Global Major Cities Guide

A general guide to Boston's neighborhoods, highlighting key characteristics and housing options in each area.

Sections

1. Back Bay

Housing Types: Primarily historic brownstones, luxury condos, and high-end apartment buildings.
Rental Costs: $3,500–$5,500/month for a one-bedroom; higher for luxury units.
Purchase Costs: Condos typically range from $1M–$3M+.
Local Characteristics: Known for its iconic Victorian brownstones, tree-lined streets, and upscale shopping on Newbury Street and Boylston Street. It’s a hub for professionals and affluent residents.
Accessibility: Excellent public transit access (Green Line, Orange Line, buses). Walkable to downtown and the Charles River Esplanade.
Best For: Professionals, couples, and those seeking a luxurious urban lifestyle.
Nearby Landmarks: Boston Public Library, Prudential Center, Copley Square.

2. Beacon Hill

Housing Types: Historic Federal-style row houses, luxury apartments, and some smaller rental units.
Rental Costs: $3,000–$5,000/month for a one-bedroom.
Purchase Costs: Homes and condos range from $1.5M–$5M+.
Local Characteristics: One of Boston’s most picturesque neighborhoods, with cobblestone streets, gas lamps, and a historic charm. It’s quieter and more residential.
Accessibility: Close to the Red Line (Charles/MGH station) and walkable to downtown and the Boston Common.
Best For: History lovers, professionals, and those seeking a quaint, upscale neighborhood.
Nearby Landmarks: Boston Common, Massachusetts State House.

3. South End

Housing Types: Brownstones, modern condos, and some newer apartment complexes.
Rental Costs: $3,000–$4,500/month for a one-bedroom.
Purchase Costs: Condos range from $800K–$2M+.
Local Characteristics: A trendy, artsy neighborhood with a mix of historic charm and modern amenities. Known for its vibrant restaurant scene, art galleries, and LGBTQ+ friendly community.
Accessibility: Served by the Orange Line and Silver Line buses. Walkable to Back Bay and downtown.
Best For: Young professionals, artists, and food enthusiasts.
Nearby Landmarks: SoWa Art + Design District, Boston Center for the Arts.

4. Fenway-Kenmore

Housing Types: Apartments, student housing, and some newer luxury developments.
Rental Costs: $2,500–$4,000/month for a one-bedroom.
Purchase Costs: Condos range from $700K–$1.5M+.
Local Characteristics: A lively area with a mix of students, young professionals, and sports fans. Home to Fenway Park and several colleges.
Accessibility: Green Line access and buses. Walkable to Longwood Medical Area and Back Bay.
Best For: Students, medical professionals, and sports enthusiasts.
Nearby Landmarks: Fenway Park, Museum of Fine Arts, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.

5. Cambridge (across the Charles River)

Housing Types: Apartments, condos, and single-family homes.
Rental Costs: $2,800–$4,500/month for a one-bedroom.
Purchase Costs: Condos range from $800K–$2M+; single-family homes can exceed $2M.
Local Characteristics: A hub for academia and innovation, home to Harvard University and MIT. Cambridge has a mix of historic charm and modern development.
Accessibility: Red Line access and buses. Easy commute to Boston.
Best For: Academics, families, and tech professionals.
Nearby Landmarks: Harvard Square, Kendall Square, Charles River.

6. Allston-Brighton

Housing Types: Apartments, multi-family homes, and student housing.
Rental Costs: $2,000–$3,500/month for a one-bedroom.
Purchase Costs: Condos range from $500K–$1M; multi-family homes are more affordable than in central Boston.
Local Characteristics: A youthful, diverse neighborhood with a large student population. Allston is livelier, while Brighton is quieter and more family-oriented.
Accessibility: Green Line and buses. Easy access to Boston University and Boston College.
Best For: Students, young professionals, and budget-conscious renters.
Nearby Landmarks: Boston Landing, Harvard Business School.

