Boston, the capital of Massachusetts, is a city where history meets modern innovation. Known as the “Cradle of Liberty,” Boston played a pivotal role in the American Revolution and is home to iconic historical sites. Today, it’s a thriving hub for education, healthcare, and technology, with world-renowned institutions like Harvard University and MIT located nearby.
While, where to live in Boston for your living or visiting? The best neighborhoods in Boston offer a mix of old-world charm and contemporary living, with cultural attractions, top-tier restaurants, and beautiful parks. The city’s compact size, walkability, and excellent public transportation make it easy to explore and enjoy, while its rich sports culture fosters a strong sense of community. Whether you’re visiting or settling in, Boston offers an exciting blend of history, opportunity, and urban living.
10 Best Neighborhoods in Boston to Live and Explore
When exploring the best areas of Boston, the below 10 Boston good neighborhoods stand out as top picks for those considering living or visiting the city.
Beacon Hill & Back Bay
Population: 28,988 people
Public Attractions: Massachusetts State House, Boston Public Library, Charles River Esplanade
Crime: 3,376 per 100,000 people (45% higher than the US average)
Cost of Living: 88% more expensive than national cost of living in the US
Median Rent: USD 1,738
Median Home Price: USD 776,224
Beacon Hill and Back Bay are two of the best Boston city neighborhoods, known for their historic charm and modern amenities. Beacon Hill is famous for Acorn Street, featuring cobblestone pavement, gas lamps, and brownstone homes with flower boxes, creating a timeless atmosphere. Back Bay offers elegant Victorian brownstones, tree-lined streets, and upscale shopping on Newbury Street. These areas are also close to Massachusetts General Hospital, often ranked #1 in Massachusetts and highly ranked nationally in areas like cancer, cardiology, and neurology.
South End
Population: 33,120 people
Public Attractions: Restaurant Row on Tremont Street, SoWa Art + Design District
Crime: 3,258 per 100,000 people (40% higher than the US average)
Cost of Living: 129% more expensive than national cost of living in the US
Median Rent: USD 2,422
Median Home Price: USD 1,078,380
The South End is considered as one of the best places to live in Boston by offering a vibrant mix of jazz clubs, classy bars, unique boutiques, artsy shops, and cultural hubs like the Cyclorama, which hosts speaking events, theater performances, and art exhibitions. This dynamic cultural scene is complemented by a large community of artists, with over 50 artist studios and 15 galleries, particularly in the SoWa Arts District. Known for its dog parks and walkability, the South End is more residential than tourist-focused, making it ideal for families with young children, thanks to its charming playgrounds and parks.
Central (including North End)
Population: 33,579 people
Public Attractions: Authentic Italian eateries, Hanover Street, Paul Revere House
Crime: 5,278 per 100,000 people (127% higher than the US average)
Cost of Living: 67% more expensive than national cost of living in the US
Median Rent: USD 1,706
Median Home Price: USD 595,762
The North End, Boston’s “Little Italy,” is well-known for its energetic vibe, historical significance, and authentic Italian cuisine. With its charming streets, including Hanover Street, the neighborhood offers a variety of dining options and pastry shops. Once one of Boston’s first residential areas, it is home to historical sites like Paul Revere’s house and was once the residence of Governor Thomas Hutchinson. Today, the North End blends its colonial past with modern city life, making it a lively, unique, and the best area to live in Boston Massachusetts.
Jamaica Plain
Population: 47,098 people
Public Attractions: Jamaica Pond, Arnold Arboretum
Crime: 1,649 per 100,000 people (29% lower than the US average)
Cost of Living: 74% more expensive than national cost of living in the US
Median Rent: USD 1,979
Median Home Price: USD 632,712
Jamaica Plain (JP) is a vibrant, welcoming neighborhood of Boston known for its parks, diverse dining, historic architecture, and creative community. Popular with bohemians and freethinkers, JP has an eclectic vibe featuring piercings, colorful hair, and tattoos. The tight-knit community hosts year-round events like music festivals, farmers’ markets, along with yoga and meditation classes. Surrounded by green spaces like Olmsted Park and the Arnold Arboretum, JP offers outdoor activities like boating and scenic walks. Centre Street features a range of eateries and shops, while historic homes like the 1760 Loring-Greenough House add to the area’s charm.
