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Back Bay

From swamp to suave, Back Bay has evolved far beyond its beginnings as a stagnant pool in 1857, when it was filled in. Today the host of chic shops and multi-million-dollar townhouses, Back Bay is considered Boston's wealthiest, most luxurious area.

Retailers along Newbury Street include Gucci, Armani, and Versace stores, as well as upscale cafés, salons, and nightspots. The Theater District offers dozens of entertainment and dining options, while avant-garde high-rise buildings at Copley Square and numerous art galleries continue a cultural flair. For a nature break, Boston Common and the Boston Gardens are just a walk away.

Naturally, Boston's most desireable neighborhood also is its most expensive in which to live, especially if you're browsing the elegant red-brick townhouses near the Financial District. Mostly studios and one-bedrooms are available for renting, and most multi-bedroom units have been converted into condos. Bordering Back Bay are the Charles River on the north, Arlington Street on the east, the Massachusetts Turnpike—also known as I-90—on the south, and Charlesgate East on the west.