Best Neighborhoods for Families in Boston

Boston, Massachusetts, is a city rich in history, culture, and education, making it an attractive destination for expats and digital nomads with families. The city offers a variety of neighborhoods, each with its own unique charm and amenities that cater to family life. From the serene streets of Beacon Hill to the vibrant community of Jamaica Plain, there's a perfect corner in Boston for every family to call home. Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Boston for families to settle down, offering a blend of good schools, green spaces, and family-friendly activities.

Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill is one of Boston's most historic and picturesque neighborhoods, known for its beautiful brick row houses and cobblestone streets. Families living here enjoy a strong sense of community and access to excellent schools. The neighborhood is also home to the famous Boston Common and Public Garden, where children can enjoy the playgrounds and families can partake in seasonal activities like ice skating in the winter and swan boat rides in the summer.

Location: Central Boston, north of Boston Common and the Public Garden
Real Estate: The area is known for its higher-end housing market, with the average rental price for a 2-bedroom apartment being around $3,500 and a 3-bedroom around $4,500. Purchase prices for a 2-bedroom can exceed $1 million, with 3-bedroom homes averaging around $2 million.
International Schools: Beacon Hill is in close proximity to several international and bilingual schools, including the Boston International School, which offers a globally-focused curriculum for students from preschool to grade 8.
Where to Eat: The neighborhood boasts a variety of family-friendly restaurants, such as The Paramount for classic American fare and Tatte Bakery & Cafe for a cozy brunch.
Interesting History: The Massachusetts State House, with its iconic golden dome, is located in Beacon Hill and offers tours that delve into the state's political history.
Parks: The Boston Common is the most popular park in the area, providing ample space for outdoor activities and events throughout the year.

Jamaica Plain

Jamaica Plain, or "JP" as locals call it, is a diverse and vibrant neighborhood with a strong community feel. It's a great place for families who appreciate green spaces, as it's home to the Arnold Arboretum and Jamaica Pond. Both are ideal for leisurely walks, picnics, and outdoor play. The neighborhood also has a variety of community centers and playgrounds, as well as a selection of unique shops and restaurants along Centre Street.

Location: Southwest of downtown Boston
Real Estate: Rental prices here are more moderate, with a 2-bedroom apartment averaging around $2,300 and a 3-bedroom around $2,800. The purchase price for a 2-bedroom home averages $500,000, while a 3-bedroom can be around $600,000.
International Schools: The British International School of Boston is located nearby, offering an international education for ages 3 to 18 and the International Montessori School serves younger children with a bilingual curriculum.
Where to Eat: Families can enjoy a variety of dining options, such as the family-friendly Doyle's Cafe, known for its classic New England fare, and JP Licks, a popular ice cream spot.
Interesting History: The Loring-Greenough House is a well-preserved colonial residence that now serves as a community space and offers a glimpse into the area's past.
Parks: The Arnold Arboretum, managed by Harvard University, is a highlight of the neighborhood, offering educational programs and beautiful plant collections.

West Roxbury

West Roxbury is a suburban-style neighborhood within the city that is particularly appealing to families. It boasts a low crime rate, a tight-knit community, and a suburban feel while still offering the conveniences of city life. The neighborhood has numerous parks and playgrounds, as well as the West Roxbury Branch of the Boston Public Library, which hosts family-friendly events and activities.

Location: Southernmost part of Boston
Real Estate: West Roxbury has some of the most affordable housing in the city, with 2-bedroom rentals averaging around $2,000 and 3-bedroom rentals around $2,500. Home purchase prices are also reasonable, with 2-bedroom homes averaging $450,000 and 3-bedroom homes around $550,000.
International Schools: While there are no international schools directly in West Roxbury, there are several options in the surrounding areas, including the aforementioned British International School of Boston.
Where to Eat: The neighborhood offers a variety of dining experiences, from the family-friendly Rox Diner, known for its hearty breakfasts, to Sofia Italian Steakhouse for a more upscale family dinner.
Interesting History: The neighborhood is home to the historic Ohabei Shalom Cemetery, the first Jewish cemetery in Massachusetts.
Parks: Millennium Park is a popular spot with its playgrounds, sports fields, and scenic views of the Charles River.

Charlestown

Charlestown is Boston's oldest neighborhood and is rich in American history. It's a great place for families who want to be close to downtown but prefer a quieter, more residential atmosphere. The neighborhood has several parks, including the Charlestown Navy Yard, which offers green space and historical exhibits, as well as the Charlestown Community Center, which provides recreational programs for children and families.

Location: North of downtown Boston, on a peninsula extending into Boston Harbor
Real Estate: Charlestown's real estate market is quite diverse, with 2-bedroom rentals averaging around $2,800 and 3-bedroom rentals around $3,500. Purchase prices for homes can vary widely, but a 2-bedroom typically averages around $700,000, with 3-bedroom homes closer to $1 million.
International Schools: There are no international schools directly in Charlestown, but nearby schools in Boston cater to international families.
Where to Eat: Families can enjoy Warren Tavern, one of the oldest taverns in the state, or the family-friendly Brewer's Fork for pizza and outdoor seating.
Interesting History: The Bunker Hill Monument is a must-visit, marking the site of the first major battle of the American Revolution.
Parks: The Charlestown Navy Yard is not only a park but also a historical landmark, featuring the USS Constitution and the USS Cassin Young.

