Back Bay

Back Bay is one of the most upscale neighborhoods in Boston because of its shopping and polished feel.

Welcome to Back Bay

Stunning riverfront neighborhood with a historic appeal
 
Back Bay, a recognized neighborhood within Boston, has long been a location for luxury homes. In 1859, the city faced a shortage of mansions and other exclusive properties and so began the Back Bay project using reclaimed land from the Charles River basin. The result is rows of stunning Victorian-style brownstones and an urban design. Today, the area is well preserved with a Paris-inspired feel along each street.
 
Back Bay is sophisticated and offers residents proximity to amenities, open green space, the waterfront, and some of the most desirable homes in the city. Noted for its single-family homes, townhomes, and the most expensive condominiums in the City, Back Bay has stately properties with historic architectural detail.
 

What to Love

  • Back Bay’s cosmopolitan atmosphere.
  • Local shopping and thriving nightlife.
  • Enjoying the waterfront at Charles River Esplanade.

Local Lifestyle

Back Bay’s construction began as a residential-only space, but that didn’t last long. Today, it’s a hub of chic shopping along Newbury Street, a cosmopolitan feel, and highly valued homes.
 
Back Bay is one of the most upscale neighborhoods in Boston because of its shopping and polished feel. Many independent boutiques and small cafes line the streets here, making it possible for residents to step in for a quick bite or just to socialize.
 
There’s ample green space, too, which makes it possible for residents to enjoy a good jog first thing in the morning or a game of croquet on the Esplanade. Finely manicured gardens help to create sophistication within this community.
 

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Designed with a Paris feel, Back Bay is lined with some of the best shopping in Boston, especially along Newbury Street, an eight-block, tree-line destination. It’s home to numerous historical buildings, but what’s most interesting is the world-class dining and sidewalk cafes that line the street. From luxurious salons to shops that range from bohemian to chic style, along with fine art galleries, this is the place to spend time in the community.
 
The Prudential Center provides 75 shops and restaurants, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Star Market, and the Skywalk Observatory. When it comes to restaurants and gourmet foods, many exceptional destinations exist here. Bistro du Midi, Saltie Girl, and L.A. Burdick are some of the local favorites.
 

Things to Do

Boylston Street is an east-west main route through the city known for being the home to the Boston Marathon’s finish line. There are numerous restaurants and shops found here as well, making it a fantastic spot to spend the afternoon. The Boston Public Library is a favorite among locals. 
 
Back Bay is also home to Copley Square Park and Public Gardens. Many come to this area to catch a performance at Symphony Hall. The Boston Public Garden is a beautiful, historic open space established in 1837.
 
It's also essential to explore the nightlife in Back Bay, one of the more elegant evening entertainment options in the city of Boston. Several popular bars and fine dining establishments line Newbury Street and the Prudential shopping district.
 

Schools

Several schools service back Bay residents as a part of the Boston School District. The Kingsley Montessori School serves toddler-aged students through grade six to provide a foundational education. The Newman School teaches middle schoolers, and Commonwealth School is a private educational institution for high school students with about 150 students.
 
 
Learn about other neighborhoods:
 

Overview for Back Bay, MA

19,041 people live in Back Bay, where the median age is 33 and the average individual income is $118,003. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

19,041

Total Population

33 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$118,003

Average individual Income

Demographics and Employment Data for Back Bay, MA

Back Bay has 10,677 households, with an average household size of 2. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Back Bay do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 19,041 people call Back Bay home. The population density is 41,147.626 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

19,041

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

33

Median Age

46.56 / 53.43%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
10,677

Total Households

2

Average Household Size

$118,003

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Around Back Bay, MA

There's plenty to do around Back Bay, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

100
Walker's Paradise
Walking Score
86
Very Bikeable
Bike Score
94
Rider's Paradise
Transit Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Gong Cha Davis Square, Natasha Wellness, and Get Lively: Health & Fitness.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Dining 3.82 miles 8 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining 2.29 miles 14 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 3.89 miles 8 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 2.2 miles 21 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 2.24 miles 6 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 4.06 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars

Schools in Back Bay, MA

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby Back Bay. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating
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