by bus.

Hyde Park
The furthest of Boston?s neighborhoods, Hyde Park has a strong industrial base of its own, yet it has never sacrificed the natural beauty of the Blue Hills, Neponset River, and Stony Brook Valley. A wonderful mix of single and multi-family homes comprise its Fairmont, Readville, and Stonybrook neighborhoods. Accessible by T and bus routes.

Roslindale
From farming district to classic streetcar suburb, Roslindale has grown in its own niche. For the workers who accompanied the extension of the first trolley system, Roslindale offered affordable housing. Roslindale has remained a thriving residential community, with bus and commuter rail access into the city. The heart of Roslindale Village has grown commercially in its own right, and its residential streets and parks such as Healy Playground attest to the spirit of this community.

Jamaica Plain
In this ethnically diverse area, commuters take advantage of a convenient location and equally diverse residential opportunities. Homes range from luxury high-rises to smaller multi-family apartments and three-decker buildings, in styles from historic Victorian and Colonial to the contemporary. Removed from the bustle of downtown, but still connected via the Forest Hills end of the orange line, J.P. still attracts a lot of families in search of affordable housing. Despite the dense development, it still retains open areas in Olmstead Park, the Franklin Park Zoo, Jamaica Pond, and the 265-acre Arnold Arboretum. Centre Street reflects the cultural diversity of the area, featuring some famous pubs and excellent restaurants.

West Roxbury
West Roxbury As one of the most suburban of all neighborhoods surrounding Boston, West Roxbury is perfect for families looking for single-family units, mostly to own. Many residents are active in religious, community, or civic associations in town. A vibrant shopping district on Centre Street boasts mainly sole proprietors who have their businesses and homes in the area. With quiet streets and a short distance from downtown, West Roxbury offers the best of suburbia in the city.

Mattapan
A stop on the red line?s Ashmont train, the neighborhoods of Mattapan are conveniently connected to Boston. Mattapan Square is one of Boston?s oldest shopping areas and in recent years the neighborhoods have experienced a promising growth in population. The Franklin Field area, filled with two-family wood or brick units and triple deckers, has been stabilized due to market improvement and public housing investments. Single family homes are prominent in South Mattapan and Wellington Hills.

Dorchester
As Boston?s largest community, Dorchester remains very much a residential neighborhood despite its urban influence. Dorchester has become more stable largely due to the revitalization of thriving businesses. Upham?s Corner and The Strand Theatre represent the center of community involvement. Accessible through the red line?s JFK/UMASS station is a variety of regal Victorians, triple deckers and waterfront spots in Savin Hill and Columbia Point. This old community is accessible by public transportation—bus and T.

Roxbury
The community grass-roots effort to stop extension of I-95 into downtown Boston resulted in the creation of the Southwest Corridor Park which, in 1988, was Boston?s first major new open space in the past century. Many established businesses have their roots in the Roxbury area. Due to the work of Boston?s Main Street program, districts strengthen existing businesses and nurture new ventures. Consisting primarily of double and triple decker buildings offering tremendous opportunities for lower rents and downtown convenience, Roxbury is reachable by way of the orange line?s Roxbury Crossing and Jackson Square stops. One of developers? favorite places for renovation and updating.

South Boston
Fondly nicknamed ?Southie? by its longtime residents, South Boston boasts a long-standing Irish tradition and a history of community pride. Many families fill this peninsula, mainly in single-family units. Residents enjoy the best of both worlds in this seaside community, with an easy commute to downtown via Broadway and Andrew Square on the red line and an equally short trip to the beach. All types of apartments and homes can be found here, including terrific detailed multi-families and open air lofts.

South Boston will be seeing some redevelopment in the near future, thanks to Boston?s ambitious ?Big Dig? project. The positive impact on the community will include traffic reduction, increased parking availability, and the construction of public parks and recreational areas on the waterfront, making this already popular community a safe bet for the future.

South of Boston

Milton
The sight of the first chocolate factory in New England in 1764, Milton has developed into a thriving, affluent suburban community, situated between the Neponset River and the 6,500 acre Blue Hills Reservation. Accessible from Boston by route 93, Milton offers recreation at the Blue Hill Trailside Museum, historical houses, and an excellent school system including the famous Milton Academy, where T.S. Eliot once studied.

Quincy
Located within twenty minutes of Boston via the MBTA?s red line or Route 93. The western neighborhoods have a more urban feel, with some high-rises and shopping areas. To the east, tree-lined streets with housing and apartment opportunities offer a more suburban experience. Quincy boasts the homestead of John Adams and John Quincy Adams, as well as a number of parks which offer hiking, nature observing, boating and sports.

More towns south of Boston that are worth looking at include are Hingham, Hull, Braintree and Brockton.

West of Boston

Newton
Six miles west of Boston and accessible through several D Line stops, Newton is a quiet, affluent suburb. Bounded by the Charles River, Newton also has a strong, nationally recognized school system, an award-winning library, museum, Symphony Orchestra, and residential theatre groups. Newton Center is filled with clothing boutiques, restaurants, and stores. Boston?s closest suburb!

Watertown
The site where paper money was first printed for Massachusetts, Watertown lies within twenty minutes of travel to all major highways in Eastern Mass, and is also connected to Boston by bus routes. Without the high prices of Newton, the community is diverse, and residents benefit from convenient shopping at the Arsenal and Watertown Malls, in addition to the eleven parks offering recreational activities.

Waltham
Nine miles from Boston - can be reached by highway, commuter rail, and bus. The southern section is predominantly dense, multi-family housing, while the northern section has larger lot single-family houses. Home of Brandeis University, Bentley College, and The Charles River Museum of Industry as well as other historical societies, hiking, camping, and general play is encouraged at reservations.

Other towns west of Boston are Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Weston and Needham.

North of Boston

Arlington
A peaceful residential neighborhood with diverse opportunities, Arlington has a growing population with good schools and a variety of lakes, parks, and recreational sites. Though remaining suburban, commercial development centers along Massachusetts Avenue have brought restaurants and shops to the area. Arlington is corralled between Routes 2 and 3, and is accessible by the MBTA bus at Harvard Square.

Medford
Connected to the city by state route 28, Interstate route 93, and the commuter rail, Medford is home to Tufts University, as well as the bike and bridle paths of Middlesex Falls and the Mystic River. The heart of the city?s economic vitality resides in Medford Square.

Somerville
This urban industrial city has many opportunities to rent. On the red line at Davis Square, (as well as transportation by bus) the town is connected to the city as well as to the excitement of nearby Cambridge. Somerville offers a wide variety of public schools, open playing fields and parks, and mainly multi-family homes and apartments to rent.

Woburn
Located between Winchester and Lexington and adjacent to Routes 128 and 93. The bus system connects to neighboring towns and red and orange lines. The commuter rail also departs from Mishawum Station and connects to North Station. This suburb is peaceful and quiet, with safe schools and numerous indoor and outdoor recreational sites.

Many residential opportunities north of Boston are also available, such as in Lexington, Winchester, Winthrop, Revere and Lynn.