If you’re interested in living in Boston, learn about the 22 neighborhoods that make up the capital of Massachusetts:
What are the Boston neighborhoods?
Before we say a few words about each neighborhood will know their names:
- Allston-Brighton
- Back Bay
- Bay Village
- Beacon Hill
- Charlestown
- Chinatown
- Dorchester
- Central Boston
- East Boston
- Fenway-Kenmore
- Hyde Park
- Jamaica Plain
- Mattapan
- Middle Dorchester
- Mission Hill
- North End
- Roslindale
- Roxbury
- South Boston
- South End
- West Roxbury
- West End
Let’s break each of them down:
Allston-Brighton
Primarily a student neighborhood packed full of hip coffee shops and adorable green spaces. Also renowned for its nightlife. Unsurprisingly, many colleges are near this area.
Back Bay
Quintessential Boston, Back bay is one of the priciest neighborhoods in the entire city. Many luxury commercial buildings are in this area as well. On average, residents of Back Bay pay $3,300 a month in rent.
Beacon Hill
One of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the city, Beacon Hill is lined with gorgeous colonial brick apartments. Parks surround the neighborhood, gorgeous during all four seasons.
Bay Village
This has become one of the most popular neighborhoods in the entire city. Located between South End, Back, the Theater District, and Chinatown, Bay Village is the heart of Boston.
Charlestown
Directly across the harbor from the financial district, Charlestown without a doubt has the best views in all of Boston. This is also one of the most historical parts of the city, with the Bunker Hill Monument commemorating the first battle of the Revolutionary War.
Chinatown
As the name suggests, Chinatown is the epicenter of South Asian culture and cuisine in Boston. Restaurants, apartments, and shops dominate this neighborhood. It is also the hub of leather goods in the city.
Dorchester
The largest neighborhood in all of Boston, Dorchester is a collection of smaller neighborhoods (some mentioned later in this article). The 500 acre Franklin Park is also located here.
Central Boston
This area includes City Hall Plaza, historic buildings, and corporate offices. Downtown Crossing is a major public transportation junction, with trains taking you around Boston, as well as out of the city.
East Boston
Historically known for its huge immigrant population, East Boston is where the Boston Logan Airport is located. This neighborhood is also famous for its multiple historical landmarks.
Fenway-Kenmore
Another student neighborhood, this gorgeous neighborhood is located slightly outside of the city. Public transportation easily links residents to other parts of Boston. The Museum of Fine Arts, the 14th largest museum in the world, is also located in this neighborhood.
Hyde Park
The Neponset river runs through the middle of this Boston neighborhood. There’s also various restaurants, shops, and plenty of housing in this suburban area of the city.
Jamaican Plain
Known as “JP” to the locals, this neighborhood is famous for being home to artists, activists, and students. The adorable main street is lined with local grocers, restaurants, and coffee shops.
Mattapan
A part of the larger neighborhood Dorchester, this neighborhood is populated primarily by immigrants. Mattapan is also well known for its abundance of green spaces for residents to enjoy.
Middle Dorchester
Again, another Dorchester sub-neighborhood. There are four main parts of this area: Uphams Corner, Bowdoin/Geneva, Four Corners, and Codman Square.
Mission Hill
This neighborhood is most popular with students and young families. This is because of the convenient location of the Longwood Medical District, which employs doctors and researchers who move to the area to live and work.
North End
This part of Boston is extremely popular among tourists. It has incredible historical significance for being the birthplace of Paul Revere. His home has actually been converted into a museum, located in the North End.
Roslindale
265 acres of the Emerald Necklace Park Consortium are located in this Boston neighborhood. Because of this, it’s colloquially known as “the garden suburb.” It’s also a major shopping area as well.
Roxbury
You may be shocked to learn this Boston neighborhood was now a farming community. This area is developed and urban, with the famous Dudley Square residing in the center of town.
South Boston
Historically a working class neighborhood, this area has seen a lot of development recently as businesses move in and attract workers. It’s also located on the coast, luring in those who want to live by the ocean.
South End
This area has also been developing recently because of the influx of young professionals moving in. South End is the center of art and culture in Boston, with the new museum, the Institute of Contemporary Art, being here.
West Roxbury
A suburban neighborhood, West Roxbury is located in the southwest corner of Boston. This area is especially popular among families, due to its quiet and residential streets.
West End
A smaller part of the city, West End is the perfect blend of old and new Boston. TD Garden, the famous stadium, and the Massachusetts General Hospital are both located here.