Roslindale

Roslindale, affectionately known as "Rozzie" by residents, is a family-friendly neighborhood with a suburban feel. It's known for its diverse community, local farmers' market, and the Roslindale Village Main Street, which hosts family events throughout the year. The neighborhood also has several parks, including the Arnold Arboretum and Fallon Field, which recently underwent renovations to add a new playground and sports facilities.

Location: Southwest of downtown Boston
Real Estate: Roslindale offers some of the more affordable housing in Boston, with 2-bedroom rentals averaging around $2,100 and 3-bedroom rentals around $2,600. The average purchase price for a 2-bedroom home is around $400,000, with 3-bedroom homes averaging $500,000.
International Schools: While Roslindale itself doesn't have international schools, there are several options in nearby neighborhoods, including the British International School of Boston.
Where to Eat: Families can enjoy a meal at Sophia's Grotto for a cozy Mediterranean experience or Birch Street Bistro for a casual American dinner.
Interesting History: The Roslindale Substation is a historic building that has been repurposed as a community space and is worth exploring.
Parks: Fallon Field is a popular spot for families, offering new play structures and sports facilities.

Brookline

Brookline is an affluent suburb that borders Boston and is known for its excellent public schools, making it a top choice for families. The neighborhood has a mix of urban and suburban elements, with bustling commercial areas and quiet residential streets. Families can enjoy the many parks, such as Larz Anderson Park, which offers a large playground, skating rink, and the Auto Museum, as well as the Brookline Reservoir, perfect for peaceful walks.

Location: North of Jamaica Plain and West Roxbury, bordering the city of Boston
Real Estate: Brookline's housing market is on the pricier side, with 2-bedroom rentals averaging around $2,800 and 3-bedroom rentals around $3,600. Purchase prices for a 2-bedroom home average $800,000, while 3-bedroom homes can go for over $1 million.
International Schools: The International School of Boston offers a bilingual French-American curriculum and is located nearby, serving students from preschool through grade 12.
Where to Eat: Families can enjoy a variety of dining options, such as The Publick House for its European-inspired menu and kid-friendly atmosphere, or Otto Pizza for a quick and delicious meal.
Interesting History: The John F. Kennedy National Historic Site, the birthplace of the 35th president, is located in Brookline and is open to the public.
Parks: Larz Anderson Park is the town's largest park and a favorite among families for its wide range of recreational activities.

Cambridge

While technically not a neighborhood of Boston, Cambridge is just across the Charles River and is an integral part of the Greater Boston area. It's home to Harvard University and MIT, which contribute to the city's vibrant intellectual and cultural scene. Cambridge is family-friendly with numerous parks, libraries, and museums, such as the Harvard Museum of Natural History and the Cambridge Public Library. The city also hosts many family-oriented events and festivals throughout the year.

Location: North of Boston, across the Charles River
Real Estate: Cambridge's real estate market is competitive, with 2-bedroom rentals averaging around $3,000 and 3-bedroom rentals around $3,800. Purchase prices for a 2-bedroom home can average $750,000, with 3-bedroom homes often exceeding $1 million.
International Schools: Cambridge is home to the International School of Boston's Cambridge Campus, offering a bilingual French-American education from preschool through grade 12.
Where to Eat: Families can enjoy a meal at the kid-friendly Cambridge Common, known for its comfort food and play area, or at Flour Bakery for delicious pastries and sandwiches.
Interesting History: The Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site offers insights into both the Revolutionary War and the life of poet Henry W. Longfellow.
Parks: Danehy Park is a popular family destination with sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas.

Newton

Another neighboring city, Newton, is known for its excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, and family-friendly atmosphere. It's made up of 13 "villages," each with its own character, and offers plenty of green spaces, such as Cold Spring Park and Crystal Lake. Newton is ideal for families looking for a suburban lifestyle with easy access to Boston's resources.

Location: West of Boston
Real Estate: Newton's housing market is quite expensive, with 2-bedroom rentals averaging around $2,500 and 3-bedroom rentals around $3,200. Purchase prices for a 2-bedroom home average around $600,000, with 3-bedroom homes often exceeding $800,000.
International Schools: Newton is close to several international schools, including the Mount Alvernia Academy, which offers an international baccalaureate program.
Where to Eat: Families can enjoy a variety of dining options, such as the Farm Grill & Rotisserie for Greek cuisine or Blue Ribbon BBQ for a casual family meal.
Interesting History: The Jackson Homestead and Museum, a stop on the Underground Railroad, offers a look into the city's role in American history.
Parks: Cold Spring Park is a favorite among locals for its walking trails and sports facilities.