1. Hyde Park: Best Neighborhood for Families
2. South Boston: Best Neighborhood for Young Professionals
3. Jamaica Plain: Best Neighborhood for Nature Access
4. Allston: Best Neighborhood for Arts and Culture
5. Beacon Hill: Best Neighborhood for Historic Charm
6. North End: Best Neighborhood for Entertainment
7. Back Bay: Best Neighborhood for Exclusive Amenities
Living in Boston comes with many perks: a robust economy, a fervent sports culture, renowned attractions, walkable convenience, top-tier academic institutions, and timeless New England charm. Here in Beantown, deep historic roots meet the latest innovations, and centuries-old American landmarks share a street corner with modern tech hubs. This city is also known for its neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character and personality. So what are the best neighborhoods in Boston overall?
Whether you prefer an urban hotspot with a vibrant nightlife scene or a suburban enclave ideal for raising a family, Boston offers neighborhoods to suit a wide range of lifestyles. From the coolest to the wealthiest neighborhoods in Boston, here’s a guide to seven of the city’s best places to live and what makes each one stand out.
Boston Neighborhoods: Quick Facts
- Number of neighborhoods: 24
- Average home value: $786,208
- Average apartment rent: $3,500 per month
Boston has one of the most expensive costs of living in the U.S. (48% above the national average), so whether you plan to rent or buy a home, be prepared for high prices. To learn more about what it’s like to be a Bostonian, check out our guide to living in Boston.
7 Best Neighborhoods in Boston
From historic districts with roots tracing back more than 200 years to diverse bohemian corridors where arts and culture thrive, the best neighborhoods in Boston offer something for everyone. Here are our picks for the top seven Boston neighborhoods.
1. Hyde Park: Best Neighborhood for Families
- Average Home Value: $658,792
- Average Monthly Rent: $2,558
- Commute to Downtown: 25-minute drive
- Vibe: Suburban, peaceful, community-oriented
Less than 15 miles south of Downtown, Hyde Park feels like an entire world away from the dense, busy streets and fast, dynamic pace of Boston’s urban core. Residents affectionately refer to Hyde Park as “a small town in the city,” and this quaint, community-oriented feel makes it one of the best neighborhoods in Boston for families.
Hyde Park has a relatively affordable housing market, compared to other parts of town, with close proximity to three of the city’s top-rated public high schools. This neighborhood is also packed full of activities for all ages to enjoy. Take the family out to ride bikes along the nine-mile Neponset River Greenway Trail, explore 475 acres of lush woodlands at Stony Brook Reservation, or savor a frosty treat and knock down some pins at Ron’s Ice Cream and Bowling.
2. South Boston: Best Neighborhood for Young Professionals
- Average Home Value: $894,936
- Average Monthly Rent: $4,216
- Commute to Downtown: 5-minute drive
- Vibe: Coastal, trendy, energetic
Known to the locals as “Southie,” this historically industrial, blue-collar area has transformed into one of the best neighborhoods in Boston for young professionals. Not only does South Boston’s waterfront location offer unmatched Atlantic Ocean and Boston Harbor views, but it also makes for an easy public transit commute to the Financial District. Events like the South Boston Street Fest showcase the neighborhood’s thriving small business scene.
Irish immigrants first settled here in the mid-1800s, and their influence can still be felt today through South Boston’s cultural traditions, including the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Alongside these proud roots comes a hip, modern buzz where commerce meets entertainment. Embrace the nightlife at L St. Tavern, a Prohibition-era bar where Good Will Hunting was filmed, join in a game of volleyball at Carson Beach, or immerse yourself in multimedia masterpieces at the Institute of Contemporary Art.
3. Jamaica Plain: Best Neighborhood for Nature Access
- Average Home Value: $812,317
- Average Monthly Rent: $3,183
- Commute to Downtown: 20-minute drive
- Vibe: Diverse, laid-back, outdoorsy
What is the prettiest part of Boston? Many locals give this distinction to Jamaica Plain, a lush and leafy oasis about five miles from Downtown. Once nicknamed the “Eden of America” for its pristine urban forest setting within the famous Emerald Necklace, Jamaica Plain is one of the best neighborhoods in Boston for outdoor recreation.
Stroll through over 280 acres of both native and exotic trees at Arnold Arboretum, play a game of tennis at Southwest Corridor Park, or boat, fish, and picnic on the shores of Jamaica Pond. Then, unwind with a refreshing pint at the Samuel Adams Brewery. Along with its natural splendor, Jamaica Plain is also home to flourishing Black, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ communities, making it one of the most diverse Boston neighborhoods.
