Where are the best places to live in Boston?
Boston is a unique city. There’s no place in the world like it. As an intellectual and historical capital of the United States, Boston attracts tourists and residents every year, looking to explore the city and find their own way in it.
With their own style and culture, every neighborhood in Boston differs. This can be overwhelming for potential Bostonians, as there are so many options to pick between. But with so many choices, you’re bound to find the perfect Boston neighborhood for your personal lifestyle.
Let’s explore a few popular neighborhood options in Beantown.
Allston-Brighton
Allston-Brighton is a neighborhood to the east of downtown Boston. This area is considered to be one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Boston, attracting every type of person. Due to its proximity to downtown and universities, Allston-Brighton attracts both students and researchers, as well as young professionals and families.
The area is fantastic, with its incredible variety of bars, coffee shops, and restaurants, creating a great atmosphere and lots of nightlife. It’s important to know this is one of the most popular universities for students. This is mainly due to the location of local universities, some of which are in the neighborhood itself. Allston-Brighton is hip, fun, full of energy, and epitomizes what’s to love about Boston.
Back Bay
Back Bay is located right next to the financial district in the heart of Boston. This area is known for its beautiful and historic apartments, as well as newer and more luxurious units.
With its expensive housing, Back Bay attracts restaurants and business owners. This neighborhood is also famous for its iconic green spaces that weave throughout the streets and offer solace from the busy and urban Boston.
If you want to feel like you’re living in a city while in Boston, Back Bay may be the neighborhood for you. With six train stops and almost forty bus stops just in this neighborhood alone, it’s easy to get anywhere in Eastern Massachusetts from Back Bay. The world famous Boston Public Library, Copley Square, and Prudential Center are all in Back Bay, providing lots of employment opportunities and cultural landmarks to walk by on your morning commute to work.
Charlestown
Located north of downtown Boston, Charlestown is a gorgeous neighborhood well known for its waterfront properties and historical significance. Events of American Revolution occurred in Charlestown itself and the incredible colonial architecture that fills this neighborhood is a constant reminder of that.
Because of its close proximity to the heart of the city, Charlestown has become a hot real estate market. You’ll find a mix of single family homes and luxury apartments here. With public transportation, you’re easily connected to Boston. But with all the restaurants, bars, and greenery, you won’t ever want to leave.
Dorchester
Dorchester is the largest and most diverse neighborhood in Boston. Many first-time Boston renters choose Dorchester to be their first home because of its cheap rent prices and abundance of temporary housing. This area is inhabited by people from all around the world, meaning there’s every type of cuisine available.
This area of Boston is also known for being full of parks. It’s an excellent neighborhood to own a dog, mainly due to the abundance of public green spaces, making it easier to care for a large pet needing lots of exercise.
South End
One of Boston’s most beautiful neighborhoods – with rent prices to prove it. The South End of Boston is one of the toughest real estate markets in the city. It has an abundance of luxurious and sleek apartments. Right in the heart of Boston, the South End has become more popular recently as more development occurs in this area.
With the highest concentration of MBTA stops in Boston, the South End can be a great neighborhood even if your work is in a different part of the city. It’s easy to commute in and out of the area. South End attracts professionals working in technology, management, and finance, and has become one of the most vibrant and modern parts of Boston.
East Boston
East Boston is considered to be a great neighborhood for families with its awesome selection of public schools. It is only a couple of miles northeast of downtown Boston. This community is filled with everything great about Beantown – rich history, delicious food, and vibrant culture.
Constitution Beach is a famous part of East Boston due to its incredible views of the harbor and wonderful amenities for residents, like:
- tennis courts
- playgrounds
- baseball courts
Another upside of living in East Boston are the lower rent prices.
Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill is a small neighborhood in Boston and really has that old small town charm. It’s primarily a residential neighborhood, but has the advantage of being directly in the city. Famous for its beautiful colonial brick row houses that were built in the 18th and 19th centuries, this neighborhood is quintessential Boston.
With an abundance of public transportation as well as close proximity to the financial district, this adorable neighborhood has some of the highest rent prices in all of Boston. Much of this is due to the incredible historical yet well maintained housing. There’s little turnover in Beacon Hill, because those who move here tend to stay.
East Cambridge
With some of the lowest crime rates in Boston, East Cambridge is an incredible neighborhood for families and individuals alike. This area has exploded in the past few decades due to its proximity to MIT. Many graduates have stayed in the area and created their own companies, making East Cambridge’s local economy very strong.
With a young, ambitious population, this neighborhood feels vibrant. There are lots of restaurants to try, parks to explore, and trains to get you anywhere in the city. And with slightly more affordable prices than downtown Boston, moving to East Cambridge won’t break the bank either.
