Moving to Boston? Recognized as one of the best places to live on the East Coast, this bustling Massachusetts metropolis is an excellent place for raising a family. If you’re looking for the best Boston neighborhood to plant roots that has highly-rated school districts, affordable homes, and plenty of fun things to do, check out these best neighborhoods in Boston for families!
Photo via @thechrisdk
Located just north of Downtown Boston and across the Charles River is Charlestown, one of the best places to live in Boston. It’s a great neighborhood for families, as it offers some of the best Boston museums, kid-friendly parks, and top-notch schools like The Warren-Prescott School and Charlestown High School. Additionally, 43% of those who live in this Boston neighborhood own their homes because of its walkability and the variety of Boston attractions that it offers. The neighborhood also has a range of affordable housing options for families, from spacious townhomes to modern condos, lofts, and apartments.
Spend an afternoon playing with the kids at Paul Revere Park, which has a waterfront playground, a dog park, and cool public artwork. Beat the heat and go for a dip or drop the kids off for swimming lessons at Clougherty Pool. Learn about Boston’s history with a guided tour at Boston National Historic Park. Check out Bunker Hill Museum, which is dedicated to the American Revolution and the founding of Charlestown. Take the family out for breakfast or a sweet treat at Tatte Bakery & Cafe, a well-loved shop serving up dishes like Lamb Hash and Potato, Mushroom, & Bacon Shakshuka, and pastries like a Pistachio Croissant and Palmier. Head to Charlestown Navy Yard to try Falafel for lunch and pair it with a Pineapple Paradise smoothie at Style Cafe. Gaze at the Boston skyline while diving into a New England Lobster Roll at Pier 6. Or grab dinner at Warren Tavern, a charming Colonial-inspired spot where Fish & Chips and Short Rib Shepherd’s Pie are the go-tos.
Photo via @emkanch
For one of the safest and most affordable neighborhoods in Boston, consider moving to East Boston! While the family-friendly streets and budget-friendly housing options are the big draw, East Boston is also abundant in outdoor activities and is home to some of the best restaurants in Boston. Plus, thanks to Boston public transportation via the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority—including the Blue Line’s Maverick and Suffolk Downs stops—Eastie residents can still easily experience the excitement of Downtown Boston and enjoy waterfront views. Plus, for those who travel outside the city regularly for work, East Boston’s an easy sell, as the Boston Logan International Airport makes up the southeast portion of the neighborhood and is easily accessible.
Burn off some energy with the kids at East Boston Memorial Park, a huge area that has a playground, sports fields, and spray fountains. Kick back on a hot summer day at Constitution Beach, an amazing waterfront spot that’s ideal for swimming, playing sand volleyball, and more! Lace up the ice skates and head to Porrazzoo Skating Rink, the perfect place to teach beginners how to move on the ice. Go for a nature walk at Belle Isle Marsh Reservation, where you’ll see plenty of wildlife and native plants on your way to the observation tower. Skip the dishes and pick up an Italian Cheese & Chicken or a Shrimp Scampi pie from Santarpio’s Pizza. Celebrate a birthday or special family occasion at Rino’s Place, one of the best Italian restaurants in Boston, where you’ll find classic Italian dishes like Pasta Al Forna and Vitello Marsala. Experience a fusion of delisious dishes from Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and other Eastern cuisines at the family-owned Tawakal Halal Cafe. Or hop on down to Downeast Cider House, where you’ll be greeted by a variety of house-made cider beers and can even take a tour of the brewery!
Photo via @trulia
If a quiet, calm neighborhood in Boston is what your family is after, check out Hyde Park. Situated along the city limits, neighborhood basketball leagues, friendly residents, and welcoming community centers help make Hyde Park one of the best Boston neighborhoods for families. For those needing to commute into Downtown Boston, daily travel is simple since Hyde Park is part of Boston’s Commuter Rail. Plus, homes in this Boston neighborhood are affordable compared to those closer to the city. Hyde Park also has several green spaces, including the Neponset River Reservation, and some of the city’s best schools like the Boston Renaissance Charter Public School and New Mission High School.