4. Allston: Best Neighborhood for Arts and Culture
- Average Home Value: $791,422
- Average Monthly Rent: $3,489
- Commute to Downtown: 15-minute drive
- Vibe: Eclectic, creative, free-spirited
Colorful street murals, funky art galleries, indie music venues, and a global culinary scene have cemented Allston as one of the coolest neighborhoods in Boston. This corridor pulses with a youthful, bohemian spirit that attracts students, creatives, and anyone else seeking a unique, eclectic spot to call home. Even the origins of Allston lean artistic. Case in point: it was named after an 18th-century painter-poet who put this neighborhood on the map.
Allston’s infectious energy comes across in its various attractions, too. Residents can peruse quirky graffiti walls on the Allston Art Walk loop, jam out to a live performance at Brighton Music Hall, or shop for retro Y2K clothes at Vivant Vintage. And when it comes to the best restaurants in Boston, look no further than Allston. This neighborhood is an international foodie hotspot with eateries that range from Korean BBQ joints and Taiwanese dumpling houses to Lebanese shawarma spots, red-sauce Italian restaurants, and Mexican taquerias.
5. Beacon Hill: Best Neighborhood for Historic Charm
- Average Home Value: $1,073,347
- Average Monthly Rent: $2,732
- Commute to Downtown: 10-minute drive
- Vibe: Historic, picturesque, walkable
What’s the nicest neighborhood in Boston? That honor goes to Beacon Hill, one of Beantown’s most historic and scenic districts. This charming enclave dates back to 1635, when English colonists first erected a beacon on a hill. Centuries later, its timeless charm can still be seen in the preserved brownstones, antique gas lamps, and cobblestone streets. No wonder Beacon Hill is considered one of the nicest neighborhoods in Boston overall.
With a walk score of 99, Beacon Hill is among the city’s most accessible areas to navigate on foot. You’re less than a minute away from the iconic Boston Common, the oldest public green space in the U.S. This neighborhood also places you just around the corner from outdoor concerts, free fitness classes, community festivals, and waterfront paths at the Charles River Esplanade. You can even learn about the important role Beacon Hill played in the Boston abolitionist movement at the nearby Museum of African American History.
6. North End: Best Neighborhood for Entertainment
- Average Home Value: $924,295
- Average Monthly Rent: $4,330
- Commute to Downtown: 10-minute drive
- Vibe: Bustling, friendly, revitalized
As the site of renowned historic landmarks, including the Old North Church and The Paul Revere House, many tourists flock to the North End when visiting this city. But it’s also an excellent place to live, with some of the most enjoyable and unforgettable things to do in Boston. This area’s 99 walk and transit scores allow for a convenient morning commute, too.
Not only is the North End one of the best neighborhoods in Boston for entertainment, but it’s a culinary destination as well. Savor freshly caught New England shellfish at North End Lobster Co., sip on the robust coffee that Beantown is known for at Polcari’s Coffee, or sample traditional cannolis at Caffé Vittoria, Boston’s oldest Italian bakery. Boston Public Market is another must-visit North End institution where you’ll find artisan craft vendors, wineries and taprooms, upcycled clothing boutiques, and global fusion restaurants.
7. Back Bay: Best Neighborhood for Exclusive Amenities
- Average Home Value: $1,311,117
- Average Monthly Rent: $4,770
- Commute to Downtown: 5-minute drive
- Vibe: Affluent, manicured, upscale
What is the wealthiest area of Boston? Back Bay claims that title with a million-dollar real estate market filled with ornate Victorian brownstones and luxurious high-rise condos. Sure, its status as one of the richest neighborhoods in Boston puts residents of this area in a certain income bracket, but if you can afford it, Back Bay has plenty to offer.
Browse the designer shops, wellness studios, eateries, and art galleries on Newbury Street, this neighborhood’s premier retail district. Rent a kayak or sailboat and spend a leisurely afternoon on the picturesque Charles River, or simply stroll through the Boston Public Garden. Check out the renovated Copley Square, which hosts all sorts of events, like farmers markets, open mic nights, and fitness classes. Bottom line: if you’re drawn to exclusive amenities and an upscale ambiance, it’s hard to top Back Bay.
Settle Into Your New Boston Neighborhood with CubeSmart
Once you know which of the best Boston neighborhoods is the right choice for you, it’s time to start planning that move. Depending on where you settle and how much space your new home has, you might need some extra room for seasonal clothes, athletic equipment, outdoor gear, and other items. Fortunately, CubeSmart has you covered with Boston self-storage solutions across the city. We also offer climate-controlled storage units to accommodate those snowy winters, humid summers, and frequent weather shifts.* Find a CubeSmart storage facility near you.
*Storage unit sizes are approximate and subject to availability. Temperature and humidity levels within any storage space, including climate-controlled spaces, may vary.
