Boston Nearing Title of Most Walkable City in U.S.

This year as homebuyers set out on their search for properties in Boston, one of the items high on their wish list will be walkability. Today's buyers want to move to an area that can be easily navigated on foot. Well, you're in luck Boston, because the city is quickly becoming the most walkable in the country!

The walkability factor is one of Boston's major strengths—Walk Score even calls Boston a "pedestrian's perfect city"— and it's only going to improve from here on out.

One research group recently analyzed several cities and factors that contribute to their "walkability score," finding the top five to be Washington, D.C., New York, Boston, San Francisco and Chicago. However, according to Curbed Boston, a shakeup is in the works due to new construction which would put Boston in the Number One spot!

The research group took into account the construction and urbanization of Cambridge and the nearby suburbs to arrive at Boston's "walkability score." So where are the best places to live in the city if your plan is to stroll to your various errands, shopping spots, restaurants and nightlife? According to Walk Score, the North End, Chinatown and Bay Village all tied for first place (with a 98 out of possible 100) in terms of walkability in Boston.

The following are considered Boston's most walkable neighborhoods:

North End
The North End is the oldest neighborhood in Boston and today, is one where about 10K residents live. Many people know this area as Boston's "Little Italy" as it is home to many Italian restaurants and shops.

Chinatown
Located close to Boston's downtown shopping and financial district, Chinatown is rich in history, tradition, culture, culinary treasures and unique gifts. It is also the third largest Chinatown in the United States.

Bay Village
Bay Village is relatively quiet with little traffic, making it ideal for pedestrians. It is also located nearby numerous parks and gardens like Boston Common and the Boston Public Garden.

Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill describes itself as a "cozy enclave, filled with nearly 10,000 people, more like a village than an anonymous city." This area of Boston is filled with a strong community bond with beautiful homes, shops, and restaurants all within walking distance.

Downtown Crossing
Downtown Crossing is a shopping district located east of Boston Common and west of the financial district. With large department stores and souvenir sellers alike, this neighborhood also has streets closed to traffic which boosts its walkability factor.

As your local Boston real estate expert, I'd love to help you find a home that fits your homebuyer wish list, including one in a walkable neighborhood. Contact me today to find out which neighborhood would best suit your needs!

Ken Snyder

Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro

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What to Look for in New Boston Neighborhoods

As a Boston homebuyer, you may have noticed that the real estate market is heating up! Prices and rates continue to rise and confidence is booming on behalf of both buyers and sellers. But before you decide to make a move this year, before you purchase new homes in Boston, take a moment to recognize where the best areas may be. 

Did you know, homebuyers were found to favor neighborhoods with a mix of homes, stores, and other businesses that are easy to walk around? The National Association of Realtors 2013 Community Preference Survey found 60 percent of participants favor walkable neighborhoods.

Below are a few tips for that will help you determine when a neighborhood is about to take off— and it just may be the place for you to buy!

Other New Homes Going Up

New homes going up in the area is a great sign that it’s about to take off. In fact, large-scale developments being built in a neighborhood in Boston is a tip-off that the area is progressing and there’s an interest among those who live nearby to spend time there. Another great tip? Look for a Starbucks going! One real estate insider advised that the coffee giant spends a lot on market research to determine the best areas for growth.

Location, location, location

In Boston real estate, it’s all about location. This applies to homebuyers looking for the best possible place to call home. Being that Boston is a major metro area, more homebuyers are looking to be in the city or just outside. Many homebuyers may find that a home they love lies just outside the metro area. Be on the lookout for what makes sense for you and your family in terms of location.

Retail and More

When trendy locations are being built, like retails, hotels, and more, the neighborhood is on the up and up. This should raise flags for homebuyers searching for the next best thing. Look for spaces like juice bars, organic restaurants, boutique hotels to help determine how an area will function.

Want recommendations for the best Boston neighborhoods for you? As your local real estate expert, I am happy to help you find the right home that fits all of your real estate needs!

Ken Snyder

Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro

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Architecture in the Boston Real Estate Market

Whether you're after a charming brownstone in Beacon Hill, a luxurious condo downtown, or a single-family home in Dorchester, finding a home in the right neighborhood within your price range can be daunting task. Luckily, as a Boston real estate agent, it's my job to help homebuyers find the perfect property without so much as lifting a finger. Because Boston is such an old city, aspiring residents have quite a few options when it comes to choosing an architectural style of home. Here, I'll explore a few of them and tell you in which neighborhoods you should narrow your focus.

Single-Family Homes

When looking for a single-family home in Boston, you'll have the best luck if you venture outwards towards the more residential areas of the city. A single-family home is ideal for a growing family, a couple, or a professional who values the perks of suburban living in an urban environment. Homebuyers will find parking, outdoor space, and ample room for hosting guests in areas like Dorchester and Somerville.

Neighborhoods: Somerville, West Roxbury, Dorchester

Brownstones & Row Houses

Beautiful, elegant, and highly sought after in the Boston real estate market is the brownstone. Most brownstones in Boston were constructed in the 1800s, and typically stand four to five stories high. Unmistakable for their bowed fronts, brown or red brick exterior, and intricate architectural detailing, you'll have to look in Boston's most desirable and affluent neighborhoods to find a brownstone to call "home."

Neighborhoods: South End, Beacon Hill, Back Bay

Condos

Those seeking a housing option that is low-maintenance and chock full of amenities should consider buying a condo in Boston. As the economy improves, more and more homebuyers are expressing interest in living in an urban environment close to the office, nightlife, restaurants, entertainment, and shopping. You'll find condos scattered throughout the city with the heaviest concentration downtown.

