Formerly known as Dorchester Neck, South Boston marks the historic site where George Washington evacuated the British in 1776. These days it is better known as the location of Ben Affleck's more mature works. “Southie” as locals say, exudes a cinematic quality: sweeping views across Pleasure Bay, ample park space, …

Located on the south bank of the Mystic River and separated from other Somerville nabes by Interstate 93 and Rt 28, Ten Hills is a tiny nabe predominated by–despite what its name suggests–one single hill. Named after John Winthrop's Ten Hills Farm, this nabe has ample access to recreational activities, …

The oldest neighborhood in Somerville, East Somerville is known for its rich history and tight knit vibe: a thriving main street, community gardens, and annual festivals (there's a Fluff Fest every year–last year's theme was “whoopie pies!!”) Residents here take advantage of the fairly inexpensive rent and proximity to larger …

As its names suggests, Mid Cambridge is in the heart of Cambridge proper, surrounded by such hotspots as Harvard and Iman Squares. It is a densely populated, residential area with single family homes, brownstones, and apartment buildings of all sizes. Mid Cambridge is a leafy green nabe despite its high …

Inman Square is city dwelling at its best. You'll find quiet residential streets just steps away from a hip, happening main street where local businesses thrive. Green space and green grocers keep locals healthy and happy, and neighborhood pride is strong and on display at local coffee shops (no Starbucks …

Boston's Financial District's exact boundaries are rather nebulous, but it's fair to say this nabe sits between Chinatown, Government Center, and Downtown Crossing. Any given Tuesday in the Financial District, you're likely to see the following: lawyers hurrying accross the street, bankers eating at a lunch truck, mutual …

Jamaica Hills is part of Boston’s Jamaica Plain nabe. Bounded by the Arnold Arboretum, sections of The Emerald Necklace, and Jamaica Pond, Jamaica Hills is true green space haven. In addition to its parks, residents also enjoy close proximity to the richly diverse restaurants and shops in Jamaica Plain’s urban …

In Fisher Hill, you'll be hard-pressed to find a home without one of the following: a turret, a drawing room, a commissioned lawn sculpture. Built atop a hill bordering the Brookline Reservoir, Fisher Hill's streets wind through a beautiful, wooded landscape. At the very apex of the hill is Newbury …

A peninsula to the northeast of Boston proper, Winthrop has miles of coastline that face the ocean, Logan Airport, and East Boston. All of these are accessible through a local bus line and marinas, making this closely-knit, residential nabe a convenient locale for commuters and fishermen alike. The overhead airplane …

Porter Square is sandwiched by Harvard Square and Davis Square–giving this nabe a convenient location and plenty of amenities. Porter Square offers affordable housing, direct access to the Red Line T, convenient shopping at suburb-sized grocery stores, and ample dining options for residents and visitors.

Waban, another of Newton's several villages, is home to a mix of large single family mansions and more modestly sized homes in a manicured, suburban setting. An authentic old fashioned market hardware store add dimension the nabe, and the Waban Improvement Society organizes community events and projects to rouse pride …

One of the oldest villages in the city of Newton, West Newton is a quaint, residential neighborhood with beautiful homes just outside of Boston proper. West Newton Square forms the town center and is home to a quiet collection of locally owned businesses and bistros, including the historic West Newton …

Auburndale, just south of the Charles, remains one of Newton's quieter villages. Little has changed in Auburndale in comparison to neighboring Waban and West Newton, which have become a bit ritzy and urban recently. The residents of this nabe enjoy all the foliage and space available to them in …

A tiny nabe wedged between West Cambridge and Porter Square, Larchwood is often hailed as one of Cambridge's prettiest neighborhoods. Originally the estate of wealthy Salem merchant William Gray, the land was redesigned in 1915 by well-known landscape architect Henry Hubbard as a residential subdivision. Larchwood boasts green lawns, tree …

Wedged between Allston and Newton, Brighton is a lively little nabe that many of Boston's brightest call home. Not quite the student mecca that Allston is, or the hilly, suburban locale of Newton, Brighton seems to take the best of both worlds: residential and busy at the same time. The …

The South End got its name because it's located south of the Back Bay. The area is a mix of residential and commercial zoning that is dense, with a different look and feel on nearly every street. This nabe boasts more public playgrounds per square foot than any other …

Prudential is widely known as a shopaholic's paradise. The Prudential Cente is home to a giant mall with everything from a male bathing suit store to an award-winning chowder house. But there's more to the nabe than the mall. A stone's throw away from Symphony Hall and other top notch …

Chinatown is one of Boston’s oldest and most dynamic nabes. Its history, food, traditions, and people make up a rich and ever-changing culture. Located next to Tufts Medical Center and Downtown Crossing, Chinatown is in the thick of downtown action. During the day, eclectic market produce and wares overflow onto …

Harvard Aggasiz is located within Cambridge, northeast of Harvard Yard. Like a soap opera marriage, the neighborhood’s relationship with the University is complicated: the college relies on the nabe for space to build, the nabe relies on the college for money and beautification efforts. Harvard and Lesley Universities bring an …

A lifelong City Point resident and owner of Clair Anne’s Flower Shop, Clair tells us about the highlights of City Point.

How much has the neighborhood changed in the past few decades?

It’s unbelievable. When I was your age and I worked at Gillette, they didn’t like South Boston. They …