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Charlestown

Touted as Boston's oldest neighborhood, Charlestown provided the landing spot for Governor John Winthrop and his Puritan settlers in 1628. Its harbor made it a busy trading center and ideal for naval shipbuilding during World War II. Today, the naval yards serve as waterfront condos, and a water shuttle offers quick city access.

Urban renewal that started in the 1970s has drawn young professionals and blue-collar workers alike to Charlestown. Thirty-eight percent of adult residents have a bachelor's degree or higher. And many locals walk to work in downtown Boston or to the waterfront, both of which lie about five minutes away.

While moderately priced rentals are available, renovated upscale condos and brownstone homes have become the trend. Crowded, narrow, and hilly streets present parking challenges, but specialty shops, gourmet restaurants, and cozy pubs reward those who persevere. Bounding Charlestown are the Mystic River, Boston Harbor, the Charles River, Cadwell Street, and Crescent Street.