7. Charlestown

Housing Types: Historic row houses, condos, and some newer developments.
Rental Costs: $2,800–$4,000/month for a one-bedroom.
Purchase Costs: Condos range from $700K–$1.5M+; single-family homes can exceed $1.5M.
Local Characteristics: A historic, family-friendly neighborhood with a strong sense of community. Known for its Revolutionary War history.
Accessibility: Served by the Orange Line and buses. Close to downtown.
Best For: Families, history enthusiasts, and those seeking a quieter neighborhood.
Nearby Landmarks: Bunker Hill Monument, USS Constitution.

8. South Boston (Southie)

Housing Types: Apartments, condos, and multi-family homes.
Rental Costs: $2,800–$4,500/month for a one-bedroom.
Purchase Costs: Condos range from $700K–$1.5M+.
Local Characteristics: A rapidly gentrifying neighborhood with a mix of old-school Boston charm and modern development. Popular with young professionals.
Accessibility: Red Line access and buses. Close to the Seaport District.
Best For: Young professionals and those seeking proximity to the waterfront.
Nearby Landmarks: Castle Island, Seaport District.

9. Seaport District

Housing Types: Luxury high-rise apartments and condos.
Rental Costs: $3,500–$6,000/month for a one-bedroom.
Purchase Costs: Condos range from $1M–$3M+.
Local Characteristics: Boston’s newest and most modern neighborhood, with sleek architecture, waterfront views, and a tech/startup vibe.
Accessibility: Silver Line and buses. Walkable to downtown.
Best For: Affluent professionals and those seeking a modern, urban lifestyle.
Nearby Landmarks: Boston Convention Center, Institute of Contemporary Art.

10. Jamaica Plain (JP)

Housing Types: Apartments, condos, and single-family homes.
Rental Costs: $2,500–$3,800/month for a one-bedroom.
Purchase Costs: Condos range from $600K–$1.2M; single-family homes can exceed $1M.
Local Characteristics: A diverse, progressive neighborhood with a strong community feel. Known for its green spaces and artsy vibe.
Accessibility: Orange Line and buses. Easy access to Longwood Medical Area.
Best For: Families, artists, and nature lovers.
Nearby Landmarks: Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Pond.

11. East Boston (Eastie)

Housing Types: Apartments, condos, and multi-family homes.
Rental Costs: $2,200–$3,500/month for a one-bedroom.
Purchase Costs: Condos range from $500K–$1M; multi-family homes are more affordable than in central Boston.
Local Characteristics: A diverse, up-and-coming neighborhood with a mix of working-class roots and new development. Offers great waterfront views.
Accessibility: Blue Line and buses. Close to Logan Airport.
Best For: Budget-conscious renters and those seeking proximity to the airport.
Nearby Landmarks: Piers Park, Constitution Beach.

12. Dorchester

Housing Types: Apartments, condos, and single-family homes.
Rental Costs: $2,000–$3,500/month for a one-bedroom.
Purchase Costs: Condos range from $400K–$800K; single-family homes are more affordable than in other neighborhoods.
Local Characteristics: Boston’s largest and most diverse neighborhood, with a mix of cultures and cuisines. Some areas are gentrifying, while others remain more affordable.
Accessibility: Red Line and buses. Easy access to downtown.
Best For: Families, young professionals, and those seeking affordability.
Nearby Landmarks: Franklin Park Zoo, John F. Kennedy Presidential Library.

Final Considerations

Proximity to Schools: Families may prefer Jamaica Plain, Brighton, or Cambridge for access to good schools and green spaces.
Budget-Friendly Options: Dorchester, East Boston, and Allston-Brighton offer more affordable housing.
Luxury Living: Back Bay, Beacon Hill, and the Seaport District cater to those seeking high-end accommodations.
Public Transit: Boston’s MBTA system (subway, buses, commuter rail) is extensive, so proximity to a T station is key for commuters.

Each neighborhood has its own unique charm and appeal, so consider your priorities—whether it’s affordability, proximity to work or school, or access to cultural amenities—when choosing where to live in Boston.

Boston

Neighborhoods Overview