A City of Neighborhood

Allston

What was once an area given over to stockyards, slaughterhouses and meatpacking industries, has transformed over the years into bustling neighborhood for students and young families or anyone looking for a low cost living. Almost every part of Allston has a discount furniture or thrift store. The most active street is Harvard Avenue, which has everything from fancy eateries and pool halls to local dives and mom-and-pop grocery stores.

Back Bay

The Back Bay used to be just that, stagnant water behind the Public Garden. After the landfill this area has developed into the most exclusive real estate in Boston with some of the most elegant townhouses on Commonwealth Avenue. Newbury Street is lovely for an evening stroll enjoying high fashion and cool ice cream.

Beacon Hill

The first resident of Boston, Reverend William Blaxton, lived alone on Beacon Hill for 5 years before the settlers arrived. After that the beacon on this hill was used to warn settlers about foreign invasions. Today Beacon Hill is a close-knit community in a downtown Boston. This neighborhood with cobblestone streets and brick row houses, borders the Boston Common and the Public Garden, which is America’s first botanical garden. On the hill is the gold leaf of the State House Rotunda that shines across the Common. This historic neighborhood is an eye-pleasing blend of classic Boston architecture and expansive green space.

Brighton

Like Allston, Brighton too used to be a collection of agricultural plots and stockyards in the post-colonial period. In the 1800s, streetcars lines were laid to connect this area and soon houses and apartments cam up that transformed this neighborhood. Except for a shared past of stockyards Brighton has nothing in common with Allston today. Brighton is a fairly quiet neighborhood, primarily populated by graduate students, young professionals and families. Local family businesses and national chains coexist on Washington Street, which runs straight through Brighton Center to Oak Square.

Charlestown

Traditionally Charlestown housed employees of the now-decommissioned Navy Yard. The Navy yard is a national historic landmark and has been converted to residential and office space. As a result an increasing number of young professionals have moved into this neighborhood to live with older families. Charlestown is wonderful residential area that’s walking-distance from downtown Boston and the North End and barely 5 minutes from the waterfront.