The City of Boston

Boston is the capital of Massachusetts and New England's largest city. It boasts one of the finest natural harbors in the United States, and it is New England's most important seaport. Boston serves the New England region as a major financial and insurance center as well as an important industrial center. Many of the finest Teaching hospitals, which are affiliated with the leading universities in the country are located here as well. In recent years research and development facilities, concentrating in sophisticated electronics, computers, and chemicals, have had a great impact on the industrial structure of the metropolitan area. Although on the decline, an important fishing fleet operates from the city. As a major historical center, Boston has a significant tourist industry.

Boston is a collection of smaller neighborhoods, each with its own distinct flavor. The Waterfront, replete with glitzy loft condos with slips for private yachts runs into the North End, Boston's Little Italy where the aromas of Italian cuisine drift out into the streets from the many Gourmet restaurants and private homes. The North End runs into what used to be the West End on the back side of Beacon Hill. In the Sixties, Urban renewal saw the destruction of this neighborhood and saw it replaced with Condominium towers and Government Center, the present location of Boston City Hall.

Boston is very much a city of neighborhoods, each with unique characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. It is important to take some time to explore which neighborhood is right for you.

Things to consider when choosing a neighborhod:

  • Price Range - How much have you budgeted for living expenses? Rental prices can vary significantly depending upon your neighborhood of choice.
  • Proximity to Work/School - How much time are you willing to spend commuting to and from school each day? Be sure to find out where the nearest subway and bus stops are.
  • Convenience - Can you walk to the nearest grocery store? Is there a laundry facility nearby?
  • Safety - Do you feel comfortable with your surroundings? Have you driven through the neighborhood at night? Is your building secure?
  • Parking - Is overnight parking allowed on the street, or will you need to pay the additional expense of a reserved spot? Will it be difficult to find parking? Does on-street parking require a residency sticker for your vehicle?
  • Atmosphere - Are you seeking a quiet residential setting? Do you prefer an area with many shops, restaurants, bars, etc.?

Back Bay | South End | Beacon Hill | Fenway/Kenmore | North End | Brookline
Downtown/Financial | Allston/Brighton l North End | Cambridge | Jamacia Plain

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Back Bay


Thanks to its location, architecture and a general feeling of serenity, Back Bay is one of the most desirable neighborhoods of Boston. It is primarily a residential area filled with some of the most elegant Victorian brownstones found in the United States. Most of them have been converted into smaller rental units and the ones that remain undivided are usually available to buyers only.
Engulfed by the Charles River and the Boston Commons Park from two sides the neighborhood offers plenty of space for leisure and recreation. If you have a dog, like to bike, roller-blade, jog, or simply take long quiet walks you will certainly appreciate this area. The other two sides, opening right out to the center of the city make it very convenient for walking to work, going shopping or just having a meal.
 There are a number of trains and buses within walking distance of Back Bay but chances are you will not use them very often. The proximity of Newbury Street, Boston's most prestigious venue, with many exclusive restaurants, boutiques and art galleries as well as the Prudential Mall guarantees that all of your daily and weekend necessities will be taken care of.
One of the major characteristics that distinguish this area from other Boston neighborhoods is a relatively small number of students that live here. Instead, Back Bay is home to some of the older generation of the original New Englanders as well as to some young well-to-do families. The only drawbacks of the neighborhood are the notorious lack of parking space and of course the high prices. However, if you can handle both of these than it is our recommendation that you make Back Bay your priority when searching for your next home in Boston.

South End


Located within walking distance to downtown, the Theatre District, and Back Bay, the South End is one of Boston's most desirable residential neighborhoods. The area's quiet streets lined with trees and small private gardens offer a very nice change in atmosphere from the busy avenues of the nearby business districts. Full of galleries, antique shops and exquisite restaurants this charming neighborhood is a favorite of all those who enjoy the finer things in life.

The technical border runs along the Southwest corridor park, which runs between Columbus Ave., with it's fabulous restaurants and beautiful St. Botolph Street with its lovely brownstone homes. St. Botolph is considered by many to be part of the South End, but is technically in Back Bay.  On the South and West is Massachusetts Avenue, which features Chester Square, with its huge brownstone homes and condominiums with some of the biggest footprints in the city. On the North and East is Berkeley/East Berkeley St., beyond which is charming Bay Village and the Theater District.