East Boston
Population: 45,902 people
Public Attractions: Waterfront views, Piers Park
Crime: 1,374 per 100,000 people (41% lower than the US average)
Cost of Living: 61% more expensive than national cost of living in the US
Median Rent: USD 1,563
Median Home Price: USD 549,416
East Boston, located along Boston Harbor, offers stunning waterfront views and easy access to parks like Piers Park and Constitution Beach, perfect for outdoor activities and picnics. As one of the best places to stay in Boston, this neighborhood also boasts incredible views of the Boston skyline and the Atlantic Ocean. While noise from nearby Logan Airport can disrupt light sleepers, the area’s lively Latino bars, blasting Salsa and Reggaeton help drown it out. Plus, its proximity to the airport makes East Boston an ideal spot for frequent travelers.
Charlestown
Population: 19,678 people
Public Attractions: USS Constitution Museum, Bunker Hill Monument, Historic homes
Crime: 1,732 per 100,000 people (25% lower than the US average)
Cost of Living: 86% more expensive than national cost of living in the US
Median Rent: USD 1,941
Median Home Price: USD 742,385
Charlestown, one of the oldest and best neighborhood to stay in Boston, blends history with modern living. With easy access to downtown via Orange Line, you won’t need a car. The area has a mix of historic brick townhouses and renovated waterfront homes, all with lovely views and green spaces. The neighborhood’s Irish-American heritage is reflected in its culture and food. It has various Irish pubs offering traditional dishes, local craft beers, and Irish whiskey. It’s a great spot with plenty of dining and entertainment.
Cambridge
Population: 117,822 people
Public Attractions: MIT, Harvard University, Dragon Boat Festival, Charles Rowing Competition.
Crime: 2,646 per 100,000 people (14% higher than the US average)
Cost of Living: 101% more expensive than national cost of living in the US
Median Rent: USD 2,293
Median Home Price: USD 843,100
Cambridge is home to prestigious universities like Harvard University and MIT, fostering intellectual curiosity and innovation. The city offers excellent public schools and a strong focus on education, making it one of the best neighborhoods in Boston for families. Despite its urban setting, Cambridge boasts beautiful parks like the Charles River Reservation and Cambridge Common, perfect for walking, biking, and picnicking. Families can also enjoy nearby cultural attractions, like the Harvard Museum of Natural History, the MIT Museum, and the Children’s Museum in Boston, providing engaging educational experiences for children of all ages.
Somerville
Population: 81,175 people
Public Attractions: ArtBeat festival, Davis Square
Crime: 1,636 per 100,000 people (30% lower than the US average)
Cost of Living: 83% more expensive than national cost of living in the US
Median Rent: USD 2,026
Median Home Price: USD 709,800
Somerville is known for its creative community, hosting events like Porchfest, a free music festival on neighborhood porches, the ArtBeat festival featuring local artists, and the quirky What the Fluff festival, celebrating marshmallow fluff’s invention. You can enjoy the giant slide at Chuckie Harris Park, explore the Museum of Bad Art in the Somerville Theatre’s basement, or shop at unique boutiques in Davis Square, all adding to its distinctive charm. Somerville is perfect for those who love an artistic atmosphere, local flavor, and offbeat surprises.
Fenway-Kenmore
Population: 38,280 people
Public Attractions: Museum of Fine Arts, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Crime: 1,597 per 100,000 people (31% lower than the US average)
Cost of Living: 25% more expensive than national cost of living in the US
Median Rent: USD 1,489
Median Home Price: USD 241,970
Fenway-Kenmore is best known for Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox baseball team. It’s a good neighborhood in Boston that offers affordable dining, popular with college students and sports fans, especially along Lansdowne Street, which is lined with sports bars and clubs. It is also home to the prestigious Boston Latin School, making it a top choice for families. Fenway boasts cultural attractions like the Mary Baker Eddy Library and the Massachusetts Historical Society, ideal for students, and young professionals. Fenway-Kenmore’s proximity to downtown, along with its mix of luxury apartments and historic homes, make it suitable for various budgets.
