Thinking of buying a home in Boston? The City on a Hill is one of the best places to live on the East Coast, offering a variety of homes that sell fast in a very competitive market. Check out these five best neighborhoods for buying a home in Boston!
Allston-Brighton
Photo via @barkarealestate
- Home Price: $306,048 median purchase price
- Crime Rate: Safer than 88% of Boston neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals
Looking to live close to major colleges and universities in Boston? Buy a home in Allston-Brighton! Whether you attend or work for Boston University, Boston College, or Harvard University, this Boston neighborhood provides convenience for students and university staff alike. Residents can find a variety of brownstones, rowhouses, condos, and single-family homes with a wide selection of restaurants and bars nearby. Need to commute to Downtown Boston? Allston-Brighton is a short 15-minute drive, or you can hop on the Green Line subway or commuter rail at Boston Landing!
Things to Do in Allston-Brighton
Attend a Crimson basketball or hockey game at Harvard Athletic Complex. Spend the day boating, walking the trails, or enjoying a picnic at Charles River Reservation. Catch the latest rock concert at Paradise Rock Club. Learn how to train like a boxer at The Ring Boxing Club. Find fun takes on brunch favorites like Chipotle Pork Benedict and Breakfast Totchos at Lulu’s Allston—you can even order a Mimosa Bucket to share! Make your own Seafood Boil, order fresh oysters, or enjoy a bowl of New England Clam Chowder at Holly Crab, one of the best seafood restaurants in Allston. Enjoy different kinds of burgers and tacos with a Downeast Cider or Harpoon IPA at The Avenue. Or grab shared plates and choose from the great selection of beers, spirits, and wine at neighborhood bar and kitchen Hopewell.
Back Bay-Beacon Hill
Photo via @perlafdez
- Home Price: $776,224 median purchase price
- Crime Rate: Safer than 38% of Boston neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Back Bay-Beacon Hill is one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Boston. Known for its streets lined with antique lamps and cobblestone sidewalks, this affluent neighborhood offers charming rowhouses and vintage brownstones. And you’ll never run out of fun activities and experiences here, whether it’s trying new restaurants, spending all day outside at The Public Garden or The Boston Common, or watching Boston Red Sox (MLB) hit a home run at Fenway Park! Not to mention, this highly walkable neighborhood is only minutes from Downtown Boston and offers residents quick access to anywhere in the city via the Green Line and Orange Line!
Things to Do in Back Bay-Beacon Hill
Ice skate in the winter or attend The Pumpkin Float in the fall at The Boston Common Frog Pond. Get tickets to the latest Broadway show or see the Boston Ballet at Citizens Bank Opera House. Listen to the Boston Symphony Orchestra play at Symphony Hall. Shop at stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Alice and Olivia, or Allbirds on Newbury Street. Attend Preschool Storytime, take a video-making class, or check out the latest book at Boston Public Library. Enjoy Southern comfort food like Deviled Eggs or New Orleans BBQ Shrimp at Buttermilk and Bourbons. Order a Skillet Breakfast or New England Lobster Roll for brunch at Stephanie’s on Newbury. Or get a basket of tater tots and pulled pork sandwich while sipping on a Black Cats Porter at Bukowski Tavern.
Charlestown
Photo via @col.harrington
- Home Price: $426,124 median purchase price
- Crime Rate: Safer than 63% of Boston neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
One of the most historic neighborhoods in Boston, Charlestown’s origins date back to 1628—the area even played an important role in the Freedom Trail. Located along the Charles River on the north side of the city, Charlestown offers waterfront views and a variety of housing from brightly colored rowhouses to condos near great schools like The Warren-Prescott School and Charlestown High School. Along the neighborhood’s Main Street, you’ll find traditional pubs and trendy restaurants that will satisfy everyone’s appetite. And with easy access to I-93, Charlestown Ferry, and a subway stop in Sullivan Square, it’s easy for commuters to travel around the Boston metro!
