Thinking of buying a home in Boston? With a variety of homes and a diverse range of things to do, it’s no wonder that The City on a Hill is one of the best places to live on the East Coast. Check out these five best neighborhoods for buying a home in Boston!
Photo via @barkarealestate
Want to live in a Boston neighborhood with a vibrant and diverse community? The bustling commercial district of Allston-Brighton—which offers a diverse range of eateries, bars, and shops—attracts people from all walks of life. Additionally, the area is home to many college students because of its close proximity to Boston University, Boston College, and Harvard University. Despite its urban character, this Boston neighborhood also has plenty of green spaces and parks like Chestnut Hill Reservoir and Chandler Pond. Residents can find also find a variety of brownstones, rowhouses, condos, and single-family houses. Need to commute to Downtown Boston? Allston-Brighton is a short 20-minute drive away—or you can hop on the Green Line subway or commuter rail at Boston Landing!
Attend a Harvard Crimson (NCAA D-I) 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 about one of the country’s first metropolitan water systems at the Metropolitan Waterworks Museum. Find fun takes on brunch favorites like the Chipotle Pork Benedict or Breakfast Totchos at Lulu’s Allston—you can even order a Mimosa Bucket to share! Customize your own Seafood Boil, order a Fried Oyster Basket, or enjoy a bowl of New England Clam Chowder at Holly Crab, one of the best seafood restaurants in Allston. Enjoy an Avenue Burger or a Trailer Park Taco with a Downeast Peach Mango Cider or Harpoon IPA at The Avenue. Or grab shared plates of Short Rib Poutine or Fried Pickles, and choose from the large selection of beer, spirits, and wine at neighborhood bar and kitchen Hopewell.
Photo via @col.harrington
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or family searching for excellent schools in a calm, accessible area—consider Charlestown when buying a home in Boston. Charlestown’s origins date back to 1628—the area even played an important role in the Freedom Trail, making it one of the most historic neighborhoods in Boston. Located along the Mystic River on the north side of the city, Charlestown offers waterfront views, green spaces, and a variety of housing options—from brightly-colored rowhouses to condos near great schools like Harvard-Kent Elementary School, 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, the Charlestown Ferry, and a subway stop in Sullivan Square, it’s easy for commuters to travel around the Boston metro!
Tour the USS Cassin Young and learn more about naval history at the Charlestown Navy Yard. Explore exhibits and artifacts centered around Boston ships at the USS Constitution Museum. Learn about the first battle of the American Revolutionary War at the Bunker Hill Monument. Take your family and pup for a scenic walk at Paul Revere Park. Start your day with a Mocha Latte or Cold Brew and a freshly baked muffin at Zume’s Coffee House. Try the Sons of Liberty Burger, Lump Crab Cakes, or Lobster Mac + Cheese at Warren Tavern, a bar that was once visited by General George Washington. Sample wood-fired specialties like the Spicy Clam Pizza, Shawarma-Style Chicken Thigh, or Wood-Roasted Meatballs at Brewer’s Fork. Or enjoy the Pepper Crusted Sirloin, Steamed Mussels, and Chilean Sea Bass while admiring views of Boston’s skyline at Pier 6.
Photo via @lisasevajian
East Boston—sometimes known as “Eastie” 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 stunning views of the Boston skyline and Boston Harbor. Eastie residents also 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! If you’re looking to buy a home in Boston and want to live in the thick of things, the East Boston neighborhood could be the ideal place for you.
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. Check out art exhibits like Guadalupe Maravilla: Mariposa Relampago or Taylor Davis Selects: Invisible Ground of Sympathy at ICA Watershed. Go for a run, teach your kids how to swing a bat, or have a picnic with your family at East Boston Memorial Park. Feast on traditional Italian dishes like Shrimp Scampi, Lobster Ravioli, or Pollo Marsala at Rino’s Place, which was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Enjoy beers on tap like the Switchback Amber Ale or Left Hand Milk Stout with an order of Pork Lollipops at Renegade’s Pub. Stop by for authentic Somali dishes like a Beef “Hilib” Sambusa, Hummus Chapati, or Biryani at Tawakal Halal Cafe. Or try everything from Fresh Swordfish and Homemade Clam Chowder to Lobster Rolls at Belle Isle Seafood.
Looking for an energetic and lively neighborhood in Boston? Fenway-Kenmore is known for its vibrant energy and youthful vibe, due to its rich artistic and cultural scene, diverse population, and shops that cater to a variety of tastes and preferences. This Boston neighborhood is home to many students and young professionals, thanks to its close proximity to several universities and colleges like Boston University and Northeastern University. Residents in Fenway-Kenmore also have easy access to green spaces, museums, and the iconic Fenway Park, where you can catch a Boston Red Sox (MLB) game! Additionally, residents can find housing options like high-rise apartments, condos, and stunning rowhouses. When you live in Fenway-Kenmore, you’ll always have something to do!
Visit some of the 500,000+ art pieces spanning from ancient times to Contemporary art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Take a stroll with your little ones amongst over 1,500 roses of 200 different varieties at the James P. Kelleher Rose Garden. Have a picnic overlooking the Charles River at The Esplanade. Check out the 7.5 acre garden that holds more than 450 gardens for City of Boston residents at The Fenway Victory Gardens, the only continuously-running World War II Victory Garden in the country. Devour favorite American dishes like the BBQ Chicken Pizza, Bleu Cheese & Bacon Burger, or Korean Ribeye at Yard House. Satisfy your tastebuds with classic dishes like Steak Tips, Bolognese Pasta, or Fish & Chips at Woody’s Grill & Tap. Enjoy fresh and flavorful patty burgers like The Big Tasty, Rise ‘N Shine, or Gorgonzola at Tasty Burger. Or satisfy your sweet tooth with Matcha Soft-serve Ice Cream, Kokuto Matcha Cream, or a Matcha Chocolate Float at Matcha Cafe Maiko.
The Jamaica Plain neighborhood, also known as “JP” to locals, has become one of the most dynamic and diverse neighborhoods in Boston. JP’s lively community is known for its rich history, local businesses, and vibrant arts scene—with numerous galleries, theaters, music venues, and shops. Residents can also find plenty of green spaces, like Olmstead Park and the picturesque 68-acre body of water, Jamaica Pond—a centerpiece of the community. Beautiful Victorian, Colonial, Georgian, and Modern homes and tree-lined sidewalks give the neighborhood a quaint and welcoming feel.
Take a leisurely stroll or a guided tour of the gardens, or attend an art show like Still Lives: Plants of the Arnold Arboretum, Close Up and Far Away at Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University. Use the Maker Space, go to events like outdoor concerts and artist presentations, or sign up your kids for group activities like Kids Club and LEGO Club at the Jamaica Plain Branch of the Boston Public Library. Play a round of golf on an 18-hole course with beautiful views of the park at the William J. Devine Golf Course. Explore exhibits like Bird’s World, Franklin Farm, or Gorilla Grove at Franklin Park Zoo. Begin your day with a hearty plate of Cinnamon Brioche French Toast, an Ultimate Evergreen Omelette, or Benny the Scottish at Evergreen Eatery + Cafe. Devour mouthwatering savory dishes like the Boston Cream Burger, Black & Blue Burger, or Shrimp BLT at The Joint. Satisfy your hunger with Dominican-style food like the Combo Suave, Chimi Super, or Stuffed Cassava at Alex’s Chimis. Or order a Fish Supper, Shepherd’s Pie, or The Haven Burger while participating in trivia every other Monday at 7pm at The Haven.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
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