Neighborhoods
Back Bay
It’s easy to understand why the Back Bay is one of America’s most desirable neighborhoods. Newbury Street, Boylston Street and Commonwealth Avenue are lined with unique shops, trendy restaurants and vintage homes, making the Back Bay an extremely fashionable destination for Boston residents and visitors. In fact, it’s not uncommon to spot celebrities strolling up and down these picturesque streets. This bustling neighborhood also houses the two tallest members of Boston’s skyline, the Prudential Center and the John Hancock Tower, in addition to architectural treasures such as Trinity Church and the Boston Public Library.
Beacon Hill
One of Boston’s oldest communities, Beacon Hill gets its name from a beacon that once stood atop its hill to warn locals about foreign invasion. Approximately one square mile in size, Beacon Hill is bound by Beacon Street, Bowdoin Street, Cambridge Street and Storrow Drive. Its architecture and lay-out is reflective of old colonial Boston, consisting of brick row houses with beautiful doors, decorative iron work, brick sidewalks, narrow streets, and gas lamps. Beacon Hill is also home to the Massachusetts State House and America’s first African Meeting House. Charles Street, the neighborhood’s main thoroughfare, is lined with antique shops and restaurants. Beacon Hill has been home to many notable Americans, including Louisa May Alcott, Oliver Wendell Homes, Daniel Webster, Robert Frost, Sylvia Plath, and Senator John Kerry.
Fenway
Perhaps most recognized as the home of Fenway Park and the Boston Red Sox, Fenway/Kenmore also boasts many of the City’s top cultural institutions, including the Museum of Fine Arts and Symphony Hall. Fenway/Kenmore also has a strong academic presence, including Boston Latin School, America’s first public school, as well as several institutions of higher learning. Many of these undergraduate students, as well as young people throughout the city, are drawn to the lively bars and clubs along Lansdowne Street. The Fenway is another central thoroughfare that encircles the Back Bay Fens, the neighborhood’s preeminent green space, which was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead.
Midtown
Situated near Chinatown and Government Center, the Financial District of Boston has no official definition. Many of Boston’s cultural and professional landmarks are situated in this area, including the Custom house Tower, Boston Stock Exchange, State Street Bank Headquarters, Dewey Square, and One International Place. Many law firms, financial institutions, and corporations all reside in this center of the city, making it appealing to professional residents who work in these sectors. There are many luxury living opportunities with full-service, concierge service.
Mission Hill
Named one of the 25 best zip codes in Massachusetts by the Boston Globe in 2008, Mission Hill is home to almost 20,000 people. Architecturally, there is a combination of freestanding houses built by early wealthy landowners, blocks of traditional brick row houses, and triple deckers. As a very eclectic neighborhood, Mission Hill is home to many shops and restaurants, as well as parks and other outdoor areas. Additionally, the nearby Longwood Medical Center is renowned for its excellence and many of its medical professionals and other personnel live in the area.
North End
Home to American patriot Paul Revere, the North End is one of Boston’s most historic neighborhoods. Traditionally a first stop for immigrants arriving in Boston, the North End is most well known as an enclave of Italian immigrants. Today the North End is populated by a mixture of Italian Americans and young professionals who are attracted to the neighborhood’s tight-knit feel and access to downtown. Tourists come from near and far to sample authentic Italian cuisine, enjoy a cannoli or a cappuccino, and explore its narrow streets. In recent years, a number of boutiques have opened in the North End specializing in everything from trendy clothing to jewelry. The North End also offers access to Boston’s waterfront along Commercial Street. Residents and visitors can enjoy strolling and relaxing in the newly renovated Christopher Columbus Park, and during summer evenings the park is host to a performing arts series.
South Boston
Once a predominantly Irish Catholic community, in recent years South Boston has become increasingly desirable among young professionals and families who are attracted to the neighborhood’s strong sense of community and quick access to downtown and public transportation. People from all over the city enjoy taking a stroll around Castle Island, a Revolutionary War-era fort and 22-acre park that is connected to the mainland. “Southie Pride” is on full display in March when city residents flock to the neighborhood to enjoy the annual South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Today the breathtaking South Boston Waterfront is emerging as Boston’s newest neighborhood. Already home to the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, planned development for the Waterfront includes residential, office, retail, and hotel use. The Institute for Contemporary Art, slated to open in September, stands as an iconic symbol of the South Boston Waterfront’s unlimited potential.
South End
Located just minutes from downtown and the Back Bay, in recent years the South End has become one of Boston’s most popular neighborhoods. It has attracted a diverse blend of young professionals, families and a vibrant gay and lesbian population to this Boston Landmark District. You will be sure to notice the South End’s renowned Victorian brownstone buildings and homes as you walk along Tremont Street, Columbus Avenue and Massachusetts Avenue. Small business owners also enjoy the amenities of the South End and are supported by the national award winning Washington Gateway Main Streets Program. Some of Boston’s finest restaurants, a thriving arts community and nearly 30 parks also call the South End home.
Waterfront
From the Waterfront, you can depart on a whale watching tour or visit a museum dedicated to the Boston Tea Party, where it all began! Landmarks in this area include the Aquarium, Rowes Wharf Complex, the Fire Museum, Children’s Museum, and many restaurants and hotels. Home to many exciting living opportunities, there is something for everyone in the area. Taking a Harbor Walk is one of the most breathtaking ways to experience the beauty of Boston and its place on the coast.