Things to Do in Charlestown
Tour the USS Cassin Young and learn more about naval history at Charlestown Navy Yard. Visit USS Constitution Museum to see exhibits and artifacts centered around Boston ships. Check out Bunker Hill Monument, which commemorates the first battle of the American Revolutionary War. Grab a Mocha Latte or Cold Brew and a freshly baked muffin at Zume’s Coffee House. Try the Sons of Liberty Burger or the Lobster Mac & Cheese at Warren Tavern, a bar that was once visited by General George Washington. Sample wood-fire specialities like Spicy Clam Pizza or Wood-Roasted Meatballs at Brewer’s Fork. Order fresh sushi rolls like the Rainbow Roll or Crunchy Roll at Sweet Rice. Or enjoy the Shellfish Platter and Charcuterie Board while admiring views of Boston’s Skyline at Pier 6.
East Boston
Photo via @lisasevajian
- Home Price: $276,989 median purchase price
- Crime Rate: Safer than 69% of Boston neighborhoods
- Perfect for: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
East Boston—or “Eastie” as it’s often called by local residents—is one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Boston, which makes it an ideal place to buy real estate! Here, you can find a wide range of housing options from renovated rowhouses and bungalows to condos with amazing views of the Boston Harbor. Eastie residents have quick access to Downtown Boston via the Blue Line at Maverick Square, and the close proximity to Boston Logan International Airport also makes this a top spot for business travelers!
Things to Do in East Boston
Watch ships and boats sail into the Boston Harbor, take a swim with the family, or play a game of basketball at Constitution Beach Park. Walk the trails at Belle Isle Marsh Reservation, Boston’s last remaining salt marsh. Take a harbor cruise, learn how to sail, or sign your kids up for one of the youth programs at Piers Park Sailing Center. Feast on traditional Italian dishes like Shrimp Scampi and Cheese Ravioli at Rino’s Place, which was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Order beers on tap like the Post Shift Pilsner or Left of The Dial IPA at Renegade’s Pub. Stop by Tawakal Halal Cafe for authentic Somali dishes like a Beef “Hilib” Kabab Sandwich or Hummus Chapati Wrap. Or try everything from Fresh Swordfish to Lobster Rolls at Belle Isle Seafood.
West Roxbury
Photo via @tomcurrencompanies
- Home Price: $407,058 median purchase price
- Crime Rate: Safer than 94% of Boston neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
In West Roxbury, you get the best of both worlds—you’re part of the Boston metro, but your neighborhood is far from the city center! Located 30 minutes from downtown, this southwest Boston neighborhood is one of the safest places to live and offers newer homes with spacious yards. West Roxbury also has top-rated schools like Beethoven-Ohrenberger School, Patrick Lyndon Elementary School, and Catholic Memorial School, along with several outdoor recreation spots for families to enjoy. And with access to I-95 and the MBTA Commuter Rail station, getting out and about is never difficult!
Things to Do in West Roxbury
See wildlife and explore the 179 acres of walking trails at Brook Farm Historic Site, a former Civil War training camp. Take your dog for a walk, go for a jog, or have a picnic with the family at Millennium Park. Go shopping at stores like TJ Maxx, DSW, or Old Navy at Dedham Mall. Grab a seat at the counter for classic diner dishes like a BLT, cheeseburger, or Tuna Melt at Rox Diner. Get traditional Indian and Nepali dishes like Vegetable Curry or Shrimp Korma at Himalayan Bistro. Head to Sofia Italian Steakhouse for date night, where you can enjoy a nice bottle of wine with hearty entrees like Grilled Double Cut Lamb Chops or Steak Frites. Or stop by Porter Cafe, a neighborhood gastropub serving American comfort dishes like Mac & Cheese and burgers with the largest selection of craft beer in the area.
***
Moving to Boston? Extra Space Storage has self storage facilities throughout the Boston metro, so we can help make your move as easy as possible. Find Boston storage near you!
Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
![Are you still working from home? 💻
Whether you work in writing, design, photography, or another creative field, having an office at home that fits the style of work you’ll be doing can help you feel more inspired to complete projects. Think bright wall colors, eclectic furniture, large wall art with bold typography, and speakers for music.
[:📷 @cardigansandlattes]](https://www.extraspace.com/blog/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