Most of the housing consists of Victorian brownstones and row houses, whose elegance and charm equal those found in Back Bay or Beacon Hill.

Many units have been converted into high-end condominiums making South End a neighborhood of choice for those who plan to stay in Boston for a long time. For that reason, also the area is very well cared for, in terms of both cleanliness and safety. Most residents are young professionals and families with very few students hanging around, making the neighborhood all the more attractive for those who enjoy quiet and convenient living. While the area is not as close to the "T" as most Boston neighborhoods, it's easily accessible by bus. Residential parking is also an option for all those who dare to bring a car to the city.

Beacon Hill


This neighborhood is a jewel among the Boston residential communities. Its narrow, cobblestone streets, lined with 200 hundred year old rowhouses with elegant brick facades, along with gas style street lamps are reminiscent more of a European city such as Athens or Rome than of a residential district in Northeastern United States.

A short walk away from the Financial and the Government Districts as well as Back Bay and Copley Square Beacon Hill is a very conveniently located area. Surrounded by the Charles River and the Boston Common Park, it also provides a nice shelter from the busy pace of the rest of the city. The main shopping street of the "Hill" is Charles Street, which offers necessities such as drug, hardware, and grocery stores along with jewelry, gift and antique shops, art galleries, and some of the best florists in the city. So really, you don't have to go anywhere else to satisfy your daily desires.

Most rental units here have been renovated but are rather small, ranging between 450-550 sq. ft. in an average one-bedroom apartment.

If you are looking to buy don't expect to get something a whole lot bigger unless you can afford the entire house in which case you will also find that many have private gardens on the roofs as well as in the back yards.

Even though Beacon Hill is the home of Suffolk University and the Massachusetts General Hospital, you will not find many students here. The residents are mostly typical New Englanders whose traditional family values and taste for the old way of doing things gives Beacon Hill its quaint community atmosphere. Therefore, if your priority is that you would like to know your neighbors and feel at home in your entire neighborhood than "the Hill" might be of interest to you.

The few possibilities of public transportation that are available around Beacon Hill should not be a bother to anyone since you can walk practically to anywhere within the city limits. Also beware that driving and parking on the "Hill" is a skill that only the locals seem to have mastered.

Fenway / Kenmore


These two neighborhoods are considered together because of their relatively small size and the fact that mostly students and young professionals live there. However, there is a significant difference in the type of living that each one offers.

Kenmore Square is a strip of about 6 blocks centered around a major crossing of Boston's three main streets: Commonwealth Ave., Beacon St. and Brookline Ave. It is the most urban part of Boston. The streets are always busy with traffic and sidewalks are always full of Boston University and MIT students who have their dorms here. The pace doesn't slow down at night, as Kenmore's Lansdowne St. is home to some 10 clubs and bars that are frequented by all who like to have a good time. Directly in the center of Kenmore are major bus and "T" stations making it one of the most convenient locations in the city. Therefore, if you are looking for some excitement and want to be in the middle of it all and don't mind high rents and no parking Kenmore is where you want to be.

Located right next to Kenmore Square, the Fenway offers a more diverse living experience. Split in half by the Fenway Park, this neighborhood is really comprised of two distinct districts.

On the east side, where it borders Back Bay, South End and the Symphony area it is an extension of the city with many busy streets full of local students who attend some 7 colleges that are located in this neighborhood. Lined with mostly older apartment building (most of which have been renovated) this area provides a good alternative for all those who want to be in the city but can't quiet afford its prices.

Just a short walk away, on the other side of the Fenway Park, you will find more peaceful, residential areas. Plenty of green to walk, jog, or bike on, two very exquisite museums and an upcoming mall make this part of Fenway very desirable for those who enjoy a relaxed living environment.

