Quantifying the characteristics of the best Boston neighborhoods for young professionals

Understanding Boston neighborhoods through 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 places to live in Boston for young professionals, as well as the city’s average. We looked at the following scores:

• 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
• Restaurants: Quantity and diversity of restaurants nearby
• Cafes: Quantity and diversity of cafés nearby
• Shopping: Quantity and diversity of shops nearby
• Nightlife: Quantity and diversity of bars nearby
• Vibrancy: Quantity and diversity of bars nearby

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

Ranking urban Boston’s best neighborhoods for young professionals

Here’s our data-informed list of urban Dallas’ top neighborhoods for young professionals:

1. Bay Village

At only 25 acres, Bay Village is the smallest neighborhood in Boston. The population is a mix of singles, couples, young professionals, and families with young children. It’s known for its tranquility, and It is home to a few “pocket parks,” including Eliot Norton Park. Just two blocks from the northernmost point of the neighborhood, you’ll find both the Boston Public Garden and Boston Common.

The neighborhood’s biggest claim to fame is that Edgar Allen Poe was born on the neighborhood’s edge, though his original birthplace no longer exists. Given the size, there’s nothing really in the neighborhood in terms of bars and restaurants, but everything of that nature is a short and easy walk away.

2. Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill is known for how picturesque it is. It’s home to the Massachusetts State House, which overlooks Boston Common. In the wintertime, there is a skating pond. In the summertime, everybody flocks to the Charles River Esplanade Hatch Shell for concerts.

If you’re more of a shopper, you’ll find unique boutiques and antique shops on Charles Street. If you’re into books, The Club of Odd Volumes is headquartered in the neighborhood. For some after work dinner or drinks, head to The Paramount for a bite and Cheers (yep, like the show) for a nightcap.

3. Waterfront

Aside from the beauty of the waterfront itself, this neighborhood offers a ton of activities for young professionals. If you’re into art, play tourist in your own area at the Institute of Contemporary Art or the Boston Design Center. If you want to get outside and explore, do a walk, bike, or run through Martin’s Park.

The area scores nearly a perfect 10 when it comes to nightlife, and that’s no surprise when there are spots like the Harpoon Brewery and Beer Hall, Lookout Rooftop and Bar, and Laugh Boston. No matter what time of day, there’s something for every young professional looking to meet folks in the neighborhood.

4. North End

Also known as Little Italy, the North End is one of Boston’s most diverse neighborhoods. Despite the name, it’s also home to many African Americans and Jewish Americans. The famous Freedom Trail runs through the neighborhood, and includes sites from the American Revolution like the Old North Church and Paul Revere House.

Hanover Street is known for its liveliness, and there are a ton of bars and restaurants for you to spend your free time at. Some notables include Regina Pizzeria and Parla, a speakeasy. If you’d prefer to cook at home, pick up some fresh produce at the Boston Public Market.

5. West End

Boston’s West End is known for its high rise living options and its proximity to the Massachusetts General Hospital. It’s also the best place to live if you’re a diehard sports fan. Most of the restaurants are either cheap pizzerias or sports bars, and there are also a ton of pubs including the famous West End Johnnie’s.

When game night isn’t happening, you can check out The Sports Museum. Although, there’s no shortage of huge concert events and games at TD Garden. Pull up for a Bruins or Celtics game with your fellow Boston young professionals.

Finding the right neighborhood in Boston for your career

If you want to live in a neighborhood that’s vibrant, diverse, and offers rich architectural history, one of our top five best Boston neighborhoods for young professionals might be the next place you call home.

Our Location Scores are available through Local Content on many of our partner sites and their real estate listings in Boston. 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.