Back Bay

Situated amongst Boston’s most iconic locations, Back Bay is the area’s quintessential spot to live, work, and play. Neighborhood residents enjoy a short walk, drive, or subway ride to nearly all of the city’s biggest stores, schools, entertainment venues, and restaurants.

Home to swampy marshland at the start of the 19th century, this highly desirable location was quickly recognized for its unparalleled potential. Toward the late 1800s, that potential was fully realized, with the area’s most affluent individuals deciding to call Back Bay home. To this day, it is recognized for being Boston’s most elite neighborhood at the turn of the century.

Fast forward to today, and you’ll see the historic, Paris-inspired influence of the late 19th and early 20th centuries lining the streets. While the majority of the city’s exteriors have been preserved through the years, the interiors of many residential properties have been updated to reflect the latest in modern style and living.

Back Bay is the perfect marriage of quaint charm and modern life. As a highly walkable urban community, one can stroll down its streets and see luxury shopping destinations, Edwardian and Victorian style buildings, world-class dining destinations, and even the John Hancock Tower.

Despite its highly exclusive past, individuals from a range of backgrounds now choose to reside in Back Bay. With residential properties being relatively small, this neighborhood is ideal for retirees, students, working professionals, and couples. It is also an extraordinary fit for those who love walking in a city setting, for those who consider themselves to be history buffs, and for those who want to quickly and easily access all that Boston has to offer.

Locals and tourists agree that Back Bay has some of the Boston area’s best locations for dining and shopping. No matter your interests, you are sure to find a new favorite.

If you desire the perfect day of shopping, look no further than the luxury stores that line Newbury Street. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to browse Tiffany & Co., Burberry, Cartier, and Chanel. For more high-end shopping fun, be sure to stop by the enclosed Prudential Center shopping mall.

Once it’s time to eat, let your palate be your guide. No matter what cuisine you crave, you can easily find a restaurant that will impress any critic. Favorites among locals include Grill 23 (a fine steakhouse), Eataly (Italian), or Parish Cafe (featuring gourmet sandwiches).

Those who love spending time exploring history, culture, architecture, and natural settings in urban environments will never run short on things to do in Back Bay.

Each year, the Back Bay Events Center welcomes performances of all kinds—including dance groups, concerts, and more. Other notable seasonal happenings include Taste of the Back Bay, which features delicious samples from some of the area’s favorite restaurants, as well as the Boston Duck Tours at the Prudential Center.

At the edge of Back Bay, residents and tourists partake in the beauty and history of Boston Common. This sprawling green space includes outdoor activity spaces for both children and adults and has the distinction of being America’s oldest public park (opening in 1634). Across the street from Boston Common is the Boston Public Garden, which provides even more outdoor space in the heart of this city environment.

The Back Bay neighborhood is home to a number of excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include: