Back Bay

A sophisticated and exclusive neighborhood in the heart of Boston. 

Welcome to Back Bay 

This historic neighborhood is defined by its iconic brownstones, the finish line for the Boston Marathon, high-end shopping on Newbury Street and gorgeous waterfront views. Back Bay is considered to be one of Boston’s premier neighborhoods, and you only need to spend an afternoon strolling along the stately avenues and in the impressive parks to see why.

Back Bay’s identity as an exclusive neighborhood began back in the 1860s. When the city filled in marshy areas along the river, wealthy residents started to buy up parcels of land, creating beautiful homes that are still here today. Back Bay has since remained a refined neighborhood, but it has also evolved into a shopping and dining destination.

Real estate in this neighborhood is on the high end. Many of the gorgeous brownstones along the tree-lined side streets have been broken up into single-family residences featuring upgraded amenities. Recent developments, like the Four Seasons Residences and the upcoming Raffles Hotel & Residences, afford exciting new opportunities for contemporary-style residences with enviable views of the area. 

What to Love 

  • The pedestrian-friendly Newbury Street, one of America’s best shopping areas
  • The beautifully landscaped greenery of Copley Square Park
  • Gorgeous Victorian architecture throughout the neighborhood 

Local Lifestyle 

While visitors know Back Bay for its lively thoroughfares, the streets leading away from the main avenues are peaceful and residential. You’ll feel miles away from the hustle and bustle in the hushed quiet of these shady side streets. The neighborhood is high-end, and most residents have successful careers in lucrative fields. The peace, safety and excellent school system of the area make it the perfect place to raise a family. 

Dining, Entertainment and Shopping 

Residents of Back Bay are privileged to have Boston’s main culinary and shopping center just steps from their doors. Newbury Street features blocks of high quality retail shops housed in a mix of architectural styles. Pick up a gorgeous cashmere cape from Loro Piana, or step into Cartier to window shop their extraordinary pieces. For something decidedly more eccentric and fun, Newbury Comics is known for its quirky collection of vinyl, gag gifts, classic comics and more.

The neighborhood is also home to the Prudential Center, a beautifully designed modern shopping complex. Notable dining options include Earls Kitchen and Bar, which serves craft cocktails and a New American menu in their stylish atmosphere. Other impressive culinary experiences in the area include Select Oyster Bar, a superb seafood restaurant that strives to serve “the highest quality seafood with a casual bistro vibe,” and Mistral, a classic French restaurant committed to using the finest ingredients in their dishes.  

Things to Do 

The outdoors is an important part of Back Bay’s high quality of life. Every Tuesday and Friday, Copley Square Farmers Market turns the park into a bustling center for fresh produce, baked goods, coffee, and so much more. The fresh air experiences continue at Charles River Esplanade, a three-mile stretch of public green space along the Boston River that’s perfect for walking, running, and biking. 

Back Bay also has its fair share of unique experiences. For sweeping views of the whole city and beyond, the Skywalk Observatory at Prudential Center allows visitors to enjoy Boston’s impressive architectural history from above. Ever wanted to enter a walk-in globe? The Mapparium is the largest of its kind — a three-story model complete with stained glass scale models of the earth’s oceans and continents. Back Bay is a fascinating intersection of art, culture and history, and residents never run out of things to do in their own backyard. 

Schools 

Back Bay is home to some of the best schools in the city. Top educational opportunities include:

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