Perhaps best known for its baseball stadium (also called the Fenway Park) this area is also home to some universities and the Longwood Medical Center, whose employees make up a large percentage of the local residents. Besides a laid-back atmosphere, the biggest advantage of this neighborhood is the rents. An average one bedroom costs are about $1,300. Additionally, most units are usually quite spacious and modern. The only inconvenience that some clients bring up is the apparent lack of transportation. The closest three "T" stops are 5-10 min. walk in any direction. However, as most Bostonians commute by "T" they tend to forget that there are also buses in this city, and those pass by Fenway very frequently.

Downtown / Financial District


If Back Bay or Beacon Hill are what separates Boston from other American cities, the Financial District is what brings it closer to them. Its short, narrow and often confusing streets are home to some of the largest financial institutions in world. In many respects, this area is the heart of Boston. A big shopping district located in the middle, full of small shops and big malls along with all of the office buildings draw thousands of people every day, easily making this area the busiest part of the city. All "T" lines and major bus lines pass through here making it also the most accessible part. Attention: If you are driving don't expect to find any parking places, it's paid parking only. 
Residential housing is scarce and in most cases is limited to modern hi-rise buildings located along the Boston Common Park or in its vicinity. Most units are available on rental basis only and come at a rather significant cost, for obvious reasons.
An alternative to that can be found in a few residential buildings that border with Chinatown. Being literally on the same block, they offer much lower rents for the same quality apartments. There are also quiet a few loft style apartments located in Chinatown that might be of interest to all those who seek space to do and/or exhibit their art work.

Allston / Brighton


These two neighborhoods are often considered as one because of the similarity of their architecture as well as of the types of people that live there. There is however, a significant difference in the character and the type of living that each one offers.

Allston, which borders both Boston and Brookline and at its furthest point is a 25 min. "T" ride away from downtown Boston, is a semi-urban neighborhood. Situated between Boston University and Boston College it is really a mecca for student living. Most of the local infrastructure centers around college life providing for many opportunities to save $$$ on everything from bagels to rent. A typical one-bedroom apartment rents approximately for $1000 a month. Besides affordability, its main attractions include inexpensive but tasty dinning, a very diverse nighttime entertainment (anything from original blues through jazz to modern rock and roll bands) as well as a variety of underground music, film, and other art and thrift stores, not to be found anywhere else in Boston. Don't be misled however, into thinking that Allston is a dirty, starving artist type of a place.
On the contrary, recent renovation efforts have turned its two main streets, Brighton Ave. and Harvard Ave. into very clean and presentable areas. If you are into the hip, upbeat crowd, and intellectual and emotional stimulation is what you're looking for, but you can't afford the downtown prices than this is the place for you.
Brighton is a quieter more residentially orientated of the two towns. Situated amongst many small hills, with a number of parks and ponds it offers a nice retreat from the fast-paced life of Boston. Its convenient shopping, transportation and easygoing neighbors make for a very pleasant and comfortable living. Since a good portion of its inhabitants are foreign immigrants the neighborhood also offers a good variety of ethnically specific folklore that make living in Brighton even more interesting. Most of the housing you will find here consists of renovated apartment buildings or older brick houses converted into apartments. If you are not driving (which you should really try to avoid in Boston) bus or "T" commute will take you anywhere from 15 to 30 min.

Brookline


Spread out over a vast area that includes many parks, ponds, and meadows, Brookline offers both a quiet suburban retreat from the often-tiring pace of Boston's daily life, as well as many conveniences of a small, self-sufficient city.
Located in the center of Brookline, its most desirable neighborhood, the Coolidge Corner has everything from banks and post offices through retail and grocery stores to an independent movie theatre. However, just a few blocks away in any direction you can find some very quiet neighborhoods that make you feel more like you are in a far out suburb of a big city than in a residential district of one. Lined with hundred-year-old houses (mostly converted into upscale condominiums) and some older but renovated apartment buildings this is a perfect place for a quiet residential living.
Two things set Brookline apart from the rest of the Boston neighborhoods. One is its excellent system of public schools and two is its safety. As of 1999 Brookline is the safest town in all of United States with the highest ratio of police officers to population. That is why most of the residents here are families or older, more serious professionals that do not necessarily care for all the nighttime attractions that the city has to offer. There are no bars or clubs in Brookline but rather a very diverse selection of some of the most exotic restaurants that the entire Greater Boston area has to offer. Also no overnight parking, so if you plan to have a car in Brookline you must rent a spot for it. You can also rely on public transportation, as there are two "T" lines that pass through the town as well as a number of bus lines.
Real estate prices vary and are comparable with those of the finest neighborhoods of Boston such as Back Bay or Beacon Hill. An average one bedroom here runs approximately $1,500 a month.

