Are you a university student looking for the most affordable Boston neighborhood? Or do you want to buy a home in Boston and need to compare different neighborhoods that best suit your lifestyle?
Regardless of your reason for exploring the best Boston neighborhoods, we’ve got your back with the information on the most important factors, such as affordability, location, security, and public transit options.
Beacon Hill
Average House Value: $595K to $31M.
Affordability Rating: Beacon Hill is known for its upscale real estate market, with average house values typically in the higher range compared to other neighborhoods in Boston.
Where is Beacon Hill Located?
Situated centrally and close to downtown, Beacon Hill’s allure for college students is its close proximity to Harvard, Cambridge, and Boston University.
The neighborhood offers convenient transit options like the MBTA’s Red Line or buses, ensuring a reasonable commute to these academic hubs. The convenience of transportation also allows easy access to Brighton Music Hall, a popular live music venue in Allston, and the Boston Tea Party Museum.
It’s also one of the safest neighborhoods in Boston.
Add in its historical significance, cobblestone streets, and well-preserved architecture, and it’s no wonder it’s a highly sought-after area (despite its higher cost of living).
Beacon Hill: Shopping and Restaurants
In Beacon Hill, Charles Street boasts an array of boutique shops catering to various tastes. Examples include Black Ink for novelty gifts and Newbury Street for high-end fashion.
For dining, renowned restaurants like The Tip Tap Room offer unique menus, while a cozy spot like Ma Maison provides a taste of French cuisine. Popular cafes like Pemberton Farms Marketplace also offer a relaxed atmosphere for students to study while enjoying artisanal coffee and pastries.
Back Bay
Average House Value: $510K to $25M
Affordability Rating: It’s among the more affluent neighborhoods, offering high-end properties with a higher price tag.
Where is Back Bay Located?
Back Bay’s close proximity to the Charles River, Copley Square, and Boston Common adds to its appeal, offering residents a mix of nature, culture, and convenience. Another historical landmark located in Back Bay is the Old South Church, which is associated with notable figures such as Benjamin Franklin, like the Old North Church.
Back Bay’s location within Boston offers students convenient access to Harvard and Cambridge. Transportation connections, including the Red Line and commuter rail, facilitate quick trips between campus and students’ home bases.
Back Bay: Shopping and Restaurants
The neighborhood’s retail district, primarily located on Newbury and Boylston streets in downtown Boston, is famed for its upscale shopping experience. Back Bay boasts an upscale shopping experience at Copley Place Mall, with retailers like Tiffany & Co, Kate Spade New York, Neiman Marcus, and Louis Vuitton.
As far as dining goes, there are diverse options, including cozy spots like Stephanie’s on Newbury for a relaxed atmosphere.
South End
Rich in culture and green spaces, South End is a thriving neighborhood, often compared to its neighbor, South Boston.
Average House Value: $369K to $16M
Affordability Rating: While some parts may be more affordable than others, South End, on the whole, tends to have moderate to higher housing costs. It attracts residents seeking a blend of historic charm and contemporary living.
Where is the South End?
Positioned southwest of Back Bay and near downtown Boston, South End has become increasingly sought-after. Its proximity to major city attractions, parks like the Boston Common and the Public Garden, and accessibility via public transportation add to its appeal. Its location allows convenient transit via the MBTA’s Red Line or bus routes, enabling students to easily reach academic resources and cultural events.
South End Shopping and Restaurants
In South End, Tremont Street is a hub for diverse dining experiences. Restaurants like The Butcher Shop offer quality meats and wines, while SRV presents Venetian-inspired cuisine.
The SoWa Open Market hosts local artisans, food trucks, and specialty vendors, allowing students and residents to explore unique crafts and foods. Plus, the Seaport District is home to design showrooms that showcase various styles, from contemporary to vintage.
East Boston
Eat Boston provides a range of secure and affordable housing options, including apartments, condos, and single-family homes.
Average House Value: $424.9K to $12M
Affordability Rating: Known for being more affordable than several other Boston neighborhoods, it attracts residents seeking relatively lower housing costs while still close to the city center.
East Boston: Location
Situated across the harbor from downtown Boston, East Boston offers close proximity to the city center. It’s also known for its stunning waterfront views and easy access to Logan International Airport, making it convenient for frequent travelers.
East Boston’s appeal for university students lies in its accessibility to Harvard and Cambridge via the MBTA’s Blue Line, offering a straightforward commute.
The East Boston Greenway is a linear park that connects multiple neighborhoods, including the Chestnut Hill Reservoir area. This greenway offers a range of amenities, including a refurbished ‘blue’ caboose that serves as a snack bar and/or ranger station. It also features two paved paths, one for bikes and another for pedestrians.
East Boston: Shopping and Restaurants
East Boston offers various dining options and shops. Foodies, including college students, will love the variety of cuisines, from delicious pizza and mouth-watering burgers to delightful brunch options.
Notable restaurants include Santarpio’s Pizza and Rino’s Place for Italian cuisine. The area also hosts local stores like Eagle Hill Market.
Jamaica Plain
Nature lovers, young professionals, and young families consider Jamaica Plain a haven.
Average House Value: $370K to $3.6M
Affordability Rating: It attracts residents seeking more budget-friendly housing options in Boston.
Where is Jamaica Plain Located?
Situated southwest of downtown, Jamaica Plain offers a more relaxed and suburban feel while still providing easy access to Boston’s amenities. Its allure to university students stems from its proximity to institutions like Northeastern University and Boston University. These places are accessible via public transit, providing students with a convenient commute to these academic centers.
In Jamaica Plain, the lush Arnold Arboretum offers a world-class collection of over 16,000 plant species, showcasing its rich ecological history. Also, Jamaica Pond presents a picturesque body of water. You can enjoy various activities, including walking on a 1.5-mile path and attending the annual Jamaica Plain Lantern Parade.
Jamaica Plain: Shopping and Restaurants
The neighborhood boasts a vibrant dining scene, including spots like The Haven for Scottish fare and Tres Gatos for tapas and music. Additionally, Centre Street is the main hub, featuring popular shops like Papercuts Bookshop and On Centre.
Summary
If you plan on buying a new house in the best neighborhoods in Boston, it may take some time to find just the right house. After all, Boston properties are highly sought-after, and not enough homes are being built to meet demand.
If so, you’ll need a reliable space to store your belongings until your new home is ready. Then, you should consider a Boston storage unit that protects all your belongings, such as furniture, electronics, and clothes, to protect them from pests, debris, or humidity.
If you’re a young professional attending university in the Boston area (Harvard, Cambridge, etc.), your college budget may only permit smaller apartment spaces, necessitating off-site storage. Neighbor —a self-storage marketplace— is the only storage provider that offers safe, nearby, and budget-friendly storage units in all 50 states, for you to find the right one just where you need it.
