Boston’s oldest neighborhood offers small-town sensibility and plenty of quaint shops.
Welcome to Charlestown
Boston’s oldest neighborhood offers small-town sensibility and plenty of quaint shops
Overlooking the banks of both the Boston Harbor and Mystic River, Charlestown, which has been designated as the city’s oldest neighborhood, features a mix of modern waterfront townhomes and historic clapboard residences. Lively and close-knit, the area has a bustling main street filled with shops and four-star restaurants. Quiet and charming gas-lit streets surround this hub.
Constituting only one square mile, this small community is coveted for its quick commute into Downtown Boston so the demographic here is young: recent census stats list the average age of residents between 25 and 39.
Deeply rooted in American history, Charlestown is well-known as the site of the Battle of Bunker Hill, an important conflict during the Siege of Boston that took place during the early stages of the American Revolutionary War. A monument commemorates the battle, and Charlestown is also home to several other historical landmarks. The USS Constitution is on display at the Navy Yard, and Boston’s historic 2.5 mile Freedom Trail ends in front of the ship’s museum.
Dining options abound in this posh section of the city. Monument Restaurant & Tavern’s eclectic menu draws diners to Main Street, boasting a mix of wood-fired pizza, pad Thai, and Cuban sandwiches. Blackmoor Bar & Kitchen offers casual bites and 34 rotating craft beers, while Brewer’s Fork is a rustic hangout known for their wood-roasted Maine mussels, cacio e pepe pie, and a Bacon Jammy “lunch pizza.” If you’re hungry for something historical, Warren Tavern, one of the oldest and most iconic watering holes in the country, is a must-visit.
Residents also frequent Zume’s Coffee House, an airy, laid-back hangout offering casual sandwiches and salads as well as breakfast and coffee drinks. The unique offerings at Monroe Home & Style — timelessly chic products hand-selected to suit classic spaces and a modern lifestyle — also has locals talking.
Charlestown is home to two of the nation’s most respected universities: Suffolk and Brandeis.