North End


Popularly known as "Little Italy", the North End is one of Boston's oldest neighborhoods. The narrow, cobblestone streets are lined with some very elegant hundred year old, multi-family houses. The friendliness of the local residents (mostly descendents of old Italian families) and the aromas of whatever's cooking in the dozens of bakeries, restaurants, and small espresso bars make this a very desirable neighborhood for all those who enjoy a traditional family atmosphere. The area also has its own nightlife, as most eateries do not close until 2 or 3 o'clock in the morning. Thanks to the two passing "T" lines as well as to a very easy access to two major highways North End is also home to many professionals and young families who work outside of the city.
The price of real estate varies, as the northern part, with older buildings tends to be more affordable in comparison with the southern corner of the North End. The latter, also known as The Waterfront is closer to the downtown area and is of a more contemporary style. Many exclusive restaurants coupled with stylish housing and proximity to downtown are what make the Waterfront an elegant neighborhood, perfect for luxurious tastes. The Waterfront underwent a development boom in the 70's and 80's with Harbor Towers and several other projects. In the 90's, Rowe's Wharf was built; a project that combined a luxury hotel with a full service condominium project. Now, with the demise of the Central Artery expressway in the never-ending project known as Boston’s “Big Dig”, construction of luxury developments amd the long awaited Battery Wharf and the InterContinental have finally been under way. They each feature a hotel and luxury condominiums along with amenities such as valet garage parking, a spa, and a marina. " .

Cambridge


Most known for its two prestigious educational institutions, Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge is almost entirely a residential town.
It used to be that it was home to many artists and people that preferred an alternative lifestyle. Low rents in un-renovated multi-family houses in un-urbanized settings were a common site. However, as of recently neighborhoods such as Harvard Square, Central Square and Cambridge Port have undergone major renovation to offer modern housing to all those who enjoy suburban living within city limits. Apart from a suburban lifestyle, Cambridge offers many opportunities for after work and weekend enjoyment. Its many parks and ponds situated along the Charles River are a perfect retreat from the routines of daily living. 
Among the more desirable neighborhoods are Harvard and Central Squares. The first one offers a more elegant and refined living environment. With its many bookstores, coffee shops and restaurants it is a perfect place for those who enjoy a studious atmosphere and some intellectual stimulation.
On the other hand, Central Square with its nightclubs and bars that feature some of the newest artists and genres of music is more of urban neighborhood. With lower rents and only two "T" stops away from downtown Boson it is home to many young professionals who work in the city but prefer a more laid back environment for their living.

Jamaica Plain


Offering housing that ranges from historic Victorian and Colonial multi-family houses through some renovated apartment buildings to the most modern hi-rises Jamaica Plain is home to a very diverse population of peoples. Families, professionals, artists as well as students all find their place in this vastly laid out neighborhood. However, despite many recent developments, J.P. still has managed to keep much of its parks and greenlands. Among its beautiful open spaces are the prize jewels of the "Emerald Necklace" - Jamaica Pond and the Arnold Arboretum The city’s two biggest parks, with a combined area of over 300-acres of grass, woods, ponds and hills offering the locals a very pleasant escape from the busy streets of Boston.           
Centre Street, which runs directly through the center of town, is its main business district. Here you will find many exotic pubs and restaurants reflecting the ethnic diversity of the neighborhood.
Diversity is the strength of "JP." Every ethnicity, socio-economic stratum and sexual orientation is well represented in this fast-growing neighborhood. The rich diversity in JP has created a strong character of social awareness and tolerance among neighbors and residents.
No more than a 10-15 min. "T" ride away from downtown Boston, Jamaica Plain presents a good alternative for all those who want to save some money and still be within the city's limits. Besides significantly lower rents (average one bedroom rents for around $1000), there are usually many good buying opportunities here, as many of the older houses have been converted into very nice condos.