Neighborhoods in Boston, Massachusetts

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Houses on Louisburg Square, Beacon Hill.

There are a number of neighborhoods in Boston, Massachusetts. The city is notable for having one of the most attractive and livable urban cores in the country. Each neighborhood has a unique flair, characterized by the residents who call it home. Most neighborhoods have remained consistent in character, but in some instances have evolved over time.

Downtown Boston is the site of the financial district, Government Center, and Chinatown. The Back Bay, west of the Public Garden, is one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the United States. Beacon Hill, another wealthy neighborhood, is the site of the Massachusetts State House. The Back Bay and Beacon Hill are home to national and local politicians, famous authors, and top business leaders and professionals.

The South End, south of the Back Bay, was once the home to a strong middle-class of merchants and seamen. It is now highly gentrified and is the center of the city's GLBT population. The neighborhood is also populated by artists, yuppies, African Americans, and Hispanics—it is noted for its restaurant scene and bohemian atmosphere. The North End and East Boston have a predominantly Italian composition. North End hosts many ethnic and cultural festivals as well as Italian eateries. On the north bank of the Charles River is Charlestown, a predominantly Irish enclave.

Aerial view of the Back Bay and Cambridge

Allston/Brighton is populated mostly by students from nearby Northeastern University, Boston University, and Boston College, as well as recent graduates.

Dorchester, being populated with every ethnic group, is probably the most diverse Boston neighborhood.^{[citation needed]} Located next to Dorchester is South Boston, which is primarily comprised of Irish-Americans. Roxbury and Mattapan, located south of downtown, are populated largely by African Americans and Hispanic.

Other neighborhoods include: Bay Village, Jamaica Plain, Fenway/Kenmore, Hyde Park, Roslindale, and West Roxbury.