Allston

If you’re a college student in Boston, you know Allston well. Even if you’ve never lived there —although over 2,000 Boston students do each year — you’ve probably visited friends who do or been to an Allston house party. Be sure to take a walk in this neighborhood around the end of August to witness the famous ‘Allston Christmas.’

Back Bay

The Back Bay is definitely one of the most picturesque parts of the city. You’ve seen the apartments on Commonwealth Avenue, home to notable people and so charming it’s not uncommon to find their building facades sketched onto greeting cards around Boston gift shops. It’s also home to Boston’s upscale shopping neighborhood, Newbury Street. Average rents here skyrocket to over $3,000, making it inaccessible for the city’s large student population (outside of dorms, that is) and a hotbed for the local elite.

Bay Village

What was once a landfill is now one of the most inviting areas of Boston. If you’re wondering why it looks so similar to Beacon Hill, that’s because the same people who built those homes would later settle in Bay Village.

Beacon Hill

Step into Beacon Hill and you’re practically transported back in time. The Massachusetts State House sits on top of this Hill, replacing the Old State House in 1795. A walk down the narrow streets gives way to charming brick apartments — and serves as a great workout as well.

Brighton

Adjacent to Allston, many college students also find apartments in Brighton. But you’ll also find a growing community of young professionals and young families here. It sits on the Charles River and has a lively business scene along Washington Street.

Charlestown

Charlestown’s historical roots lay in the Irish immigrants that formed the neighborhood, and their hard-working personalities and values have carried through to today. It’s a unique community within the city, and is home to a number of historic monuments, including the Bunker Hill Monument and the U.S.S. Constitution.

Chinatown – Leather District

Here you’ll find Boston’s hub for Chinese culture and commerce. What was once tidal flats transformed into a neighborhood in the early 1800s, now hosting a mix of residences, shops, and restaurants. Hardly a surprise, it’s also the best spot to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

Dorchester

Dorchester has long been the largest neighborhood, as well as the most diverse. It’s home to Franklin Park, a large section of Boston’s Emerald necklace, where you’ll find a golf course, over 500 acres of green space, and a zoo. Mayor Marty Walsh was born and raised here by his Irish immigrant parents.

Downtown

This bustling epicenter is home to dozens of businesses in Boston, as well as being a longtime hub for government since the 1700s. To name a few, it includes City Hall Plaza, a number of offices, and historical tourist attractions like the Freedom Trail. For reference, Downtown Crossing is a major intersection for both pedestrians and the T (underground transport).

East Boston

East Boston has always been home to a large immigrant population of Boston.Today, its diverse population is mainly comprised of Italian-Americans and immigrants from Central America, South America, and Southeast Asia. It’s also the ideal locale for views of the city skyline.

Fenway-Kenmore

Home to Fenway Park, this area of the city existed long before the Red Sox. In fact, the park was named after the neighborhood. It’s also where you can check out Kenmore Square, a large part of the Emerald Necklace, the Back Bay Fens, and cultural landmarks like the Museum of Fine Arts and Symphony Hall.

Hyde Park

Many Bostonians know Hyde Park as the lifelong home of the late Mayor Thomas M. Menino. It’s often described as a more suburban environment, with the Neponset River running through the neighborhood’s center. It also houses a number of local shops and restaurants that you can find find along Hyde Park’s main streets.

Jamaica Plain

Jamaica Plain, or more commonly called ‘JP,’ is a dynamic neighborhood filled with diversity, green spaces, and strong local businesses. The Emerald Necklace and Franklin Park surround the neighborhood and it is home to Jamaica Pond. It’s always refreshing to walk around JP and see the wide variety of cultures evident in local businesses, and the sense of community is very prominent here.

Mattapan

In the early 1600’s, Mattapan was home to Native Americans known as the Mattahunt Tribe. Moving through Boston’s history, multiple factions of immigrants have called it home. Today, it is home to a large African-American and Caribbean community, and has become an incubator for green living projects.

Mid-Dorchester

Made up of four main sections – Uphams Corner, Bowdoin/Geneva, Four Corners, and Codman Square – Mid-Dorchester is a small piece of Boston’s largest neighborhood. Overall it is diverse, and each section brings its own personality to the table.

Mission Hill

Mission Hill provides convenient living to a number of different groups, including students and young families who work in the Longwood Medical Area. The people themselves are diverse, as large African-American and Hispanic communities call Mission Hill home.

North End

This hub for Italian-American culture is one of the more visited neighborhoods in Boston. It’s where you can see historical sites, like Paul Revere’s house, and dine in what feels like European streets – not a bad combination.

Roslindale

The beloved Arnold Arboretum, a 265-acre park part of Boston’s Emerald Necklace, makes Roslindale a ‘garden suburb’ neighborhood. It’s always been a center of commerce and you can still see colonial homes that have been transformed into condos.

Roxbury

There was a time when Roxbury was actually a large farming community. Today, it’s the epicenter for black culture in Boston. As the neighborhood continues to develop into the 21st century, spots like Dudley Square are renewing the entire area.

