Chinatown

Boston's Chinatown remains the last neighborhood of its kind along the New England seaboard. The rich history of the neighborhood translates into cultural amenities that attract not only tourists from all over the United States, but also Bostonians that want a slice of authentic Chinese culture. Myriad cultural events dot the calendar in Chinatown, most of which showcase Chinese traditions. Boston's Chinatown ranks third in the United States in size and it boasts a loyal residential base that keeps the neighborhood vibrant. A vast majority of the residents of Chinatown walk a few blocks to work at one of the restaurants and boutique shops that dazzle the five senses. Because of low housing turnover, finding a place to live in Chinatown requires most people to wait on a list for years.

Chinatown sits on the southern edge of Boston's downtown shopping and financial centers. The wealth generated by the financial and shopping districts keeps Chinatown housing prices above average for the Boston area. In 2010, the Boston Redevelopment Authority (RDA) granted $100,000 as the start of an initiative to maintain the residential backbone of the neighborhood. Every autumn, thousands of Bostonians flock to Chinatown to enjoy the Oak Street Fair that includes the world famous watermelon eating content. Parents enjoy tantalizing culinary treats, while children take pony rides and participate in several games. Tufts Medical Center operates on a large parcel of land within Chinatown, which bolsters the neighborhood's already strong economic base.

Chinatown sits near several public transportation options, such as the green line that stops at Chinatown and Tufts Medical Center. The South Station accommodates the red and silver lines, along with commuter rail service to outlying communities. Amtrak also makes a stop at the South Station. Chinatown residents live near Interstate 93 and the Massachusetts Turnpike, two of the busiest thoroughfares in metro Boston.