Boston's Neighborhoods : The Back Bay

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• published: 24 Aug 2010
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http://www.BostonLuxuryRealEstate.com - Beginning in 1857 and continuing until 1880, Boston's Back Bay neighborhood was created entirely by man. The body of water separating Boston from Brookline was filled, adding 450 acres of land to the city of Boston. Today it stands as one of the Boston's premiere neighborhoods. Marked by historic and exclusive boulevards, such as Newbury Street and Commonwealth Avenue , the Back Bay is home to the northern portion of the city's Emerald Necklace, the green space that threads its way through the inner core of the city. The Back Bay is one of the busiest retail sections of Boston, with a thriving commercial center along Boylston Street and Newbury Street, which include the nearby enclosed shopping malls at the Shops at Prudential Center and Copley Place The Back Bay's borders are encompassed by the Charles River, Massachusetts Avenue, and the Boston Public Garden. Known for its exclusive real estate, abundance of spas, high end retail stores, art galleries, cafes and architecturally significant brownstones, Back Bay is also one of the prettiest neighborhoods in the entire country. The residential streets of Back Bay are some of the best preserved examples of late 19th century urban architecture in the entire country. Grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants or outdoor cafes lining Newbury Street. Day and night, summers bring crowded patios and leisurely lunches and dinners al fresco, with some of the best people watching vantage points in town. Some of America's top retail stores and art galleries dot Newbury Street from Arlington Street down to Massachusetts Avenue. There is plenty of green space in the Back Bay. Stroll down the Commonwealth Avenue Mall to view the blocks and blocks of brownstones, statues and memorials and residents walking their beautiful dogs. The mall connects the Public Garden to the Fens. Created in 1837, the Boston Public Garden is one of Boston's great attractions and America's first botanical garden. Admire the rich and unusual plantings, over 80 species are cultivated for future plantings, the Lagoon, monuments and fountains. And of course, the Swan Boats on the lagoon, which has operated for over 100 years. The Charles River Esplanade is home to the famous Hatch Shell and it's regular summertime concerts, including the annual Fourth of July celebration with the Boston Pops. The bike path runs 23 miles along the banks of the Charles River. Community Boating is the oldest continuously operating community sailing program in the United States. Offering sailing and windsurfing instruction, members are allowed to use their Cape Cod Mercury boats on the Charles River. Copley Square is anchored by the Fairmount Copley Plaza Hotel, The Boston Public Library, a leading example of Beaux-Arts architecture in the US, The Old South Church, and The 60 story dark blue glass John Hancock Tower. And of course, there's Trinity Church, founded in 1733, designed by Henry Hobson Richardson. Trinity Churchg is the only building in Boston that has been honored as one of the "Ten Most Significant Buildings in the United States" by the American Institute of Architects. The First Church of Christ, Scientist is The Mother Church and headquarters of the Christian Science Church. Designed by famed architect I.M. Pei, the 14 acre plaza includes a reflecting pool and fountain that makes it one of Boston's most visually recognizable sites. Some of Boston's finest museums are located in the Back Bay. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is modeled after the Renaissance palaces of Venice, Italy. The building surrounds a glass covered garden courtyard, the first of its kind in America. The Museum of Fine Arts is one of the largest museums in the United States, and offers one of the most comprehensive art collections in the Americas. Symphony Hall was built in 1900 for the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and is considered, acoustically, one of the top three concert halls in the world. It is also home to the famous Boston Pops Orchestra & the Handel and Hayden Society. The Back Bay offers some of Boston's premier real estate. From the early Victorian Houses on Commonwealth Avenue, dating back to around 1860, to townhouse condominiums, prewar buildings and some of the newer, full services buildings such as the Four Seasons Place, The Heritage and LeJardin, One Charles, and the Carlton House Residences, all located on the Public Garden. Located near the Prudential Center, The Mandarin Oriental and Belvedere Residences are centrally located in the heart of Back Bay. The Clarendon, across from the Hancock Tower and Trinity Place, overlooking Copley Square also offer prime locations and luxurious amenities. For all your real estate needs in Boston's Back Bay, Visit Marsh Properties at BostonLuxuryRealEstate.com Real estate video by http://www.NashuaVideoTours.com