Neighborhoods: South End, Downtown, Back Bay

Lofts

A truly unique housing option, there are a wide selection of lofts available in the Boston real estate market. Converted warehouses in areas like the Leather District boast exposed brick walls, beamed ceilings, and spectacular views of Boston's skyline and harbor. With open floor plans and oftentimes expansive terraces, a loft is the perfect housing option for those who love to entertain! 

Neighborhoods: Seaport, Leather District, Waterfront

And there you have it. A brief overview of the different housing options you'll find as you begin your adventure in the Boston real estate market. Once you're ready to begin your search in earnest, please contact me so I can put together a list of brownstones, condos, single-family homes, or lofts for you to consider. I look forward to the opportunity to stand by your side as you begin the home buying process!

Ken Snyder
Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro
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Boston's Best: Seafood Restaurants

If you’re a seafood fan, there’s nothing more satisfying than indulging in the day’s catch at an oceanfront restaurant. Lucky for us, Boston’s location on the coast means there are countless opportunities to discover fantastic seafood all around the city. Once you buy a home in Boston, it’s only a matter of time before you find your favorite local seafood joint. From lobster rolls to oysters to clam chowder, every one of Boston’s neighborhoods offers something to satiate your craving for fresh seafood. If you’re planning a visit to search for a home in Boston, I recommend taking the following seafood tour of the city. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!

Neptune Oyster – North End

63 Salem St

Boston, MA 02113

In my opinion, Neptune Oyster offers some of the best seafood Boston has to offer. Although the oyster bar is to die for, this North End eatery is famous for its warm lobster roll with huge chunks of lobster drenched in butter. Stop in on Sundays for the best fish tacos in town! Recommended: lobster roll, oysters

Off the Boat Italian & Seafood Restaurant – East Boston

26 Porter St

East Boston, MA 02128
This family owned restaurant in East Boston dishes up two cuisines Boston is known for. Off the Boat Italian & Seafood offers an intimate dining experience with great service. A great option if not everyone in your party loves seafood. The Chicken Parmesan is delightful! Recommended: seafood meatballs, homemade fusilli

Yankee Lobster Fish Market – Waterfront

300 Northern Ave

Boston, MA 02210

If the seafood craving strikes midday, head over to Yankee Lobster Fish Market in Boston’s Waterfront District. Locals and tourist alike rave about the hearty clam chowder and cod cakes. On a nice day, try your luck at grabbing a table outside and sip a local brew from Harpoon right next door.

Recommended: clam chowder, cod cakes

North End Fish Market – North End

99 Salem St

Boston, MA 02113

Also known as Mercato del Mare, North End Fish Market is a quaint seafood market and restaurant located in Boston’s North End. Stop in for a quick bite on the go, or pick up some fresh fish to take home and make for dinner. Recommended: sushi, lobster roll

The above options are just a handful of the outstanding dining options we have here in Boston. From local chains to hole-in-the-wall seafood shacks, you can find somewhere to grab a bite around every corner. As a Boston real estate agent, something I absolutely love about my job is exposing my clients to everything the city has to offer. From cultural events, to festivals, to unique shopping and dining options, there’s always something new to discover in Boston. If you’re planning to buy a home in Boston, please reach out to me. I’d love to help you find the perfect neighborhood and home to fit your lifestyle and budget.

Ken Snyder
Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro
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Selecting the Right Boston Neighborhood

Once you have decided to buy a home in Boston, one of the first things you’ll have to determine is what neighborhood is right for you. As a Boston real estate agent and longtime resident, I can tell you that choosing one neighborhood over another can make a huge difference. Not that one neighborhood is inherently “better” than the next, but your lifestyle and preferences will play major roles in determining where you’ll feel most at home. I can’t cover all 21 neighborhoods in this blog post, but I do want to give you some information on a select few to help you narrow your Boston homesearch.

South End

History buffs looking to buy a home in Boston will fall in love with the South End. The neighborhood boasts classic row homes set along tree-lined streets just steps from parks, playgrounds, and community gardens. Not only is the South End aesthetically pleasing, it’s also rich in diversity, which can be experienced at any one of the area’s many ethnic restaurants. In addition to its fine dining, the South End is also known as an artist community. The SoWa district is home to art galleries and artists’ studios in addition to New England’s largest outdoor weekly bazaar, SoWa Sundays. Located just minutes from downtown Boston, many commuters either walk to work or take the bus or MBTA Orange Line.

Beacon Hill           

If you’re moving to Boston to experience city life yet still want to live in a neighborhood with a suburban feel, add Beacon Hill to your list of places to check out. Distinguished by Federal-style row homes, brick sidewalks and gas-lit narrow streets, this relatively small neighborhood is stunningly beautiful. Known amongst locals as having the best antique shops in Boston, Beacon Hill is an ideal shopping destination whether you want to add a new piece to your collection or just feel like browsing for the afternoon. Beacon Hill is another good option for commuters with easy access to the MBTA Red, Green, and Blue Lines.

Back Bay

For those who like to be where the action is, consider a move to Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood. Often referred to as the “city center,” Back Bay is situated in the heart of Boston and is home to some of the best shopping in the city. Newbury Street, Prudential Center and Copley Place provide residents with limitless access to boutiques, restaurants, bars, day spas, and more. Most residents live in picturesque Victorian brownstones and travel by way of the MBTA Green Line and Orange Line and regionally by MBTA commuter rail and Amtrak.

As you can see, Boston’s neighborhoods are extremely diverse and cater to a variety of different lifestyles. Once you have your finances in order and are ready to begin your search, feel free to reach out to me if you need some help getting started. As a Boston real estate agent, I know this city like the back of my hand and would be honored to help you choose the appropriate neighborhood, obligation free. 

Ken Snyder
Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro
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