The 5 best neighborhoods for retirees in Boston

We used our proprietary Location Scores to rank the neighborhoods in Boston, Massachusetts based on the following characteristics that matter to retirees: Pedestrian-friendly, Transit-friendly, Parks, Groceries, and Quiet.

Here’s our list of the best neighborhoods for retirees in Boston:

1. Beacon Hill
2. South End
3. Charlestown
4. Back Bay
5. Jamaica Plain

Quantifying the characteristics of the best Boston neighborhoods for retirees

Getting a sense of place in Boston through location data

Local Logic builds location intelligence solutions to help home seekers and investors find opportunities that are most suited to their preferences and requirements. We draw upon thousands of data points to develop 18 proprietary Location Scores to provide street- and neighborhood-level insights.

Location Scores measure amenities close by and mobility patterns around a neighborhood, so homebuyers can better understand and assess a location. Using our location insights, you can find properties based on specific characteristics, such as proximity to schools or quiet neighborhoods, and make more informed decisions on where to live.

Benchmarking neighborhood scores against Boston’s average scores

Below you’ll find the Location Scores for the best Boston neighborhoods for retirees, as well as the city’s average. We looked at the following scores:

• Pedestrian-friendly: Represents how many stores and institutions are nearby and how pleasant it is to walk to them
• Transit-friendly: Represents the frequency and level of service of public transit
• Parks: Quantity and area of parks nearby
• Groceries: Distance to closest grocery store and quantity of grocery stores nearby
• Quiet:Level of noise nearby

Then, we ranked each neighborhood by a composite score of all these factors.

Ranking the best neighborhoods in Boston for retirees

Here’s our data-informed list of Boston’s top neighborhoods for retirees:

1. Beacon Hill

The historic Beacon Hill neighborhood is considered to be one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Boston. As the name implies, the area has steep streets that are lined with Federal-style and Victorian brick row houses. On Sundays, folks flock to Acorn Street for a walkabout.

If you want to indulge in some boutique shopping and antiquing, Charles Street is the place to be. Right across from Charles Street is the Boston Public Garden, and the Massachusetts State House overlooks Boston Common, where folks of all ages go to ice skate on the pond during the winter. Some of the most popular spots to eat include Cheers Pub, The Paramount, and 75 Chestnut.

 

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2. South End

Much like Beacon Hill, South End has its fair share of Victorian row houses. It’s such a walkable neighborhood, surrounded by English-style squares. When it comes to the residents, the area is considered to be culturally diverse and family-oriented.

Entertainment ranges from family-friendly bistros, to trendy eateries, to low-key pubs like Beehive Restaurant, Barcelona Wine Bar, and Marseille Boston. For non-culinary entertainment, folks flock to the Boston Center for the Arts.

 

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3. Charlestown

Charlestown, also known as “The Town,” is an historic waterfront neighborhood with Irish-American roots. Its many landmarks include the Freedom Trail, the Charlestown Navy Yard, and Paul Revere Park. Although it caters to residents of all ages, it’s known to be a family-oriented area. If you’re looking for cozy evenings out that will satisfy your cravings, Prima Italian Steakhouse and Dovetail Restaurant are both contenders for your third place in retirement.

 

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4. Back Bay

Back Bay is probably the most affluent neighborhood on the list. If you like to spend your days shopping and dining, then this is the place for you. Some of the most popular spots include Abe & Louie’s, The Banks Fish House, and Contessa Boston. The area has no shortage of mansions on its tree-lined streets.

On Newbury Street, you’ll find a number of art galleries, boutiques, and cafés. Along the Commonwealth, you’ll find a number of monuments commemorating Boston’s finest. Other popular landmarks include Boston Public Library, Charles River Esplanade, and Trinity Church.

 

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5. Jamaica Plain

The Jamaica Plain neighborhood is known for its diversity and how tight-knit the community is. Out of all the top neighborhoods, it probably boasts the most green space. The Emerald Necklace is a chain of parks found in the area, and you’ll also find the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University here.

Centre Street is the neighborhood hub for family-owned restaurants, like Real Deal, and snug bars. Hyde Square is home to a number of Latin American eateries, like Tres Gatos tapas.

 

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Finding the right neighborhood in Boston for your retirement

If you like green space, neighborhoods with historic charm, and unique food experiences, one of our top best places to retire in Boston could be the perfect place to retire.

Our Location Scores are available through Local Content on many of our partner sites and their real estate listings in Atlanta. When searching for your next home, or a new neighborhood, you can look for specific characteristics on each individual listing to find the perfect place for you.

Try Local Content to see Location Scores, nearby Points of Interest, and School data for any location in the U.S. and Canada