It’s easy to understand why the Back Bay is one of America’s most desirable neighborhoods. Newbury Street, Boylston Street and Commonwealth Avenue are lined with unique shops, trendy restaurants and vintage homes, making the Back Bay an extremely fashionable destination for Boston residents and visitors. In fact, it’s not uncommon to spot celebrities strolling up and down these picturesque streets. This bustling neighborhood also houses the two tallest members of Boston’s skyline, the Prudential Center and the John Hancock Tower, in addition to architectural treasures such as Trinity Church and the Boston Public Library.
Beacon Hill
One of Boston’s oldest communities, Beacon Hill gets its name from a beacon that once stood atop its hill to warn locals about foreign invasion. Approximately one square mile in size, Beacon Hill is bound by Beacon Street, Bowdoin Street, Cambridge Street and Storrow Drive. Its architecture and lay-out is reflective of old colonial Boston, consisting of brick row houses with beautiful doors, decorative iron work, brick sidewalks, narrow streets, and gas lamps. Beacon Hill is also home to the Massachusetts State House and America’s first African Meeting House. Charles Street, the neighborhood’s main thoroughfare, is lined with antique shops and restaurants. Beacon Hill has been home to many notable Americans, including Louisa May Alcott, Oliver Wendell Homes, Daniel Webster, Robert Frost, Sylvia Plath, and Senator John Kerry.
Fenway
Perhaps most recognized as the home of Fenway Park and the Boston Red Sox, Fenway/Kenmore also boasts many of the City’s top cultural institutions, including the Museum of Fine Arts and Symphony Hall. Fenway/Kenmore also has a strong academic presence, including Boston Latin School, America’s first public school, as well as several institutions of higher learning. Many of these undergraduate students, as well as young people throughout the city, are drawn to the lively bars and clubs along Lansdowne Street. The Fenway is another central thoroughfare that encircles the Back Bay Fens, the neighborhood’s preeminent green space, which was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead.
Midtown
Situated near Chinatown and Government Center, the Financial District of Boston has no official definition. Many of Boston’s cultural and professional landmarks are situated in this area, including the Custom house Tower, Boston Stock Exchange, State Street Bank Headquarters, Dewey Square, and One International Place. Many law firms, financial institutions, and corporations all reside in this center of the city, making it appealing to professional residents who work in these sectors. There are many luxury living opportunities with full-service, concierge service.
Mission Hill
Named one of the 25 best zip codes in Massachusetts by the Boston Globe in 2008, Mission Hill is home to almost 20,000 people. Architecturally, there is a combination of freestanding houses built by early wealthy landowners, blocks of traditional brick row houses, and triple deckers. As a very eclectic neighborhood, Mission Hill is home to many shops and restaurants, as well as parks and other outdoor areas. Additionally, the nearby Longwood Medical Center is renowned for its excellence and many of its medical professionals and other personnel live in the area.
North End
Home to American patriot Paul Revere, the North End is one of Boston’s most historic neighborhoods. Traditionally a first stop for immigrants arriving in Boston, the North End is most well known as an enclave of Italian immigrants. Today the North End is populated by a mixture of Italian Americans and young professionals who are attracted to the neighborhood’s tight-knit feel and access to downtown. Tourists come from near and far to sample authentic Italian cuisine, enjoy a cannoli or a cappuccino, and explore its narrow streets. In recent years, a number of boutiques have opened in the North End specializing in everything from trendy clothing to jewelry. The North End also offers access to Boston’s waterfront along Commercial Street. Residents and visitors can enjoy strolling and relaxing in the newly renovated Christopher Columbus Park, and during summer evenings the park is host to a performing arts series.
South Boston
Once a predominantly Irish Catholic community, in recent years South Boston has become increasingly desirable among young professionals and families who are attracted to the neighborhood’s strong sense of community and quick access to downtown and public transportation. People from all over the city enjoy taking a stroll around Castle Island, a Revolutionary War-era fort and 22-acre park that is connected to the mainland. “Southie Pride” is on full display in March when city residents flock to the neighborhood to enjoy the annual South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Today the breathtaking South Boston Waterfront is emerging as Boston’s newest neighborhood. Already home to the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, planned development for the Waterfront includes residential, office, retail, and hotel use. The Institute for Contemporary Art, slated to open in September, stands as an iconic symbol of the South Boston Waterfront’s unlimited potential.
South End
Located just minutes from downtown and the Back Bay, in recent years the South End has become one of Boston’s most popular neighborhoods. It has attracted a diverse blend of young professionals, families and a vibrant gay and lesbian population to this Boston Landmark District. You will be sure to notice the South End’s renowned Victorian brownstone buildings and homes as you walk along Tremont Street, Columbus Avenue and Massachusetts Avenue. Small business owners also enjoy the amenities of the South End and are supported by the national award winning Washington Gateway Main Streets Program. Some of Boston’s finest restaurants, a thriving arts community and nearly 30 parks also call the South End home.
Waterfront
From the Waterfront, you can depart on a whale watching tour or visit a museum dedicated to the Boston Tea Party, where it all began! Landmarks in this area include the Aquarium, Rowes Wharf Complex, the Fire Museum, Children’s Museum, and many restaurants and hotels. Home to many exciting living opportunities, there is something for everyone in the area. Taking a Harbor Walk is one of the most breathtaking ways to experience the beauty of Boston and its place on the coast.