A birds eye view of Boston’s Back Bay Brownstones
September 10, 2015
By: Rebecca Willette
Like any city, Boston is comprised of unique neighborhoods with vibrant personalities. From “Little Italy” in the North End, to the classic brownstones of Beacon Hill; combined, these neighborhoods create an urban environment that is both classic and contemporary, and Back Bay is perhaps the perfect example of this. Known largely as the place to shop with both Newbury Street and Copley Place within its perimeter, it draws locals and tourists alike, and the sidewalks are (thankfully) wide enough to accommodate both.
If you’re considering Back Bay for your next move, there is one thing you will not have to worry about: curb appeal. Similar to nearby Beacon Hill, Back Bay is littered with gorgeous brownstones and architectural details that add character to the city streets. One end is bordered by Boston Public Garden, and Boston Common just beyond that, and another side is distinguished by the Charles River with a walkway that makes for an excellent running route or a casual summer stroll. Public transportation is also convenient through the area, with several green line stops.
The variety of housing options in Back Bay is extensive, ranging from updated single-family homes to luxury apartments. Smaller, more affordable options are also available, though around the $2,000 mark is typical for a one bedroom rental, with some housed in complexes featuring amenities such as laundry and a gym. However, if there isn’t a gym in your building, this neighborhood allows accessibility to several forms of exercise, from spin to barre classes at Vélo-City or Pure Barre.
So, what is there to do in Boston’s Back Bay besides exercise and view building facades? In one word, shopping. There’s Newbury Street, an entire eight blocks lined with retailers as large as H&M, as luxurious as Dolce & Gabbana and as quirky as The Fairy Shop, interspersed with stores selling pet goods, beauty products and books. Among my favorites is Trident Booksellers, where two of the world’s best-loved pastimes (reading and eating) can be practiced under one roof. Did I mention there is also a bar? What more could one ask for?
Speaking of food, there are restaurants aplenty, both on Newbury and off, ranging in cuisine from authentic American steakhouse to sushi. Feeling adventurous? May I suggest the antelope taco at Rattlesnake Bar and Grill on Boylston, also home to a roof deck during the summer months. Or, if you’d prefer a taste of Spain without the pricey airfare, there’s Bar Lola on Commonwealth Ave, where you can dine on paella with a glass of sangria, surrounded by colorful Spanish posters and candlelight (and, on the right night, live flamenco dancing!). There are plenty of after hours options as well, ranging from Irish pubs to more sophisticated late-night drinks and dining.
Prudential and Copley Center, connected by a windowed bridge, are home to more great shops, including Sephora, Barney’s New York and Gap. At the top of Prudential Tower is the Top of the Hub, a restaurant with views of the entire city. One floor down is the Skywalk, where the same view can be observed without a sit down dining experience. A short five minute walk from the tower is the Boston Public Library, worth a visit for the detailed ceilings alone. A city encompassing so many colleges, it makes sense that Boston would be home to such an extensive library.
It’s safe to say that Back Bay is Boston’s most well-rounded, centrally located neighborhood, with plenty of green space, entertainment and history, a perfect blend of all Boston has to offer.