South Boston

Traditionally, South Boston has been a working-class neighborhood, housing multiple industries and businesses like Gillette which still employs many locals today. Residents now enjoy the convenience of the neighborhood, as well as its beaches and parks. You’ll also find Dorchester Heights here, where George Washington’s army set up cannons to force the British out of Boston in 1776.

South End

The South End has exploded in popularity lately, especially for young professionals, families, and its large LGBTQ community. The food and art scene is diverse and ever-changing, and it sits just minutes away from Downtown and Back Bay.

West End

Often under-represented, this small neighborhood represents the old and new intersection of Boston. For landmarks, you’ll find TD Garden and Massachusetts General Hospital here. The business community is vibrant and it has a growing residential population.

West Roxbury

West Roxbury is a suburban community in the southwest corner of the city. The tree-lined streets make it an excellent residential neighborhood, and counts transcendentalists like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau amongst its former visitors.

Written by: Casey Campbell

Cambridge

Cambridge’s major squares are Harvard Square (home of the world famous Harvard University), Kendall Square ( home of technology square, MIT, Google, and countless biopharmaceutical companies), Central Square ( known for its central location and fantastic bars, restaurants, and cafes. ) All three of these squares are on the red line. Inman Square is also tremendously popular due to its trendy cafes/restaurants, and proximity of .6 miles to the Central Square T stop. Porter Square is also on the red line and parts of it are in Cambridge, but Most people consider this more Somerville than Cambridge. Also in Cambridge is Alewife which is the last stop of the red line, as well as Lechmere square (which is on the Green Line), and borders Boston.

Brookline

A town surrounded by cities, Brookline balances the bustle of Boston life and suburban serenity, combining leafy streets, good schools, and city-caliber dining and shopping. “You’re still on a major subway line, but with a small town feel,” says Tom Farnan, a restaurant manager who, with his wife, purchased a condo here in 2011. They love how safe it feels, the ease of commuting or walking around town, and the variety of community activities, from art shows to music in the park. What they dislike? “The parking situation is brutal,” he says, noting that with no on-street parking overnight, they have to pay for a spot in a lot about a 10-minute walk from their place. Still, he says, “it’s a small price to pay for a great neighborhood.”

Arlington

Arlington has been up and coming for about fifteen years now and allegations of those living outside the Heights being solely a blue collar are outdated.  It is adjacent to Cambridge, so if you work at Harvard or MIT it is an absolutely ideal location, close to Universities, museums and Boston itself.  Arlington has a broad mix of housing from middle class single family homes on the hillside, to multifamily dwellings in working class neighborhoods, to blue collar apartment boxes along Mass Ave. The most upscale is technically Arlington Heights, but there is really a variety of housing throughout Arlington. The stretch along Route 2 is located on a massive hill, which at some points looks directly out over an incredible vista of Boston. In the past decade, Arlington has improved their school system quite a bit, making the town attractive for families looking to move out from Cambridge and Somerville. 

Medford

The main square in Medford is Medford Square, which has charming restaurants, shops and boutiques. Followed by West Medford Square, which is where the commuter rail has one of its last stops. On the east side of Medford, there is a square by the mall at Wellington Station T stop on the orange line, with several bars and restaurants in this area. The area by Tufts University in South Medford has been seeing an explosion in popularity, since it is the site of the Green Line expansion. There are lots of new cafes/restaurants opening in this area. On the contrary , Lawrence Estates in Medford, which borders Winchester, continues to see sharp appreciation rates as more and more Bostonians come to live here in its brick-front residential homes in posh neighborhoods.

Newton

Located just outside of Boston, Newton is well respected for the quality of education, community life, exceptional homes, and beautiful open spaces. Newton has frequently been voted as one of the 10 best communities to live in. The City also houses Boston College, Mount Ida College and Lasell College. The Boston Marathon runs right through the City with Heartbreak Hill beginning next to City Hall. The Newton Free Library is well respected as one of the largest, most well equipped libraries in the Commonwealth.

Wellesley

A quaint square with fine shops, boutiques, branches of national chains, augmented by coffee shops, lunch places and fine restaurants (highlighted by Ming Tsai's Blue Ginger right across from our office) draws attention from the entire area. The residential neighborhoods of Wellesley weave a wonderful fabric for community living. The rich variety of architecture - Colonial, Tudor, Victorian, Cape or Townhouse, makes Wellesley a superb choice for a first home, for the years of a growing family, and as a empty-nester setting. The town has houses of worship, parks, lakes, public and private golf clubs and swimming facilities.

Needham

Needham’s convenient location, good schools, and charming family feel make it a coveted suburb. Like other high-stakes housing markets west of Boston, that means smaller, older homes often get torn down in favor of big, new Colonials. But realtor Bill Paulson says the town has nonetheless maintained its down-to-earth community flavor, which is on full display during the Fourth of July parade. On the other side of Route 128 from Newton, Needham offers “the flexibility to commute in any direction  . . .  including into Boston on the commuter rail,” Paulson says. But it’s also home to some major employers in its own right, including TripAdvisor.

