The West End

For about 80 days during the year, the residents of West End benefit from the revenue generated by sports fans that cheer on the Celtics and Bruins at the Garden. The bustling entertainment district located on the western edge of downtown comes alive during the autumn, winter, and spring, as both professional sports franchises sell out virtually every night during the season. With the Charles River flowing to the west and Beacon Hill rising majestically to the south, the West End of Boston combines revolutionary War charm and contemporary creativity in its housing stock. Multi-level apartment buildings conform to strict historic preservation codes, while single family homes retain the dignified appearances reminiscent of the Victorian era.

A controversial urban renewal plan launched by Boston civic leaders during the 1950s defines modern West End. Land reclamation helped spur the development of high-rise residential towers to attract young professionals that spend a large portion of their disposal incomes in the neighborhood. Property values soared during the height of the urban renewal program, which unfolded during the 1970s and 1980s. Neighborhood leaders focused much of their renewal efforts on developing the land adjoining the Charles River. The renewal focus has paid off in the rapid increase of small businesses operating along a thin strip of land near the river. Pubs and restaurants stay full from the traffic of customers that attend events at the Garden and Faneuil Hall.

As one of the most highly regarded medical facilities in the United States, Massachusetts General Hospital forms the economic backbone of the West End. Because of the importance of the hospital, local and federal agencies cooperated on an effort to expand public transit options to the neighborhood. The MBTA North Station represents Boston's second most visited subway center within the metro area. Commuters take the green line to downtown, where they transfer trains for other lines that criss cross the region. Ferry service shuttle tourists and commuters between the West End and Cambridge, which is the home of Harvard University.