Communities in Boston

One of the delights of exploring Boston is soaking in its many down-to-earth neighborhoods, each with its own charm and individuality.

Allston / Brighton

located west of downtown Boston, was once dotted with agricultural plots and stockyards in post-colonial days. Today, it is highly popular with students, as it is home to Boston College and Boston University. The area has recently been rejuvenated with major cleanup efforts and home renovations.

Back Bay

Back Bay offers some of the most exclusive real estate in Boston. It's also a vibrant commercial district, highlighted by the towering John Hancock and Prudential buildings.

Beacon Hill

Steeped in history, Beacon Hill is one of the city's most charming neighborhoods. Its cobblestone streets are lined by 200-year-old homes, gas lanterns, small antique shops and cozy cafes; and a warm, neighborly spirit can be felt on every corner.

Brookline

Brookline, surrounded by Boston on three sides, is home to many of the area's Russian and Jewish residents. It serves up a mixture of prosperous urban and quiet suburban life.

Charlestown

Charlestown, a predominantly Irish-American community, is the site of the Battle of Bunker Hill and home of the USS Constitution.

Cambridge

Across the Charles River is Cambridge, world-renowned home to Harvard (that's "Hah-vud") University and MIT. Harvard Square is the town's "ground zero," teaming with shops, bars, cafes, restaurants, and street performers. With many sections recently renovated, Cambridge is an increasingly desirable place to live.

Chinatown / Theater District

Chinatown/Theater District is an area of colorful storefronts, restaurants, and renovated theaters. The fourth largest Chinese community in the country, Boston's Chinatown offers 200 eateries and open-air markets crammed into four bustling blocks.

Dorchester

Dorchester is Boston's largest neighborhood and also its oldest, founded a few months before the city itself. The neighborhood's historical diversity is reflected in its architecture, from old Victorian homes to multifamily dwellings. The area also boasts the University of Massachusetts at Boston and the John F. Kennedy Library.

Downtown

The heart of the city, Downtown is the site of City Hall, the State House and headquarters for an array of leading companies. Thousands of people visit Downtown Crossing each day, many to find a bargain at the legendary Filene's Basement.

East Boston

East Boston, or "Eastie", is a place where families have lived for generations. Many homeowners are restoring Eastie's historic homes to their original glory, increasing the neighborhood's popularity.

Fenway / Kenmore

Fenway/Kenmore, best known as headquarters for the Red Sox, also boasts an array of colleges and museums. Its dense urban neighborhood teams with professionals and students, drawn to its still-affordable housing prices, thriving commercial district, and prime location.

Hyde Park

Hyde Park is the place Boston Mayor Thomas Menino calls home. It offers an urban atmosphere with a suburban feel, providing a comfortable space to raise children.

Jamaica Plain

The rolling Jamaica Plain, or "JP", boasts more green space than any other area in Boston. Its claim to fame is the sprawling Arnold Arboretum and Franklin Park Zoo, as well as Boston Beer Company, maker of Sam Adams beer.

Mattapan

The mostly residential and family-oriented Mattapan has historically been home to surges of immigrants. The community is enjoying a strong economic renaissance in its residential and business areas.

Mission Hill

The historic Mission Hill, once home to many English and Irish settlers, is now one of the city's most diverse neighborhoods. Many students and families are drawn to the area for its highly affordable housing.

North End

North End is the site of the Old North Church and the Paul Revere House. Home to much of Boston's Italian population, the community is a haven for Italian restaurants, cafes, and summertime Italian festivals.

Roslindale

Roslindale is home to a large Greek population. The heart of the neighborhood, Roslindale Square, is the subject of a National Trust for Historic Preservation Main Street award.

Roxbury

Roxbury, the geographic center of Boston and the heart of the city's African-American community, is also one of the city's oldest neighborhoods. Many of its sites are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

South Boston

In South Boston, or "Southie", residents are famous for their loyalty to their neighborhood. Densely populated, this tight-knit, predominantly Irish community also boasts miles of beaches and waterfront parks and is home to the Boston Fish Pier, once the world's largest fish market.

The South End

The South End - with its tree-lined streets of renovated rowhouses, trendy restaurants and art galleries - is swiftly becoming a thriving artistic center and one of Boston's most popular places to live. Its Southwest Corridor Park is the largest Victorian rowhouse district in the United States.

The West End

The West End is a small, ethnically diverse community tucked behind Beacon Hill. It is economically anchored by Massachusetts General Hospital, the city's largest employer.

West Roxbury

Originally part of the town of Roxbury, West Roxbury is one of the most suburban of all neighborhoods surrounding Boston. Its quiet streets are lined by mostly single-family homes. The community also boasts a bustling shopping district, and a new 100-acre park with ready access to the Charles River.