Buying in Greater Boston? Start Here.

Walkability. Culture. History. Architecture. World-class education and health care facilities. Green space. There are seemingly infinite reasons that the Boston area is popular with renters and buyers. In fact, U.S. News recently ranked Boston a top place to live.  The region’s cultural and natural amenities offer a high quality of life and people are eager to make this desirable region their home. The Boston area’s rich history, diverse restaurants, educational research and cultural facilities and passionate sports culture make it a winner. 

Whether you’re looking for a bustling city environment, a coastal town with waterfront charm or quintessential New England small-town charm, you can find it in greater Boston or just a few miles north, south, east or west. 

Let’s have a look at some of the areas that home-seekers are moving to:

Greater Boston: 

The greater Boston area is home to a wide variety of popular neighborhoods. 

Allston-Brighton is a thriving neighborhood with an eclectic mix of students, artists, young professionals, and longtime residents drawn by an exciting social scene and abundant rental housing.

From the brick apartment buildings of Commonwealth Avenue (home to the Boston University campus) to the wooden triple deckers of Brighton Avenue and Oak Square and Lower Allston, this area is filled with an eclectic mix of students, artists, young professionals, and longtime residents drawn by an exciting social scene and abundant rental housing.  Allston-Brighton offers myriad restaurant and bar options, as well as entertainment options at clubs like the Paradise Rock Club and Brighton Music Hall. The proximity to the Charles River and Soldier’s Field Road offer easy waterfront options for summer activities like walking, rowing or picnicking. 

Many renters and buyers are heading over to East Boston (or “Eastie” as it’s affectionately known by the locals). 

This thriving neighborhood offers proximity to downtown, waterfront views, and relatively low housing prices. Residents reap the benefits of proximity to waterfront parks like Piers Park (a sailing hub with fabulous views of the Boston skyline, diverse cuisine, easy access to Logan airport and lots of festivals.

Cambridge is a stone’s throw away from Boston and is filled with an eclectic array of neighborhoods, each with their own distinct vibe. While well-known “squares” like Harvard Square and Central Square are usually the first thing people think of when they picture Cambridge, there are other emerging neighborhoods that are quickly gaining popularity. Renters and buyers are discovering North Cambridge. This neighborhood, located at the northernmost part of Cambridge bordering Somerville, Arlington, and Belmont, is thriving.  

The main commercial areas of North Cambridge are situated along Alewife Brook Parkway and Massachusetts Avenue, as well as Porter Square and Davis Square in Somerville.  If you stroll along Massachusetts Avenue in Porter Square, you’ll find an eclectic assortment of small boutiques, diverse restaurants and cafes. 

Residents of North Cambridge neighborhoods enjoy abundant green space and recreation options, such as Alewife Linear Park, which is part of the 11 mile Minuteman Bike Trail and an excellent option for cycling. 

The neighborhood of Cambridgeport is bounded by Massachusetts Avenue and the Charles River. tucked below River Street and Mass. Ave., and the northernmost (and probably most well-known) part of this neighborhood is Central Square. This neighborhood is also home to several MIT buildings, Dana Park and Magazine Beach. The proximity to the Charles River makes it easy to get a dose of exercise along with waterfront views.  Classic triple deckers, historic homes and older industrial buildings abound in this neighborhood and many students, families and professionals call this area home. The street corners are home to small bodegas and local restaurants and the thriving commercial area of Central Square is home to a wide variety of restaurants and shops, along with the Red Line MBTA stop.

North of Boston

The North Shore boasts proximity to the coastline and is filled with beautiful beaches and harbors, rivers and forests. This region features unique and historic homes, some with period details dating back as early as the 1600s. Rich in history, this area offers waterfront views, along with first-class shops art galleries and restaurants (many of which feature amazing seafood!)

Some people think of Winthrop as the gateway to the North Shore. Boasting waterfront views, easy beach access and a small town feel, this peaceful seaside town is a great option for those seeking waterfront tranquility. Winthrop, located just 20 minutes away from Boston and 5 minutes away from Logan Airport, can feel like its own little world. This small peninsula (1.6 square miles) is  quaint oceanside living at its finest with miles of beaches, parks and mom and pop shops. One side of Winthrop offers a view of Boston Harbor and the other side offers a majestic view of the Boston skyline.

South of Boston

The area south of Boston offers everything from farming communities, coastal towns and peaceful suburbs. Buyers and renters are flocking south and setting up homes in towns like Mattapoisett. The Plymouth county town of Mattapoisett, located  on the Buzzard’s Bay watershed, is popular with boaters – and people looking to call it home. Mattapoisett’s village features historic homes, a public boat launch, a town green called Shipyard Park, which hosts free concerts and other events in the summer. Residents reap the benefits of having the wharf in their backyard, as well as a public beach and a town-sponsored summertime sailing camp for kids. 

The South Shore is home to many other popular living options, including the coastal town of Hingham, which features breathtaking ocean views, and plenty of history.  

Hingham is rich in history, with seven officially designated historic districts.  The Historic Districts Commission for Hingham works with residents who live in the districts to keep their homes updated and modern while at the same time preserving the historic character of the town, which dates back to the 17th century.  

Hingham Bay is a part of outer Boston Harbor and the Hingham Shipyard is filled with shops, restaurants, and plenty of entertainment. Hingham is accessible to Boston by commuter rail, highway or ferry (which combines transportation with a scenic waterfront view). 

In addition to having the ocean in their backyard, Hingham residents also enjoy plenty of green space. The 251-acre World’s End was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead and features  carriage paths, rolling hills, and views of the shore – it’s a treasured spot for summertime jogs and picnics and wintertime activities like cross-country skiing. Other recreation options include Wompatuck State Park, which has walking paths and trails and 262 wooded campsites and Weir River Farm, part of a 20th century country estate and now a functioning farm.

West of Boston

Buyers and renters looking to stay close to Boston are heading west to cities that offer suburban areas, thriving downtown areas and commuting convenience. For homeseekers venturing west of Boston, Concord is a charming option. Concord is a historic Massachusetts town in Middlesex County about 20 miles west of Boston, Massachusetts. Walden Pond, which served as the inspiration for Henry David Thoreau’s Walden in 1854, is nearby and offers hiking trails. This picturesque New England community of historic homes, open green spaces, family-owned farms and a culture-rich downtown. Boston is easily accessible via commuter rail, bus or highway, giving residents the best of city and suburban life. 

Residents enjoy a downtown area filled with arts and culture, including the Concord Art Association, Emerson Umbrella studios for visual and performing arts, and the Performing Arts Center (which is home to the Concord Orchestra, the Concord Band, and the Concord Players).

Boston and its surrounding areas offer an ideal environment for anyone looking for a home. Whether you’re looking for an urban environment, a small town or a coastal retreat, the Greater Boston area has something for you. If you’re looking to make a move, give us a call at 617.314.9400 or fill out this form to get matched with a Senné Associate and start your search today.