South Boston (including Seaport District)
Population: 41,090 people
Public Attractions: Institute of Contemporary Art, Harborwalk
Crime: 1,707 per 100,000 people (27% lower than the US average)
Cost of Living: 90% more expensive than national cost of living in the US
Median Rent: USD 2,312
Median Home Price: USD 746,666
South Boston offers beautiful waterfront areas, including the Seaport District with trendy restaurants, cafes, and cultural spaces like the Institute of Contemporary Art, all with scenic harbor views. The neighborhood features excellent public transportation, walking paths, and beaches like Carson Beach and M Street Beach, making it ideal for nature-lovers, families, and athletes. Just a 15-minute commute to downtown, it combines convenience and recreation. Known for its active community, South Boston hosts events, parades, and the nationally recognized St. Patrick’s Day Parade, drawing thousands of visitors annually.
How We Help to Find the Best Places to Stay in Boston
With so many best areas to live in Boston Massachusetts introduced above, you’re sure to find the best neighborhood for your needs. Whether you want to stay in the vbrant downtown, or quite areas, a house or apartment, don’t stress. uhomes.com offers a large selection of rental listings, with options in different neighborhoods and price ranges to suit all budgets. Our site’s standout feature is its ability to provide personalized apartment recommendations based on your budget, commute, amenities, and safety, helping you find the best fit. You can also talk to our professional rental consultants who can directly recommend suitable properties that match your preferences.
What Should You Know Before Moving to Boston
- Boston is expensive, but you can have chances to find things that fit your own budget.
- In Boston, public transportation is well-developed, so buying a car is not a must thing, which can also help you save a lot of money.
- Nightlife and entertainment are rich, like bars, theaters, concerts, and meseums. However, Boston nights end sooner than in most big cities.
- Boston boasts numerous parks deserved to hanging around and they are in great beauty, safety and walkability.
Conclusion
In conclusion, best neighborhoods in Boston offer a diverse range of lifestyles and amenities to suit various preferences. Beacon Hill and Back Bay are perfect for those who enjoy historic charm and upscale living, while the South End provides a vibrant cultural scene. The North End offers a mix of history and authentic Italian cuisine, and Jamaica Plain is known for its green spaces and creative community. East Boston boasts stunning waterfront views, and Charlestown blends historical significance with modern living.
Cambridge, with its prestigious universities, adds further appeal, while Somerville offers a quirky, artistic vibe. Fenway-Kenmore is ideal for sports fans and students, and South Boston features scenic waterfront areas and a lively community. With such a variety of neighborhoods, Boston is sure to provide the perfect place to call home.
FAQs about Best Areas in Boston to Stay
What are the neighborhoods of the city of Boston?
Boston has several distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and charm. Here’s a list of the neighborhoods: Allston, Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Brighton, Charlestown, Chinatown, Dorchester, Fenway-Kenmore, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Leather District, Mattapan, Mission Hill, North End, Roxbury, Roslindale, South End, South Boston, West Roxbury, West End.
What are the safest neighborhoods of Boston?
When it comes to the safest neighborhoods in Boston, East Boston, Fenway, Somerville, Jamaica Plain are considered some of the safest ones in the city, with lower crime rates and strong community involvement.
What's the best neighborhood to stay in Boston for a couple?
For a romantic escape, the South End is the perfect choice. This neighborhood boasts some of the best dining, nightlife, chic boutiques, and stunning architecture, creating a charming and intimate atmosphere.
How spacious are apartments in Boston on average?
The typical size of an apartment in Boston MA neighborhoods is around 812 square feet, although this can vary significantly depending on the type of unit. Studios are the smallest and most affordable, 1-bedrooms are average size, while 2- and 3-bedroom apartments offer more space. Both affordable and luxury housing options are available.
What are the neighborhoods most populated in Boston?
The most populated Boston area cities are Dorchester, South Boston, and Back Bay.
