Let the numbers do the talking.
Back Bay, MA vs Beacon Hill, MA
Back Bay, MA vs Beacon Hill, MA: What the data shows
Back Bay, MA is in Back Bay, MA while Beacon Hill, MA is in Beacon Hill, MA — both in the same state. On home prices, Back Bay, MA is the more affordable option at $1,461,100 median — $212,700 less than Beacon Hill, MA's $1,673,800. WYLT rates Back Bay, MA as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration — and Beacon Hill, MA as “Settle here” — an excellent place to put down roots.
Beacon Hill, MA has the stronger safety profile of the two. Back Bay, MA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Beacon Hill, MA has Low violent crime and Low property crime. On environmental risk, Back Bay, MA has Low flood risk and Beacon Hill, MA has Low flood risk.
The two neighborhoods are similarly walkable. Back Bay, MA scores 100/100 (exceptionally walkable) versus Beacon Hill, MA's 100/100 (exceptionally walkable). For families weighing school quality, both neighborhoods have the same school rating — Back Bay, MA rates 7.5/10 and Beacon Hill, MA rates 7.5/10.
| Category | Back Bay, MA | Beacon Hill, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Good for now | Settle here |
| Median Price | $1.46M ✓ Lower price | $1.67M |
| Median Rent | $2K ✓ Lower rent | $3K |
| Median Income | $132K | $170K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 100/100 | 100/100 |
| Transit Score | 70/100 ✓ Better transit | 60/100 |
| Bike Score | 80/100 ✓ More bikeable | 65/100 |
| Commute | 6 min | 4 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ | A ✓ Safer |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Low ✓ Lower risk |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Low ✓ Lower risk |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good ✓ Cleaner air |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 7.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Best for | Young professionalsStudents and recent gradsNightlife and dining enthusiasts | High‑earning professionalsRemote workers who value downtown proximityRetirees seeking low crime and walkability |
Bottom line
Both neighborhoods have distinct trade-offs — review the data above to find your best fit.
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