10 Iconic Boston Neighborhoods

Updated for 2025

Boston—founded in 1630—is one of America’s oldest cities, with a rich tapestry of neighborhoods that tell its story. From Beacon Hill’s cobblestone charm to Dorchester’s incredible old mansions these 10 iconic Boston neighborhoods showcase the city’s history and personality.

Cutting down Beacon Hill in 1811; a view from the north toward the Massachusetts State House

Soldier's Monument and First Unitarian Universalist Church in Jamaica Plain

1. BACKBAY

   Named for the tidal bay it once was, Back Bay was filled in during the mid-19th century, creating one of America’s largest land reclamation projects. Designed with Parisian-inspired boulevards, it’s known for Victorian brownstones along Beacon Street and Commonwealth Avenue. In 2025, stroll Newbury Street for high-end shopping or visit the Boston Public Library (bpl.org) to soak in this Boston historic neighborhood’s elegance.

2. BEACON HILL

   Beacon Hill, one of Boston’s oldest neighborhoods, dates to the 17th century. Named for a warning beacon on its summit, it’s a historic district with federal-style rowhouses and cobblestone streets like Acorn Street. Once home to luminaries like Louisa May Alcott, it’s a Boston historic district gem. Visit in 2025 for free walking tours via the National Park Service (nps.gov/bost).
   
   Learn here about Boston’s architectural history.

3. NORTH END

   Settled in the 1630s, the North End is Boston’s oldest residential community, long a hub for Italian and Jewish immigrants. Today, it’s famous for Italian restaurants and the Freedom Trail, which winds through landmarks like Paul Revere House (paulreverehouse.org). In 2025, explore Hanover Street for cannolis at Mike’s Pastry (mikespastry.com). A must-see Boston Italian neighborhood.

4. SOUTH END

   Developed in the late 1840s through land reclamation, the South End is North America’s largest intact Victorian row house district, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Known for its families, young professionals, and a thriving community—it’s a cultural hub. Visit SoWa Open Market (sowaboston.com) Sundays in 2025 for art and food in this Boston neighborhood.

5. DORCHESTER

   Boston’s largest neighborhood, Dorchester, was founded in 1630 as a separate town and annexed in 1870. It’s a melting pot of longtime residents and immigrants from Ireland, Vietnam, and Cape Verde. The Wahlberg brothers grew up here, adding pop culture fame. Explore Franklin Park or the JFK Presidential Library (jfklibrary.org) in 2025 to experience this Boston neighborhood’s community spirit.

6. JAMAICA PLAIN

   Known as “JP,” Jamaica Plain started as part of Roxbury, settled by Puritans in the 17th century. It became a streetcar suburb with green spaces like the Emerald Necklace, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. New Kids on the Block’s Joey McIntyre hails from here. Visit the Arnold Arboretum (arboretum.harvard.edu) in 2025 for free tours in this Boston green neighborhood.
   
   Discover more history in our guide to Jamaica Plain’s historic sites.

7. CHARLESTOWN

   Charlestown, Boston’s oldest neighborhood, was settled i
   n 1629 and annexed in 1874. Once the first capital of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, it’s home to the USS Constitution and Bunker Hill Monument (nps.gov/bost). In 2025, walk the Freedom Trail or visit the Charlestown Navy Yard to explore this Boston historic neighborhood’s Revolutionary roots.

8. ROXBURY

   Founded as a farming community in 1630, Roxbury evolved into a wealthy suburb by the 19th century before joining Boston in 1868. Its churches were civil rights hubs in the 1960s. Today, it’s a cultural center with a strong African American community. Visit Nubian Square in 2025 or explore Roxbury Heritage State Park (mass.gov) to connect with this Boston cultural neighborhood’s history.

9. SOUTH BOSTON

   “Southie,” a densely populated neighborhood, was historically an Irish Catholic enclave known for its tight-knit community. Annexed by Boston in 1804, it’s now a mix of young professionals and longtime residents. In 2025, catch the St. Patrick’s Day Parade (southbostonparade.org) or visit Castle Island for waterfront views in this Boston Irish neighborhood.

10. EAST BOSTON

    “Eastie” was formed by connecting five islands with landfill, annexed by Boston in 1836. A working-class area, it’s welcomed waves of immigrants—Irish, Italians, and now Central and South Americans. Logan Airport is here, and fun fact: Leonard Nimoy (Spock) grew up in Eastie! Explore Piers Park in 2025 for harbor views in this Boston immigrant neighborhood (bostonharborislands.org).

Window boxes on cobblestoned Acorn Street on Beacon Hill

There you have it! A few Boston neighborhoods that have evolved over centuries.

Explore Boston’s eerie side with our urban legends guide.