The North End is a neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, United States. It has the distinction of being the city’s oldest residential community, where Europeans have continuously inhabited since it was colonized in the 1630s. Though small, only 0.36 square miles, the neighborhood has nearly one hundred establishments and a variety of tourist attractions. It is known for its Italian American population and Italian-themed restaurants. The district is a pending Boston Landmark. With dozens of eateries serving homemade pasta, fresh-baked bread, cannoli, and cappuccino, the North End is infused with the flavor of its rich Italian history. Colonial-era sites are located throughout Boston’s oldest residential neighborhood including Paul Revere’s house, the Old North Church, and Copp’s Hill Burying Ground. The North End comes alive in the summertime with feasts, festivals, and processions.
Boston’s own Little Italy, the North End, is a study in contrasts. It’s a neighborhood with European roots were parades and pastries seem to flow from every street corner, but at the same time, has been adopted by a younger generation—the kind that favors green smoothies over gelato and pumpkin spice lattes over Prince spaghetti. While the old days of Italian charm certainly aren’t gone, the North End has changed significantly in recent decades.
It’s still an enclave for the city’s Italian community, but real estate companies have done their best to capitalize on the neighborhood’s proximity to downtown and the waterfront, therefore pricing out many of the European immigrants who established the neighborhood in the first place. LadyB’s Bed Bug Pros Boston
As one of Boston’s most highly coveted residential areas, it often feels like the only people buying in the North End these days are wealthy retirees, finance bros, and Bruins players. There are significantly fewer Italian grandmas yelling out windows of fifth-floor walkups nowadays, but you’ll still find plenty of old-timers sitting in plastic lawn chairs on the sidewalks. Aside from countless Italian restaurants, the neighborhood is filled with historical homes and buildings, too, from the Old North Church to the famed Skinny House. Perhaps the most wonderful aspect of the North End is the neighborhood’s fierce pride in itself. Folks who grew up or run businesses in the area love to celebrate the community, particularly during the annual revelry of Feast season.
Restaurants and Pubs
- Carmelina’s is located at 307 Hanover St, Boston, MA
- Tenoch Mexican is located at 3 Lewis St, Boston, MA
- Paddy O’s is located at 33 Union St #22, Boston, MA
- Hennessy’s Bar is located at 25 Union St, Boston, MA
- The Bell in Hand Tavern is located at 45 Union St, Boston, MA
Check out other neighborhoods like South Boston