Belmont

Some of Belmont's neighborhoods contain some of Greater Boston's choicest real estate, with Belmont Hill being the crown jewel.  Belmont has a good school system and complex town politics.  It is the home of Mitt Romney among other well known politicians and celebrities and while Belmont feels a bit like a city with a mayor and lots of big town services, the reality is that it is a bedroom community.  Belmont is now home to the controversial Boston Temple (Mormon), an enormous building and campus, sitting on one of Belmont's highest hilltops and overlooking Boston.  Belmont is a dry town, but certain restaurants have obtained special liquor licenses and its downtown is quite nice, with a wide variety of restaurants and shops.  Belmont is very close to Cambridge, so it is ideal if you are spending alot of time in or near town. 

MElrose

Melrose is a perfect compromise between a busy city and peaceful landscape. Grand old Victorian homes, a quaint downtown area, lush parks and fields, and Ell Pond are nestled just seven miles from Boston. The city has a thriving business community, an excellent school system, and a local hospital in addition to numerous healthcare and elder care facilities. At the same time, there is plenty of open space, forest area, and conservation land. Melrose offers a wide variety of cultural and recreational activities and services in a unique neighborhood atmosphere.

Lexington

The Town of Lexington is an affluent community that prides itself on the beauty of the town land, the safety of its residents and the excellence of its public school system. The town has numerous parks, conservation areas, museums and libraries that provide exceptional opportunities for recreational and cultural activities. Located just 12 miles northwest of Boston, Lexington affords an easy commute to leading employment centers, institutions of higher education and healthcare resources. This coveted residential suburb allows easy access to Boston, the White Mountains and many important historic sites in the state. This beautiful and peaceful suburb offers a multitude of large, older homes that reflect the Colonial period. In addition, selections of newer homes have been carefully designed to harmonize with the towns historic flavor. There are a variety of Lexington neighborhoods.

Winchester

A photogenic suburb northwest of Boston, “Winchester is a quintessential New England small town . . . like a community that might be pictured inside a snowglobe,” says local middle-school teacher Alison Matthews. With high-performing schools, good access to the city, and an active assortment of community and cultural organizations, Winchester is a desirable place to call home — if you can afford it. The median home price crested above $1 million for the first time last year. A small commercial tax base limits the extent of town services — there’s no municipal curbside trash pickup, for example. Likewise, Matthews says, spending increases for facility improvements, like the newly renovated high school, typically require overrides.

Andover

Andover is a town in the heart of the Merrimack Valley in eastern Essex County, about 25 miles north of downtown Boston. A convenient location with world-class golf courses, historic sites and incredible art galleries. Philips Academy is located in Andover and has a world renown legacy of academic excellence. The town has played a prominent role in the Salem witch trials (more than 40 residents were accused), the American Revolutionary War and the American Civil War. With a vibrant downtown with lots of shops and restaurants it is a charming area to live and raise children. Although many residents commute into Boston and other major cities, Andover has quite a few powerful employers, including Hewlett-Packard, Gillette, Raytheon and Digital Equipment Corp.

Cumberland

Cumberland is a suburb of Providence with a population of 34,652. Cumberland is in Providence County and is one of the best places to live in Rhode Island. Living in Cumberland offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Cumberland there are a lot of coffee shops and parks. Many young professionals live in Cumberland and residents tend to lean liberal. The public schools in Cumberland are highly rated.

West Hartford

West Hartford is a town in Connecticut with a population of 63,127. West Hartford is in Hartford County and is one of the best places to live in Connecticut. Living in West Hartford offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In West Hartford there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many young professionals and retirees live in West Hartford and residents tend to be liberal. The public schools in West Hartford are highly rated.

Avon

Avon is a suburb of Hartford with a population of 18,338. Avon is in Hartford County and is one of the best places to live in Connecticut. Living in Avon offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Avon there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many retirees live in Avon and residents tend to be liberal. The public schools in Avon are highly rated.

Simsbury

Simsbury is a suburb of Hartford with a population of 24,519. Simsbury is in Hartford County and is one of the best places to live in Connecticut. Living in Simsbury offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Simsbury there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Residents of Simsbury tend to be liberal. The public schools in Simsbury are highly rated.

Farmington

Farmington is a suburb of Hartford with a population of 25,546. Farmington is in Hartford County and is one of the best places to live in Connecticut. Living in Farmington offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Farmington there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many young professionals and retirees live in Farmington and residents tend to be liberal. The public schools in Farmington are highly rated.

Glastonbury

Glastonbury is a suburb of Hartford with a population of 34,578. Glastonbury is in Hartford County and is one of the best places to live in Connecticut. Living in Glastonbury offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Glastonbury there are a lot of coffee shops and parks. Many families live in Glastonbury and residents tend to be liberal. The public schools in Glastonbury are highly rated.