Boston’s old-world charm can be seen throughout the city; however, each neighborhood has its own unique characteristics and charm. Whether you are looking for an upscale condo, a traditional brownstone, or a trendy loft, Boston real estate has something for you. Take a look at what each neighborhood has to offer and then take a drive or walk thorough the area to see if it is a good match for your specific needs. Boston’s real estate market can be quite competitive, so having a reputable real estate agent on your side is essential when looking for the perfect place to call home.

Back Bay real estate places you right in the middle of everything. This prestigious area of Boston sits amidst Newbury Street—the Rodeo Drive of New England, the Copley Mall, the Prudential Center, and many trendy restaurants and clubs. When walking through the Back Bay, you will never tire of the stunning view of the Boston Public Library, the Boston Common, and the Trinity Church in Copley Square. If you want the epitome of Boston living, the Back Bay may be just what you’re looking for.

Though one of the smallest neighborhoods in Boston, this charming area boasts some of the most coveted real estate in the city. Because Beacon Hill is located in the city yet maintains a neighborhood feel, this is an extremely popular area for families and professionals who want to be a part of a close-knit community. Property on the Hill is usually constructed in the classic Boston architecture style and has plenty of green space between the buildings. Proximity to Massachusetts General Hospital and the State House make this area home to many local lawmakers and medical professionals.

The South End is one of Boston’s trendiest neighborhoods. With Victorian-style row homes that have been converted into condos as well as new developments, this area is popular with young professionals and families and has the most thriving gay and lesbian community in the city.  As the city’s first planned neighborhood, this area has all the amenities of city living but also feels less urban because of its quaint buildings and abundant greenery.  There is plenty to do in the South End such as visit one of the famous jazz bars, browse in chic art galleries, or relax in one of the numerous cafés.

Living right in the center of downtown Boston is ideal for professionals who work Downtown or in the Financial District. During the weekday, Downtown is bustling with workers on their lunch and coffee breaks. On the weekend, you can take a stroll through the Boston Common, visit the neighboring theater district, or local bars and chic restaurants. Downtown is right in the middle of it all—the city is your playground.

The famous Fenway Park, where the Boston Red Sox play, can be found in the center of Kenmore square. Real estate in this area is popular for professionals, students, academics, and medical staff due to its proximity to several local colleges and medical facilities such as Boston University, Northeastern University, Simons College, and Emmanuel College as well as Longwood Medical Center and Beth Israel Medical Center. The Kenmore Square area draws a lively night crowd, as it is only steps from Lansdowne Street. This street is home to some of Boston’s most popular dance clubs and bars.

The North End is the Little Italy of Boston. Though over half of its residents are non-Italian professionals and families, Italian roots still run deep in this neighborhood.  Along the old-world European-style streets you’ll find outdoor fruit stands, corner markets, family-owned businesses, and unparalleled Italian restaurants. Every summer weekend, traditional festivals are held in the streets. Recent road construction has made it more accessible to Downtown and the Financial District. This, along with the fact that the North End has one of the lowest crime rates in the city, makes it a popular area for real estate buyers.

This trendy neighborhood has the best of both worlds. It is only minutes from downtown Boston, but Allston also has its own micro-community full of trendy and eclectic bars, eateries, and shops. Additionally, Brighton, which merges with Allston, offers many neighborhood-living options. You’ll find condos, houses, and small apartment buildings along the streets of both Allston and Brighton.

Cambridge is a popular area for tourists and locals alike. This bustling area is home to two of the nation’s most prestigious colleges, Harvard and MIT, and one-third of all Massachusetts’s biomedical firms. However, the area is not limited to academics; Cambridge has a diverse mix of entrepreneurs, students, musicians, immigrants, and professionals. No matter what type of architectural style you are looking for, Cambridge’s varied streets will have it.

Newton is a large area bordering the city of Boston, which is comprised of thirteen “villages”. As a mix of small commercial areas and large residential neighborhoods, this is a great area for families and for professionals who want to live near the city but avoid the urban hustle and bustle. Everything you need on a regular basis is in Newton itself including fun restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. However, anytime you’d like a night out downtown or in the Back Bay—you are only a short drive away.

This residential neighborhood has a wonderful mix of families, professionals, students, and elderly. Though largely residential, quaint commercial districts are scattered throughout the area; these include upscale shops and spas as well as more eclectic shops and rustic pubs. With a celebrated public school system, easy access into downtown Boston, and a bit of history—John F. Kennedy’s birth house in is Brookline, the neighborhood’s real estate is always in high demand.

Often referred to as “Southie”, South Boston sits alongside miles of beaches and is only fifteen minutes from the Financial District. Recent redevelopments have made the real estate in South Boston boom over the past five years. The neighborhood is known for its triple-decker row houses but also has many new luxury condo developments popping up throughout the area. Irish pubs are prevalent in the neighborhood; plus, South Boston residents have prime access to the famous Saint Patrick’s Day parade.

Brookline

Brookline is very convenient to Boston.  It is a short trip on the T.  It is very attractive to families and professional because of the very close distance to the city.  Brookline is also famous for it public schools. The lower Brookline is walking distance to Longwood Medical where most of the Hospitals are concentrated. Coolidge Corner, Brookline Village and Washington Square are full of stores, excellent restaurants and hang out places. Visit the Coolidge Cinema for artistic movies. To read current Brookline news visit http://www.townonline.com/brookline/index.htm

Crossing the Charles River you will find yourself in Cambridge. Very hip place and many things to do.  Great food, music, shops.  Harvard University often has wonderful exhibitions. Very cultural and diverse.  Worth visiting Central Square, Harvard Square, Porter Square, Davis Square, Kendall Square and Inman Square.

Visit the official city site http://www.cambridgema.gov/index.htm 

Family oriented neighborhood with great school systems that is not isolated from the city.  Newton Center has great shops, coffee shops and restaurants.  Newton is perfect for families that want to have a house with a backyard and great school system but don’t want to have long commute to Boston. There’s a T and commuter rail.  Very short trip to Boston.  Visit the site http://www.ci.newton.ma.us/index.htm

http://www.town.arlington.ma.us/index.htm

http://ci.lexington.ma.us/index.htm

Considered a wealthy neighborhood of Boston..  Real estate is notable for old historic homes.  Mostly Colonials, Tudors, Victorians, Split Entry and Contemporary homes. There is some new construction.

Chestnut Hill, zip-code of 02467.  Part of Chestnut Hill is considered West Roxbury, Boston, another Newton, and another Brookline. There are currently 87 single family homes listed in Chestnut Hill, MA

Chestnut Hill is popular for shopping and excellent food.  My favorite Japanese restaurant Oishii is located on Hammond Street.  Some of the other popular restaurants are Legal Seafood’s, Cheesecake factory, Bertucci’s, Capital Grille.

Schools for Chestnut Hill, Newton are some of the top not only in the state of MA but nationwide.

Chestnut hill has two large malls for shopping: The Mall at Chestnut Hill and Atrium Mall.  For entertainment visit the AMC Cinema 5.

To find out more information on Boston neighborhoods as well as Boston Schools, please visit CityofBoston.gov