Boston Neighborhood Guide
The most exciting aspect of moving to a city like Boston is its diversity. Despite many Hollywood-fueled misconceptions, modern day Boston is a truly varied and exciting area to live, work, play and raise a family. Perhaps the greatest indication of that diversity is the mixture of neighborhoods that are available at the city center, on its outskirts and in the surrounding areas. Let’s explore some of the most popular of these neighborhoods.

Back Bay
Boston’s Back Bay is on the opposite side of Cambridge along the Charles River. This is perhaps the trendiest neighborhood in the area, and since the available locations are highly coveted, you’ll pay for the right to live here. But that price is worth it to many because the Bay boasts some of the city’s finest dining spots, upscale shopping, art galleries and an array of chic boutiques. No other Boston neighborhood remotely resembles the Back Bay.
Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill is an almost completely residential area, and is renowned for its historic elements. Just north of the Boston Common and Public Gardens, the Hill houses dense suburbs alongside quaint, old-fashioned neighborhoods. Beacon Hill has stood almost as long as the city itself, and its various sections play out like a timeline of this city’s rich history. Charles Street is Beacon Hill’s most famous road, and it boasts nearly 50 famous antique shops.
Cambridge
Cambridge is technically a city separate from Boston, but it exists across the Charles River from Boston, and it is in essence a part of the greater whole. At least, this is the way people in the area treat it. Called Boston’s “Left Bank,” Cambridge is the city’s most culturally diverse neighborhood. It is approximately six square miles, and it houses more than 100,000 residents. Cambridge is home to both Ivy League Harvard University and the legendary MIT.
Charlestown
Situated along the Mystic River and on the banks of the Boston Harbor, this historic neighborhood has evolved quite nicely into a flourishing twenty-first century neighborhood. Charlestown is a coveted area because it has excellent schools, a wonderful real estate balance and a tremendous amount of opportunity. It also houses significant landmarks, such as the Bunker Hill Monument, the Navy Yard and the U.S.S. Constitution.
Chinatown and Theater District
To the south of the Boston Common and west of the financial district, are Chinatown and the Theater District. Once called the “Combat Zone,” this area served as Boston’s red light district. Since renovated, this now vibrant area contains many of the city’s best shopping areas. Notable destinations are Filenes, Macy’s and Saks, and there is a massive array of smaller shops at street level. This area still has some rough areas, especially at night.
Downtown
The financial district of downtown Boston is the oldest part of the city, and it boasts many of the city’s most popular pre-Revolutionary War attractions. It serves as part of the Freedom Trail, and popular sites include Burying Ground, Faneuil Hall, King’s Chapel, Old City Hall, Old State House and Quincy Market. At the northern section of the area, you’ll find that it’s much more modern, somewhat controversially, and hosts many more living areas.
Fenway
The name Fenway is famous because of the Red Sox, but Fenway Kenmore Square Neighborhood is important for a wide range of reasons. Located near Northeastern University and Boston University, Fenway is an attractive area with a high density of students. That student population ensures that there is a wide array of affordable housing and relatively inexpensive food and entertainment. Fenway also boasts some of Boston’s finest cultural attractions.
North End
Settled in the seventeenth century, the North End is Boston’s earliest neighborhood, and it’s where the city began despite not being at its center or its densest location. The North End is the city’s Italian district, and although not as ethnic as it once was, the influence of Italian culture is still felt heavily in its dining and shopping opportunities. The North End also boasts Copp’s Burying Ground, Paul Revere’s House and the Old North Church.
Waterfront
Just below Boston’s fantastic North End is its fabled waterfront, which is where the city truly began. Today, the waterfront is extremely attractive to tourists, and while there are living areas and office buildings, they can be quite pricey. In terms of attractions, make certain not to miss the New England Aquarium, which houses a truly astounding 200,000-gallon oceanic tank. Another popular yet seasonal attraction is the whale watching tours.
Conclusion
Wherever you decide to live in Boston, you’re going to need help getting there, and that’s where we come in. A professional moving service doesn’t have to be expensive. We can get you the lowest rates possible while guaranteeing that you are only dealing with the most established well-respected companies in the area. Take a moment to test-drive our cost-free, no-obligation service. It only requires a brief form, and you’ll be glad you did.

