The 5 Best Neighborhoods To Live In Boston If You're LGBTQ+

Moving to a new city and finding your ideal neighborhood can be intimidating regardless, but if you're part of the LGBTQ+ community, that search takes on new importance. Finding a location where you feel accepted and safe, in addition to somewhere with suitable housing, accessible bars, and restaurants, and an overall comfortable atmosphere can make a significant difference in your everyday experience.

Luckily, Boston is a very open and accepting city. According to the Human Rights Campaign, Boston scored perfectly on their 2022 Municipal Equality Index Scorecard. This rating system determines scores for cities across five major categories — non-discrimination laws, inclusivity in city employment, LGBTQ-focused city services, equal treatment by law enforcement, and attitudes of city leaders. Boston's score of 100 is reflective of a city that cares about its LGBTQ+ residents, so wherever you go, you'll be treated equally. However, few neighborhoods have earned the reputation of being popular spots for the LGBTQ+ community, with local businesses, venues, and attractions to match.

The South End is known by most as Boston's quintessential LGBTQ+ neighborhood, especially for the younger crowd. It's become a melting pot of just about everyone over the years, from young professionals to families, and the design and businesses in the area reflect that diversity. Everything is eclectic, blending the beauty of historic streets and homes with new local shops, restaurants, and art studios throughout the neighborhood.

According to Boston, the Landmark District officially sits nestled east of Back Bay and south of the Theatre District, meaning it's just a few minutes away from the hustle and bustle of downtown, but far enough removed if you'd rather a bit more peace or are planning to raise a family. This area hosts the Boston Ballet, dozens of unique restaurants, and the SoWa Art and Design District, filled with once-abandoned warehouses that have been transformed into studios, showrooms, and galleries.

Fenway-Kenmore is the place to go if you're looking for a young area with a lot of energy. The neighborhood includes over a dozen colleges, and the bustling nightlife and constant activities around Fenway Park reflect the relative youth of the residents. There's a lot to do here, from the nightclubs down Landsdowne Street to the Museum of Fine Arts and Symphony Hall, but the main attraction, of course, is the Red Socks at Fenway.

Fenway and Kenmore are still separate neighborhoods, but after years of co-mingling, they've begun to blend a bit. According to Boston, this area sits north of Mission Hill and west of Back Bay. It's a bit farther out from Downtown than some other Boston areas, but it makes up for it in the sheer number of things to do here. Because of Fenway Park, the area is awash with attractions aimed towards visitors and residents alike.

If you're willing to shell out a little extra cash on your living situation, Back Bay is certainly worth it. This area is one of the more affluent in Boston, and once you take a peek, it's obvious why. It's filled with beautiful brownstones, historic statues, and the intricately designed Boston Public Library. Heading down Newbury Street will take you past dozens of high-end stores and boutiques, or take a stroll down Commonwealth Avenue to learn more about the city's storied history.

Back Bay is the closest neighborhood on the list to Downtown, but it's still not directly in the hustle and bustle, via Boston. Instead of noisy city streets, you'll find more 19th-century homes transformed into small boutiques and eateries alongside the occasional historic church. As far as entertainment goes, there's a lot of focus on the area's history, with a few standout performance venues like the Celebrity Series of Boston and Emmanuel Music.

Jamaica Plain started its story as a summertime getaway for Boston residents, but nowadays, it's developed into a neighborhood of its own, per Boston. This area has much more lush green space than you'd expect from somewhere right on the city's outskirts, making it the perfect option if you want to get away from the noise but still have access to attractions only a few miles away in Downtown.

Jamaica Plain is also one of the safest neighborhoods in the Boston area, with a crime rate of 24.68 per 1,000 residents, according to CrimeGrade, making it a popular spot for families. The main area for shopping and restaurants, Centre Street, is also well known for its LGBTQ+ allyship, so you can be sure you're safe and accepted no matter what. Another major attraction in this neighborhood is the Samuel Adams Boston Brewery, a great spot to stop for a drink in the beer garden or tour behind the scenes. 

Dorchester is one of the largest areas in Boston, coming in at just over 6 square miles of land. The town was originally founded in the 1600s by a group of puritans from Dorchester, England. Still, today, the area has taken on its own reputation as a melting pot of different cultures and ethnicities, via Boston. Here, you'll find restaurants for just about any cuisine, public parks, and large murals showcasing Boston's history and the talent of its residents. Dorchester also has the added bonus of being one of the more affordable neighborhoods in the area, per RentCafe.

Each of these Boston neighborhoods brings its unique flair to the city, but the one thing they have in common is their history of allyship and inclusion with the LGBTQ+ community. Wherever you end up in the city, you're likely to be welcomed with open arms — as long as you're not a New York Yankees fan.