A Tale of Two Neighborhoods

BEACON HILL AND BACK BAY, two original Boston neighborhoods, were built in 1795 and 1890, respectively. They are both stunning places to live, work, and visit, thanks to the architectural details that we—the residents and keepers of these living time capsules—work so hard to preserve. Our similarities are easy to spot: brick rowhomes, brownstone buildings, ornate limestone facades, and distinctive

interiors. Tourists might not detect the differences, but residents know them well. So what really makes Back Bay (population 18,983) and Beacon Hill (population 9,327) different?

BARKS AND TREATS

Beacon Hill: “Yappier Hour” at the Liberty Hotel brings humans and pups together for water and wine. This legendary networking event unleashes fun! Still thirsty on the walk home? Step inside “Paws on Charles.” They keep individual water bowls in the back, available for your furry friend, just ask.

Back Bay: The Commonwealth Avenue Mall is an unofficial dog runway with hidden treat buckets along the way. If you stroll east towards the Public Garden, check out the second to last bench near Exeter Street. Your dog will sniff out the secret! If you need a fly collar, visit “Pawish” on Gloucester. Nancy, the owner, will greet you with a smile. She can also offer grooming, hidden but available on the lower floor.

HOLIDAY SPIRIT

Back Bay: Starting in December, Commonwealth Avenue observes a beloved tradition: the lighting of 270 trees to illuminate the mall, creating a festive feeling. 

Beacon Hill: Halloween on The Hill. Elaborate building decorations, creative costumes and king-sized candy bars. This elevated “Trick or treat” is taken to the next level on the corner of where Mount Vernon Street meets Louisburg Square.

HIDDEN DRINK EXPERIENCES

Back Bay: Home to three hidden speakeasys. The Blind Duck at Raffles, D16 Bar Lounge on Boylston, and—my personal favorite—Hecate, named after the Greek goddess of magic and witchcraft, on Gloucester Street.

Beacon Hill: One speakeasy— 89 Charles—which opened in September, with a swanky design theme inspired by “The Great Gatsby.”

KNOCK KNOCK

Beacon Hill: Front door details with loads of personality. Frogs, lions, pineapples and fish. On the three blocks that make up Chestnut Street, there are 46 door knockers!

Back Bay: On all nine blocks of Marlborough Street, there are only 11 door knockers. Lions and tigers and bears, oh my. Opportunity knocks!

TALE OF TOWNHOMES

Back Bay: 114 single-family townhomes. 

Beacon Hill: 443 single-family townhomes.

COBBLESTONE AND GAS LAMPS

Beacon Hill: Original cobblestone streets. Stones sourced from riverbeds and complemented by 1,124 active original gas-lit lamps.

Back Bay: No cobblestone streets. Red bricks line many streets, alongside 209 active original gas-lit lamps.

RECESS AND LUNCH

Beacon Hill: Myrtle Street Playground was renovated in 2022 and is located at the top of hill. It offers one main play structure, swings, and toys. The BHCA has a “Friends of the Myrtle Street Playground” that organizes seasonal events for families and programs like Summer Movie Nights.

Back Bay: Clarendon Street Playground was established in 1977 and renovated in 2023. Nestled under a dense canopy of mature trees, it offers two play structures, swings, slides, toys, and more. The NABB has a “Playground Committee” that organizes seasonal events for families.

PRIVATE WAYS OR ALLEYWAYS

Beacon Hill: No alleyways— instead it has a total of 27 private ways, the city version of a cul-desac. Not having alleyways means less parking and trash pick-up takes place on the street in front.

Back Bay: No private ways, except for one! Back Street is still private and located on the “waterside”

behind Beacon Street. Back Bay infrastructure at the turn of the century included rear alleyways, 36 in total, each measuring 16 feet wide, offering residents rear parking alongside trash bin storage.

AT THE HEART

The core meaning of a neighborhood is a community—with physical boundaries. Back Bay and Beacon Hill were designed to have differences, bringing neighbors closer together. Remember, your random act of kindness is one wave, one smile. This could make a real difference for someone, even if they are not your neighbor.