Welcome to Charlestown

A historic Boston neighborhood nestled between the Mystic and Charles Rivers. Families love Charlestown because it feels like a quaint New England town within Boston, the city’s culture and businesses just a bridge away.
Homes for Sale in Charlestown Homes for Rent in Charlestown

Key Details

Attributes

waterfront, historical, family-friendly, green

NEIGHBORHOOD OVERVIEW

Commute Times
South Station 25m by train, 10m by car
North Station 20m by train, 10m by car
Boston Commons 20m by train, 10m by car
Harvard Square 35m by train, 15m by car
Nearest Transit
  • OL-02
Boundaries
Nearby Neighborhoods East Somerville, Inner Belt, West End, North End

Around the Block

Charlestown:
A historic city neighborhood with small-town sensibility.

As Boston’s oldest neighborhood—established in the 1600s—a sense of colonial charm permeates the streets and parks of Charlestown. Geographically, the neighborhood is set apart from the rest of the city, occupying a small peninsula north of downtown Boston. Still, Charlestown is right next door to the North End food scene, and within driving distance of Back Bay’s shopping district and the Fenway’s cultural institutions.

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What to expect:
A small-town feel within the city limits.

Similar to many of the charming small towns that dot the New England landscape, Charlestown has a classic main street and town square, and its residents enjoy a true sense of community. Locals are quick to share news of recent triumphs in Little League games or just-awarded Scout badges, and neighbors meet at the Warren Tavern—locals flock to sample their hearty dishes and generous pours.

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The lifestyle:
Tranquil living with Boston’s culture and industry at your fingertips.

Life in Charlestown is still steeped in tradition, and its daily pace often seems preserved from an earlier era. Locals delight in simple pleasures, from street musicians to the brilliant morning glories that dot neighborhood walls. They enthusiastically celebrate holidays, draping flags outside their windows to commemorate Bunker Hill Day and carving pumpkins on their steps as the fall approaches. Charlestown residents bring the best of Boston back with them each night, humming tunes from symphonies, hanging up well-tailored coats from noted clothiers, and bearing paper bags full of fresh-baked Italian pastries.

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Unexpected appeal:
Quiet evenings.

Charlestown is distanced from the city’s nightlife scene, so residents need not worry about revelers stumbling down their streets.

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The market:
Boston’s oldest neighborhood boasts historic homes with period detail and Navy Yard luxury condominium living.

Housing stock ranges from brick row houses ringing the Bunker Hill Monument to traditional wood homes that sing of days gone by. Mix of single families and condominiums, with full amenity buildings mostly occupying the Navy Yard.

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You'll fall in love with:
Picnics in the park and chowder at the local tavern.

Weekends represent prime time for exploring the many parks around the peninsula. Spread out a picnic blanket atop Breed’s Hill, or kick a soccer ball across the lawn of Paul Revere Park.

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