Take the family on a hike through the Stony Brook Reservation, a huge park with over 12 miles of trails, fishing areas, and sports fields. Go see a show like Beauty and the Beast or enroll the kids in a performing arts class at Riverside Theatre Works. Visit the oldest climate record in the U.S. at the Blue Hill Observatory Science Center, a fun educational spot where you’ll learn about New England’s crazy weather! Play nine or all 18 holes on a beautiful track designed by famed golf course designer Donald Ross at George Wright Golf Course. Spend a day at Ron’s Gourmet Ice Cream & Bowling, featuring a unique spin on bowling and amazing ice cream flavors like Funky Munky and Salted Caramel. Grab a slice of pizza or an Italian sub at Cappy’s Pizzeria. Have a date night and choose from an expansive wine menu and homemade Italian favorites like Genovese and Ragu at Antonio’s Bacari. Or pick up an old-time dessert favorite from a bakery that specializes in coffee cakes and has delicious flavors like Cinnamon and Ted Williams Chocolate at My Grandma’s of New England.
Photo via @matt_gore_realtor
Neighboring Hyde Park to the north is Roslindale, another one of Boston’s best places to raise a family. One of the most unique aspects of Rozzie that adds to its welcoming, community feel is Roslindale Village Main Street, an urban Main Street Program which has brought local businesses and community events—like the weekend Farmers Market—to this Boston neighborhood. Roslindale is also known for having more spacious housing options and some of the best schools in Boston, with Phineas Bates Elementary School and Sacred Heart School leading the way in this family neighborhood.
Hop on over to Franklin Park Zoo, one of the most fun things to do in Boston, where you’ll see the everything from the Aussie Aviary to the Outback Trail. Explore an amazing display of plant life that includes The Bonsai & Penjing Collection and over 281 acres of seasonal blooms at Arnold Arboretum. Enjoy Story Time on the Hill and learn about summer camp for the kids at the Allandale Farm. Laugh out loud and enjoy the ramblings of Riot Improv at the Rozzie Square Theater. Enjoy brunch in the morning or a Euro-style dinner in the evening at Brassica Kitchen + Cafe. Take the family out for chicken tacos on Taco Tuesday or pick up some Carne Asada burritos at Yucatan Tacos. Or head to Delfino, a top Italian spot serving up specialties like Herb Rubbed Grilled Rack of Lamb and Chicken Au vin Blanc. Curb your sweet tooth with scrumptious creations like Rum Raisin and Black Raspberry Chip at neighborhood favorite Puritan Ice Cream Co.
Photo via @orielteam_realtors
Is safety at the top of your Boston neighborhood wish list? Look no further than West Roxbury, one of the safest Boston neighborhoods! Whether you’re wanting to rent or buy, West Roxbury has you covered with a number of affordable luxury apartments, as well as condos and ranch-style homes for purchase. Plus, Westie is one of the best neighborhoods in Boston for families because of its combination of outdoor recreation, excellent dining options, and top-rated schools like The William Ohrenberger School and Joyce Kilmer Upper School.
Take the family on a relaxing stroll through Millennium Park, one of the best things to do in Boston with kids thanks to its walking trails, sports fields, and canoe launch. Learn some new moves at Out to Dance, a dance studio that offers a variety of classes like the West Coast Swing and Merengue for all ages. Drop the kids off for events like Creator Club or Kids Cooking with Miss Debbie at the West Roxbury Branch of the Boston Public Library. Knock out back-to-school shopping or just upgrade your family’s style at Dedham Mall. Enjoy a casual meal at Rox Diner where original dishes like Tahitian Stuffed French Toast, The Jackie O, and the Flatiron Benny will fill an empty stomach. Try traditional Lebanese cuisine, like Loubieh Lamb Stew or Pumpkin Kibbeh at Al Wadi. Dine on some of the best steak in Boston at an upscale American eatery that features cuts like Brandt Beef Aged Delmonico and buttery prime rib at Sofia. Or relax on the patio and order a seasonal draft and some Beer Battered Fish & Chips at one of Boston’s top gastropubs, Porter Cafe.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
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