We asked Bostonians what neighborhoods were right under their noses for months, or years, of living in the city. With hundreds of respondents, we compiled a list of what appear to be Boston’s most undiscovered neighborhoods.
We’ve all heard of Back Bay, Seaport, and Southie! But what about Bay Village, Koreatown, and Lower Mills?
If none of those Boston neighborhoods sound familiar, then this list is for you. The all-encompassing list also includes some neighborhoods in Cambridge and Somerville. So, if you want to learn more about your city, humble yourself, or simply find a new area to explore, here are the city’s most mysteriously unknown neighborhoods to Bostonians:
- Bay Village
- Roslindale
- Ink Block (part of Boston’s South End)
- Ball Square (part of Somerville)
- Huron Village (part of West Cambridge)
- Charlestown
- Magoun Square (part of Somerville)
- Lower Allston
- Koreatown
- Cambridgeport
- Fort Point (part of South Boston)
- Hyde Park
- Lower Mills (part of Dorchester)
- West Medford
- SOWA (part of South End and short for “South of Washington Avenue)
- Nubian Square
- Brookfarm
- Woodbourne (Part of Jamaica Plain)
- West End
- Savin Hill
WTH is Bay Village?
Perhaps the most undiscovered Boston neighborhood is Bay Village, with about 30% of respondents claiming they “never knew it existed” or “have no idea where Bay Village is located.” Let’s preface this question by noting that Bay Village is officially the “smallest neighborhood of Boston.” Measuring 25 acres, it’s easy to understand how this neighborhood might go undiscovered compared to vast neighborhoods like Back Bay that measure 450 acres!
Due to the mysterious nature of the neighborhood, it is often referred to as “Boston’s secret garden.” What the neighborhood lacks in size, it makes up for in charm and history, offering a “brick rowhouse oasis” of charming Federal Period architecture that was popular from 1780-1830.
Find this unique housing on a hidden enclave on Fayette and Melrose Streets. Bay Village is at the intersection of South End, the Public Garden, and the Theater District.