10 Richest Boston Neighborhoods
- Seaport
- Back Bay
- South End
- Downtown
- Beacon Hill
- North End
- Charlestown
- Jamaica Plain
- West Roxbury
- West End
1. Seaport
The richest neighborhood in Boston is Seaport. Located close to the city center, this district is a breathtaking destination filled with waterfront scenery and endless entertainment.
It is home to a wide variety of amenities, which include beaches, public parks, museums, and a stunning selection of eateries. Significant local attractions in this area include the Rose Kennedy Greenway, the Boston Children’s Museum, the Institute of Contemporary Art, and the historic Boston Harbor. Homes for sale in Seaport average $2.07 Million, making Seaport the most expensive neighborhood in Boston.
Boston’s Seaport area is perfect for those interested in a luxurious life right in the heart of the city.
2. Back Bay
Back Bay is the second most expensive neighborhood in Boston. Located roughly 1.7 miles southwest of the city center, Back Bay is most famous for its gorgeous local real estate. This neighborhood is home to a stunning array of Victorian Brownstone mansions, each of which is a unique preservation of 19th-century architecture. These stately homes and the neighborhood’s ideal situation along the Charles River make Back Bay one of the most coveted areas in all of Boston. With so much to offer residents, it’s no wonder home values here average $1.16 Million, making it the second-wealthiest neighborhood in Boston.
3. South End
A bit further south of Downtown sits South End, another rich Boston neighborhood. Bordered by Back Bay, Chinatown, and Roxbury, this area is a significant commercial hub within the city and is popular among business professionals. Though the neighborhood was initially established to relieve overcrowding within the city, it is now a thriving area filled with walkable, tree-lined streets and beautiful public parks. Additionally, those who settle in the South End will find a tight-knit community with a welcoming atmosphere. Home values in the South End average $1.15 Million, making it one of Boston’s most expensive neighborhoods.
4. Downtown
In addition to being the city's bustling heart, Downtown is also one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Boston. This district is known for its numerous historical attractions, seventeenth-century architecture, and thrilling local entertainment. Residents here will find no shortage of fun urban activities, which include museums, boat cruises, historic walking tours, and all the shopping, restaurants, and local watering holes one could ask for.
Homes in Downtown Boston average $1.06 Million, making this a great location for those interested in an entertaining location right in the center of the action.
5. Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill is one of the richest and oldest neighborhoods in Boston. Located just north of Back Bay, this area is known for its charming atmosphere, complete with cobblestone streets, federal-style row houses, and gas street lamps. In addition to its local collection of museums, restaurants, and boutiques, Beacon Hill is also home to Acorn Street. This popular lane was once one of the busiest areas among nineteenth-century trade and craftsmen and is now one of the most photographed streets in all of Boston. Home values in Beacon Hill average $1.04 Million, making it one of the most expensive areas in Boston.
6. North End
North End is the richest neighborhood on the north side of Boston. Located one mile north of Downtown, this district has often been nicknamed “Little Italy” due to its influx of Italian residents in the 1930s. Today, the North End is a small neighborhood with an abundance of cultural, historical, and culinary significance, and it is popular among historians and foodies alike. Residents and visitors of this area will find an assortment of delicious local cuisine and historical sites, including the Boston Public Market and the Freedom Trail. Homes in the North End average $897,000, making it one of Boston’s richest neighborhoods.
7. Charlestown
Just north of the Charles River is Charlestown, a rich neighborhood with plenty of history. This district sits just across the river from North End and is known for its stylish assortment of shops, boutiques, and highly acclaimed restaurants. Residents here will find that in addition to the area’s great amenities, the streets of this neighborhood are also filled with rich history, dating as far back as 1873. And, as if that weren’t enough, the area also boasts some of the best views of the Boston skyline in the entire city. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder that home values in Charlestown average $887,000, keeping it one of the wealthiest parts of the Boston cityscape.
8. Jamaica Plain
Jamaica Plain is the richest area in Boston for those who prefer life a little further outside of the city. Located about six miles from the city center, this neighborhood is known for being one of the greenest districts in all of Boston. Its local parks are lush and forested, including Jamaica Pond, Olmstead Park, and the Franklin Park Zoo. Residents here will find an abundance of open outdoor spaces, walking trails, and picnic areas, making this an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. With home prices in this area averaging $721,000, Jamaica Plains is sure to impress anyone interested in living in an active, affluent community.
9. West Roxbury
West Roxbury is another one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Boston. Situated in the southwest corner of Boston, West Roxbury borders affluent communities like Brookline and Chestnut Hill. The suburban neighborhood is home to about 30,000 residents. It offers gorgeous tree-lined streets and single-family homes that attract well-to-do families and young professionals. It’s also one of the safest neighborhoods in Boston, with a crime rate that is 67% lower than the national average. So, it’s no surprise that West Roxbury is also one of the more affluent neighborhoods in the city, with a median household income of $90,500 and an average home price of $718,000.
10. West End
The West End is also a wealthy Boston neighborhood. The West End is a bustling neighborhood between downtown and the Charles River. For many years, it was mainly a commercial district and home to major attractions like the TD Garden Arena and Massachusetts General Hospital. However, in recent years, it’s undergone a major revitalization with new luxury high rises and other residential developments attracting young professionals who work in downtown Boston. It’s quickly becoming one of Boston’s wealthiest up-and-coming neighborhoods, with a median household income of $83,800 and an average home price of $605,000.