One of America’s most historically significant urban neighborhoods, Back Bay is also one of the most beautiful. Renowned for its leafy streets lined with elegant Victorian-style brownstones, Back Bay is considered one of the most well-preserved examples of 19th Century urban architecture in the country. The Back Bay Architectural District was created in 1966 in an act of the Massachusetts State legislature to preserve and protect the historic integrity of the area; in 1973, Back Bay was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

 

Bound by Arlington Street, Columbus Avenue, Charlesgate East, and the Charles River/Esplanade, Back Bay’s tony Newbury Street is known for high end boutiques and trendy shops. Boylston Street is home to many world class hotels and restaurants. Beacon Street, Marlborough Street, and Commonwealth Avenue are primarily residential. Boston’s picturesque Public Garden offers lovely green space in the heart of Boston. 

 

Back Bay was actually once just that – a bay. Transformed into buildable land by a massive filling project in the late 19th Century, the reclaimed land was quickly built up. Many of the brownstones so coveted today date back to the earliest days of Back Bay.