Welcome to

Boston

It’s made up of distinct neighborhoods—each with its own personality—that come together to create a city with incredible charm and depth.

Boston is one of those cities that manages to feel both historic and endlessly alive at the same time. It’s made up of distinct neighborhoods—each with its own personality—that come together to create a city with incredible charm and depth. Back Bay is known for its elegant brownstones, tree-lined streets, and the iconic stretch of Newbury Street with its cafés and boutiques. A fun quirk of the area: those perfectly symmetrical brownstone blocks? They were built on land that was once literally the Back Bay—mudflats filled in during the 1800s to create some of the city’s most admired streets.

Head toward the water and you reach South Boston, a neighborhood that’s evolved into one of the city’s most energetic and tight-knit communities. Locals call it “Southie,” and it has a long tradition of neighborhood pride—from its legendary St. Patrick’s Day parade to the fact that people can tell you exactly which block someone grew up on. Just next door, the South End brings its own flavor, with Victorian row houses, pocket parks, and a dining scene that’s as stylish as the neighborhood itself. Its unique street layout—filled with little squares and gardens—comes from a 19th-century design meant to attract Boston’s “carriage set.”

Another little Boston quirk? The city’s streets often seem to curve and intersect at odd angles because many of them literally follow the paths of 1600s cow trails. It’s part of what gives Boston its famously “creative” driving experience.

What ties it all together is how connected and walkable everything feels. The T makes getting around easy, world-class universities and hospitals blend right into city life, and history sits shoulder-to-shoulder with innovation. It’s a city filled with stories, character, and a personality all its own—one that residents love to share.

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Overview for Boston, MA

663,972 people live in Boston, where the median age is 33.2 and the average individual income is $60,001. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

663,972

Total Population

33.2 years

Median Age

High

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

$60,001

Average individual Income

Around Boston, MA

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

15

Car-Dependent

Walking Score

34

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Help Relax Me, Main Street Pasta And Wine, and OKW.

Name	Category	Distance	Reviews	Ratings by Yelp
Visit the Help Relax Me page on Yelp Search 108 Lincoln St on Google Maps	Dining	2.51 miles	11 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Main Street Pasta And Wine page on Yelp Search 40 Main St on Google Maps	Dining	3.66 miles	10 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the OKW page on Yelp Search 450 Harrison Ave on Google Maps	Shopping	2.56 miles	6 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the AMR Antoine Rubini page on Yelp Search 10 Huntington Ave on Google Maps	Shopping	3.3 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the David Dorothy Ramler Park page on Yelp Search 120 Peterborough St on Google Maps	Active	4.37 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Fitforlife page on Yelp Search 323 Dorchester Ave on Google Maps	Active	2.14 miles	6 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Canadian Park Training page on Yelp Search 247 Newbury St on Google Maps	Active	3.6 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Personal PT page on Yelp	Active	3.79 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Mary Beauty Salon page on Yelp Search 1439 Dorchester Ave on Google Maps	Beauty	3.05 miles	6 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Eden Natural Collection page on Yelp Search 1882 Dorchester Ave on Google Maps	Beauty	3.98 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Boston, MA

Population Households Employment

Boston has 279,216 households, with an average household size of 2.22. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Boston do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 663,972 people call Boston home. The population density is 13,735.4 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

663,972

Total Population

High

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

33.2

Median Age

48.07 / 51.93%

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

279,216

Total Households

2.22

Average Household Size

$60,001

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

Schools in Boston, MA

All ()

Primary Schools ()

Middle Schools ()

High Schools ()

Mixed Schools ()

The following schools are within or nearby Boston. 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

Neighborhoods

Natick
Medfield
Wellesley
Dedham
Cambridge
Sherborn
Sharon
Sudbury
Newton
Dover
Needham
Boston
Brookline

Explore Natick

Located about 20 miles west of Boston, Natick blends classic New England charm with modern amenities.
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Explore Medfield

A community is active and close-knit, and the town’s parks, playgrounds, and open spaces make everyday life feel relaxed and enjoyable.
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Explore Wellesley

The Brook Path is a local favorite for an easy, scenic stroll along Fuller Brook, while spots like Longfellow Pond offer peaceful wooded loops.
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Explore Dedham

Just southwest of Boston, it’s a place where historic New England character blends effortlessly with modern convenience.
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Explore Cambridge

Cambridge also has those little moments that make the city feel special, from the annual Head of the Charles Regatta to a food scene that’s full of surprises.
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Explore Sherborn

Offers a rare blend of rural charm and close-knit community living, with only about 4,400 residents.
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Explore Sharon

Sharon also has an unexpected musical connection: world-renowned conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein once called town home.
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Explore Sudbury

One of those classic New England towns that feels both peaceful and deeply rooted in history.
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Explore Newton

Newton still feels welcoming and easy to navigate, with tree-lined streets, beautiful homes, and excellent schools.
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Explore Dover

Residents enjoy top-ranked schools, beautiful natural surroundings, and a warm, tight-knit community that offers both privacy and character.
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Explore Needham

Welcoming suburb just about 10 miles outside of Boston—close enough for an easy commute.
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Explore Boston

It’s made up of distinct neighborhoods—each with its own personality—that come together to create a city with incredible charm and depth.
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Explore Brookline

It offers a rare mix of suburban comfort and true urban walkability—everything feels close by.
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