Moving to Boston, MA? Neighborhoods Guide

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Moving to Boston, MA? Neighborhoods Guide

Oh My Apartment · Jul 24, 2013

boston1By Manuella Irwin

With more than 600,000 people living on 48 square miles of land, situated on the east coast, Boston is a city which you will fall for once you experience it. Boston won’t amaze you with a breathtaking skyline, but it will make you fall in love for its vibrant character. This city embraces history and newness, swanky restaurants and bustling clubs, fabulous shopping spots and fairy parks and outdoors. With its world-class educational institutions, diverse neighborhoods, exceptional medical facilities, and top-notch career opportunities, Boston allures people from not just all over the U.S., but from all over the world. So if you are looking for a place where to live in Boston, let’s have a look at some of its neighborhoods.

Charlestown

Charlestown is the oldest neighborhood in Boston. It was founded in the year 1629. Located on the banks of Boston Harbor and the Mystic River on the north tip of the city, Charlestown is home of the U.S.S. Constitution, the Bunker Hill Monument and the Navy Yard. This neighborhood is perfect for you if you want to live surrounded by history. Working class roots and Irish-American culture are at the heart of Charlestown. However, upper-middle-class dwellings and renovated townhouses are not rare due to the many young professionals choosing to settle here. Average rental for a two-bedroom property comes at $2600 – $3000.

Dorchester

Dorchester is the largest and the most populated neighborhood in Boston. Bustling streets and diverse population are the neighborhood’s charm. Many immigrants from Ireland, Vietnam, and Cape Verde call Dorchester home. The nation’s first Vietnamese Community Center is in Fields Corner where the heart of the Vietnamese community is. Traffic can be terrible during rush hours, and crime varies across the Dorchester. The University of Massachusetts Boston, the Boston Globe and some branches of the Boston Public Library are all located in Dorchester. Situated on the Neponset River bank and Boston Harbor, Dorchester offers great options for outdoor enthusiasts – a stroll in the Pope John Paul II Park or a lazy day on the harbor beaches, enjoyment is guaranteed. Franklin Park, which is part of the Emerald Necklace Park System, entices with its 527 acres of recreation area, a zoo, and an 18-hole golf course. Average rental for a two-bedroom property is $1600 – $1900.

Allston

Allston is a sanctuary for students and young professionals. Bordered by the Charles River, this neighborhood is a preferred place due to its proximity to the many of Boston’s colleges and universities. Allston is famous for its diverse and energetic community. However, because of its reputation for nightlife culture, noisy weekends and a bit more small-scale crime are not odd. To rent a two-bedroom single-family home or a cozy apartment in Allston, be prepared to pay $2400 on average. Harvard Avenue, Commonwealth Avenue and Brighton Avenue accommodate many ethnic restaurants you can give a try.

Fenway/Kenmore

The home of Fenway Park and the Boston Red Sox, Fenway/Kenmore is not the perfect place for raising children if you are looking for tranquil environment. It’s noisy and rowdy. However Fenway/Kenmore has a solid academic presence. Boston Latin School, America’s first public school, Simmons College and Northeastern University are located here. One of the City’s finest cultural institutions – the Museum of Fine Arts and Symphony Hall are located here. Lansdowne Street lures with its lively bars and clubs. And Back Bay Fens is the place for green space lovers. Two-bedroom rentals come at about $2800-$2900 on average.

Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill is home to the Massachusetts State House. This neighborhood charms with its beautiful row houses, brick sidewalks and its narrow, gas lit streets. Its architecture reflects old colonial Boston. Beacon Hill is one of the most desirable and thus expensive neighborhoods. Be prepared to pay around $3300 per month for a two-bedroom dwelling. Beacon Hill is one of the oldest Boston’s communities and it has been home to many famous Americans, including Louisa May Alcott, Oliver Wendell Homes, Daniel Webster, Robert Frost, Sylvia Plath, and Senator John Kerry. Charles Street is one of neighborhood’s hot spots with its antique shops and swanky restaurants. Beacon Hill is considered a safe neighborhood of Boston. It is perfect for you if you love historic streets, you are not looking for a big living space, or you can actually afford it.

Back Bay

Unless you have nailed the job of your dreams and you get a 5-digit salary monthly, Back Bay is a mirage for you. An average two-bedroom rental comes a way beyond the U.S. and Boston’s average – $3900 – $4200. Actually, Back Bay is one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the U.S. In fact, it’s not rare to see a celebrity strolling up and down the Back Bay’s beautiful streets. Victorian homes, trendy avenues and distinguished cultural institutions are the heart of this neighborhood. Newbury Street, Boylston Street and Commonwealth Avenue accommodate excellent shops and classy restaurants. The Prudential Center, the John Hancock Tower and the Boston Public Library are located here.

Generally, if you are moving to Boston from a small town, Boston may seem you pricey, but it’s more affordable than cities like New York or L.A. According to Walk Score, Boston is the 3rd most walkable big city in the U.S. However traffic can be a challenge in Boston, especially during peak hours. And the narrow streets and old buildings make it even more difficult to move in Boston. If you are moving to Boston, preferably look for the best local Boston movers.

Choose your neighborhood wisely, take all pros and cons into consideration. Also, take a look at our Boston apartments‘ ratings. Find your Boston, experience it, love it!

Those are only six of the Boston’s neighborhoods. To find out more information about Boston and its neighborhoods, you can search the official website of Boston.

 

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