Differences Among Boston Neighborhoods?

[jeffreyhayes]

No. South End is residential and has a few gay lounges/restaurants. But it isn't a "party-scene" depending on how you look at it. Actually, Boston doesn't really have a "party-scene" anywhere gay or straight; Faneuil Hall comes close. parts of Allston do, and around the big college campuses there are college "parties." But I think of "party-scene" as crazy Manhattan clubs and Bourbon Street in New Orleans, etc., and Boston doesn't have that level of "party," so to speak.

Oddly, the craziest gay venue in the Boston area isn't even in Boston, but in Cambridge: Club Paradise

I think if you are looking for middle-class and family-friendly, you can consider JP and most of South Boston.

[xS☺B☺s]

Originally Posted by jeffreyhayes

No. South End is residential and has a few gay lounges/restaurants. But it isn't a "party-scene" depending on how you look at it. Actually, Boston doesn't really have a "party-scene" anywhere gay or straight; Faneuil Hall comes close. parts of Allston do, and around the big college campuses there are college "parties." But I think of "party-scene" as crazy Manhattan clubs and Bourbon Street in New Orleans, etc., and Boston doesn't have that level of "party," so to speak.

Oddly, the craziest gay venue in the Boston area isn't even in Boston, but in Cambridge: Club Paradise

I think if you are looking for middle-class and family-friendly, you can consider JP and most of South Boston.

Yeah I mostly agree. Boston is more academic than party. People think and study more than party. The only little party spot I think would be Landsdowne St next to Fenway Park. That can be pretty wild on a weekend.

[asdf44]

Originally Posted by Nikki0417

Ah, okay. So is South End more of the gay party-scene, then?

I lived in the South End for 4 years and agree that I wouldn't call it a gay party area. It's a step down in price from Back Bay and probably, per square foot, less than Beacon Hill or North End. The best part about the South End is how livable it is given it's location. You can street part in most areas, drive easily, get to and from 93 and the Pike and it's walking distance to most other neighborhoods/attractions in Boston and on the Orange line. It's also known for fantastic restaurants, has nice cafe's etc. I'd call it family friendly.

JP is a nice place to live especially if the Orange Line gets you where you want to go. Otherwise it's a bit isolated from highways and takes time to get in/out of.

The next area to look is the red line - Cambridge, Somerville and Arlington. Cambridge is well known, it's expensive but there is plenty going on especially Central and Harvard and it's a step down in price (probably) from the city.

Somerville, where I live now is the land of the triple decker, 20 something singles, young couples/families and remaining townies. Davis square is a great location on the red line 15 minutes from downtown. It's still not cheap but definitely less than Cambridge and prices drop noticeably as you move away from the Red which gives some flexibility.

The last Red stop takes you to Arlingotn which is yet more residential and suburban and a bit less than somerville for similar apartments.

Also, Charlstown. A great neighborhood but also a bit isolated other than the orange line connection. But it's close to downtown and has a lot of charm. Lots of old brownstones and plenty to do when you're there.