Boston, Massachusetts, known as one of the oldest cities in the United States, is steeped in history and culture. Boston neighborhoods are diverse, each offering its own unique charm and character, from the historic cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill to the bustling marketplaces of the North End. The city is a major educational and cultural hub, home to world-renowned universities, museums, and theaters, making it an attractive destination for students, professionals, and families alike. Boston's rich history and vibrant community life make it a city that offers something for everyone.
The Boston neighborhood map is a crucial resource for anyone looking to explore the different communities within the city. Boston neighborhoods vary widely, from historic districts with centuries-old buildings to modern, urban areas with high-rise apartments and condos. The map highlights neighborhoods with higher livability scores in green, indicating areas with excellent amenities, safety, and overall quality of life. Neighborhoods with lower scores are marked in red, helping residents and newcomers alike navigate the city and choose the best area for their lifestyle.
| # | Hood | Population | Area (km 2) | Livability Score |
| 1 | Jamaica Plain | 47,098 | 8.02 | 80 |
| 2 | Charlestown | 19,678 | 3.03 | 78 |
| 3 | Fenway-Kenmore | 38,280 | 2.97 | 77 |
| 4 | Allston-Brighton | 67,713 | 10.98 | 77 |
| 5 | Roslindale | 31,348 | 9.82 | 76 |
The best Boston neighborhoods are identified by their high livability scores, which take into account factors such as access to local amenities, low crime rates, and top-rated schools. These neighborhoods offer a balanced lifestyle, with proximity to parks, cultural attractions, and vibrant shopping and dining districts. Whether you're looking for a neighborhood with a rich historical background, a strong sense of community, or easy access to public transportation, the best Boston neighborhoods provide an ideal setting for a high quality of life.
| # | Hood | Population | Area (km 2) | Livability Score |
| 1 | Mattapan | 42,727 | 6.99 | 60 |
| 2 | Roxbury | 58,696 | 10.12 | 66 |
| 3 | South Dorchester | 68,359 | 10.26 | 69 |
| 4 | North Dorchester | 26,430 | 4.77 | 70 |
| 5 | Central | 33,579 | 3.18 | 70 |
The worst Boston neighborhoods tend to have lower livability scores due to challenges such as higher crime rates, fewer amenities, and economic difficulties. These areas may face issues like underperforming schools and limited community resources, making them less desirable places to live. While each neighborhood in Boston has its unique characteristics, those classified among the worst Boston neighborhoods often struggle with factors that impact the overall quality of life, which potential residents should carefully consider when choosing where to live.
| # | Hood | Population | Area (km 2) | Livability Score |
| 1 | South Dorchester | 68,359 | 10.26 | 69 |
| 2 | Allston-Brighton | 67,713 | 10.98 | 77 |
| 3 | Roxbury | 58,696 | 10.12 | 66 |
| 4 | Jamaica Plain | 47,098 | 8.02 | 80 |
| 5 | East Boston | 45,902 | 10.43 | 73 |
| 6 | Mattapan | 42,727 | 6.99 | 60 |
| 7 | South Boston | 41,090 | 7.07 | 73 |
| 8 | Hyde Park | 38,370 | 11.13 | 71 |
| 9 | Fenway-Kenmore | 38,280 | 2.97 | 77 |
| 10 | West Roxbury | 33,915 | 14.01 | 75 |
Boston is the capital of Massachusetts and is the state's largest city. Located on the eastern shores of Massachusetts, it is one of the oldest cities in the US and is the location of a plethora of historical events. The Boston Tea Party, Paul Revere's Midnight Ride, and the Battle of Bunker Hill are just a few of the major moments of history that took place in this historic city.
Back Back-Beacon Hill is located just south-west of downtown Boston. It is only about a mile away. Depending on where you lived in the neighborhood, you could even walk there. Either way the commute is short and sweet. The area if full of shopping centers, gyms, and schools. Amenities in the area will absolutely not be an issue. The cost of living in the neighborhood is high. You can expect to pay a median of around $1,500 in rent. This is higher than Boston's total median. Education in the neighborhood is better than Boston as a whole, but is still below the national average. However, Back Bay-Beacon Hill has excellent employment and housing opportunities. The median household income is just below $90,000 and the unemployment rate is just above 3%. In addition, you can expect much lower crime rates there (about 60% lower than Boston).
Central is slightly farther away from downtown that Back Bay-Beacon Hill. It is about 2 miles away, so the commute will be longer. The cost of living, however, is lower. This neighborhood, like the others, is packed full of stores, bars, schools, and many entertainment options. There are theaters, museums, and historic sites to visit. To add to this, the crime rates are much lower than Boston as a whole. The education, while not as good as Back Bay-Beacon Hill, is still better than Boston's average. When it comes to employment and housing, Central has many opportunities. The unemployment rate is just over 4%, and the household median income is just under $90,000. There are plenty of houses and apartment available to rent, and you can expect to pay the median cost of $1,400 a month for rent.
Allston-Brighton is located about 6 miles west of downtown. Out of the neighborhoods here, this one is the farthest away by far. You can expect about a 15 to 30 minute commute from this neighborhood. The amenities in Allston-Brighton are packed tightly together. There is just about everything you need here. Museums, galleries, schools, and grocery stores are all found here. There are also many bars and restaurants. Due to the size of the neighborhood, all are within walking distance. The cost of living here is 6% less than Boston, and a lot less than the other neighborhoods in the area. Unfortunately, not all is well. The crime rates are over 10% higher than Boston's average and the median household income is only about $50,000. However, the median rent is only about $1,400 and the education here is better than Boston's average.