Boston Area to Visit Similar to Salem (Lowell, Cambridge: neighborhoods, to live in)

[doghead]

Hi I’ve been visiting Salem for the last few years with the idea of eventually relocating. this Thanksgiving weekend I’d like to stay in Boston.
Does anyone have any recommendations for a neighborhood similar to Salem? Not too commercial, but near transit, vegan restaurants nearby? Thanks.

[bjimmy24]

I dont know, Salem is Salem. I dont think boston has anything quite like it, especially at the price. I would have liked to live in Salem if not for the commute to cambridge where I worked. Maybe Jamaica plain?

[doghead]

Right thought of that too. Thanks.

[robr2]

Amesbury or Newburyport although transit isn't as prevalent.

[tysmith95]

Maybe Lowell. It's a little rougher than Salem, but it has places like mill no 5 and a few vegan places.

[bjimmy24]

OP are you looking for Boston neighborhoods only? Lowell, Newburyport, Amesbury are not in Boston, just to be clear.

[mwj119]

Somerville, anywhere between Davis-->Porter-->Union. Great food, good beer scene. I'd recommend you make a stop at Bow Market in Union, as well as True Bistro which is a pretty popular vegan joint, though you'll find more than a dozen vegan spots around the aforementioned areas. Not going to get the brick/mill/port town vibe in Somerville, but you will love it just the same.

Another recommendation could be Waltham. Though it is certainly not Boston, it's pretty close.. A bit more diverse than Salem, but has some of the same redeeming qualities. Really dig the food scene on Moody Street, and it's convenient in/out of the city on the Commuter. I wouldn't choose to be a tourist in Waltham, but it's a convenient place to rest your head at night, and to grab some good food in the process.

[doghead]

Thanks all. I love Newburyport and Amesbury but I am going to stay in Boston for Thanksgiving. Interesting about Waltham. Isn’t it suburban? Going to check it out. I know Brandeis is there. In light of my preferences do you think the Back Bay Area is too touristy, too corporate? It’s been recommended for people who aren’t too familiar with Boston and it seems centrally located. I’ve heard about Somerville too. My desire would be to relocate to Salem but this will be a quick few days to become more familiar with Boston.

[missionhill]

Back Bay isn't corporate or overly touristy since it's nowhere near the freedom trail. It's beautiful and fairly high-end. mwj119 has good advice although I'd skip Waltham in favor of his Cambridge Somerville recommendations. Charlestown is like Salem architecturally and worth a look-see but doesn't have the retail scene Salem has.

[doghead]

Ok I think I’m staying in back bay for now and will look around from there particularly at Somerville. I also want an area very walkable. thanks so much everyone for your help.