Boston Neighborhood & Region Guide

Boston Neighborhoods

Each Boston neighborhood tells its own story, a tale of community, culture, and eclectic commercial areas that showcase the best of Boston’s history and contemporary landscape. Cross-cultural celebrations, ethnic culinary offerings, diverse festivals, and a multitude of storefronts and local businesses collectively create an authentic Boston experience. Go see where real Bostonians live, work and play.

Explore Our Neighborhoods

Back Bay

The Back Bay is a affluent neighborhood in the heart of Boston. The Back Bay is home to landmarks such as Copley Square, the Prudential Center, and... More

Beacon Hill

A 19th century residential area adjacent to Boston Common, Beacon Hill is named for the location of a beacon that once stood here atop the highest... More

Brighton / Allston

Brighton/Allston (aka Brighton, MA and Allston, MA, 2 subdivisions of Boston proper) are known for their large population of students. Boston... More

Brookline

Located just minutes from Boston and serviced by the Green Line via the B, C and D lines, Brookline is known for upscale stores and village pubs and... More

Cambridge

It was named in honor of the University of Cambridge in England, an important center of the Puritan theology embraced by the town's founders.... More

Charlestown

Explore Charlestown, a neighborhood rich in history. Settled by English colonists in 1628, Charlestown is Boston's second oldest neighborhood. ... More

Dorchester

Dorchester is a historic neighborhood of over 6 square miles. The town was founded by Puritans who emigrated from Dorchester, England in 1630.... More

Downtown / Financial District

The Financial District of Boston is located in the downtown area near Government Center and Chinatown. The area includes Post Office Square, the... More

East Boston

Originally a center of shipbuilding, East Boston has always been a neighborhood of immigrants. Today its population is made up largely of... More

Fenway / Kenmore

Home of Fenway Park and the Boston Red Sox, Fenway/Kenmore also boasts many of the City's top cultural institutions, including the Museum of Fine Arts... More

Fort Point

The Fort Point neighborhood, where a fort stood in colonial times, is tucked between the Seaport District, South Boston and the Fort Point... More

Hyde Park

The spirit of Hyde Park is perfectly captured by the motto “A Small Town In The City.” Hyde Park is Boston’s southernmost neighborhood. More

Jamaica Plain

Once a summertime resort destination for Bostonians, Jamaica Plain is now a diverse and dynamic Boston neighborhood. Stroll Centre Street, one of the... More

Mattapan

Initially inhabited by the Native American Mattahunt Tribe, the name Mattapan translates to “a good place to be" or "a good place to sit" due to the... More

Mission Hill

While Mission Hill is one of the smallest neighborhoods (3/4 square mile), it's one of the hippest places to work, live and play. More

North End

The North End is Boston's oldest residential neighborhood and could best be described as the "Little Italy" of Boston. The streets are narrow and... More

Roslindale

Explore the "streetcar suburbs" of West Roxbury, Roslindale and Hyde Park for the suburban flavor of the city. These suburbs are primarily... More

Roxbury

For over 250 years Roxbury has been an essential ingredient in the story of Boston as a pioneering and world-class city. It was Roxbury that emerged... More

Seaport District

The fastest growing and newest neighborhood in Boston, the Seaport District is part of the Port of Boston on Boston Harbor. The Seaport District is... More

Somerville

The most densely populated community in New England and one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the nation, Somerville is rich in both history... More

South Boston

Explore South Boston, site of the Dorchester Heights National Historic site and Castle Island. "Southie" as the locals refer to South Boston, was... More

South End

Located just minutes from downtown and the Back Bay, the South End has become one of Boston's most popular neighborhoods. It has attracted a diverse... More

Theatre District / Chinatown

Boston's Theater District hosts an endless array of Broadway shows. Productions at the Boston Opera House, the Citi Performing Arts Center and The... More

Waterfront

Boston Harbor has always played an important role in the development, history and culture of the city. Today the waterfront is continuing an active... More

West End

The West End neighborhood of Boston was once the most densely populated area of the city, with 174 persons per acre. From the mid-1800s to the... More