Beacon Hill

Prestigious historic neighborhood with cobblestone streets

Overview for Beacon Hill, MA

8,306 people live in Beacon Hill, where the median age is 34 and the average individual income is $115,340. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

8,306

Total Population

34 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$115,340

Average individual Income

Welcome to Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill is one of Boston’s most prestigious and historic neighborhoods. The neighborhood is named for Boston’s version of D.C.’s Capitol Hill, with the gold-domed 18th-century Massachusetts State House sitting atop the highest natural point in central Boston. Beacon Hill is characterized by quaint cobblestone streets illuminated by gaslit streetlamps and lined with elegant Federal rowhouses. Louisburg Square is one of Boston’s most desirable addresses, with beautiful 1840s Greek Revival townhouses surrounding a public square with statues of Aristides and Columbus. Acorn Street’s attractive brownstones have made it one of the most photographed streets in the United States. Beacon Hill offers boutique and antique shopping along Charles Street, a winter ice skating pond at Boston Common, and summer concerts at the Charles River Esplanade’s Hatch Shell. Discover Beacon Hill real estate with Beth Dickerson!

What to Love About Beacon Hill Real Estate 

  • Prestigious historic neighborhood

  • Quaint cobblestone streets

  • Elegant architecture

  • Boutique shopping

  • A variety of stunning Beacon Hill houses for sale to choose from

People & Lifestyle - Living in Beacon Hill, MA

Beacon Hill has been home to many of Boston’s most elite residents from the 18th century onward. Little Women novelist Louis May Alcott lived on Louisburg Square in the 19th century, and today its residents include former Secretary of State John Kerry. Beacon Hills is one of Boston’s most attractive neighborhoods and is also within walking distance of important areas such as the Financial District.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Charles Street is one of the best areas in Boston for boutique shopping. Fashion boutiques such as December Thieves, Holiday, and Ouimillie offer curated collections of stylish apparel. Dress Boston is one of the best places to pick up womenswear at the forefront of contemporary style. Charles Street’s specialty stores include unique gift emporium Black Ink and skincare specialists Follain. The Red Wagon is stocked with cute children’s clothing, books, and toys. 

Beacon Hill’s restaurant scene is just as diverse as the shopping. Highlights include sophisticated modern steakhouse Mooo, celebrity chef Todd English’s inventive pizzeria Figs, and traditional Tuscan eatery Toscano. No. 9 Park offers elegant and innovative fine dining with dishes fusing the flavors of Italy and France. 

Beacon Hill is also home to what is arguably the world’s most famous bar: Cheers Beacon Hill. This landmark bar and restaurant served as the main exterior filming location for the television comedy Cheers. 

Beacon Hill is teeming with other fun and trendy nightlife options. Local favorites include bustling pub The Sevens Ale House and 1920s speakeasy-style Carrie Nation Cocktail Club. Just across from the State House, 21st Amendment is a favorite after-work hangout for legislators and journalists. 

Grocery stores include a Whole Foods Market on Cambridge Street plus independent stores DeLuca’s Market, Savenor’s Market, and Top Shelf.

Things to Do in Beacon Hill

The Massachusetts State House was built in 1798, and its distinctive gold dome has been a symbol of Boston ever since. The State House overlooks Boston Common, a sprawling 50-acre public greenspace that opened in 1634 as common grazing ground for Boston’s early Puritan settlers. Boston Common features large open lawns and a frog pond that serves as an ice skating rink in winter. Boston Public Garden on the west side of Boston Common is a gorgeous landscaped area with botanical gardens and statues. The Freedom Trail runs for 2.5 miles, starting at Boston Common and ending in Charlestown. 

Just north of the State House, the Museum of African American History has artifacts and artworks exploring Black history and heritage in the United States. The museum is part of Boston’s Black Heritage Trail, which takes in many significant sites relating to the life of the city’s free African American community before the Civil War. The Nichols House Museum features preserved rooms exhibiting the life of America’s upper classes between the 19th and 20th centuries. 

Also close to the State House, the Boston Athenaeum is one of the oldest independent libraries in the United States. The Athenaeum’s impressive collective includes much of George Washington’s personal library, busts owned by Thomas Jefferson of Washington and Benjamin Franklin, and original portraits for celebrated American artists such as John Singer Sargent.

Schools in Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill belongs to the Boston Public School District. Highlights include:

  • Suffolk University, Private, Higher Education

  • Suffolk University Law School, Private, Law School

Demographics and Employment Data for Beacon Hill, MA

Beacon Hill has 4,981 households, with an average household size of 1. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Beacon Hill do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 8,306 people call Beacon Hill home. The population density is 51,912.002 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

8,306

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

34

Median Age

49.27 / 50.73%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
4,981

Total Households

1

Average Household Size

$115,340

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Around Beacon Hill, MA

There's plenty to do around Beacon Hill, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

99
Walker's Paradise
Walking Score
70
Very Bikeable
Bike Score
100
Rider's Paradise
Transit Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Alba Produce, Surrey St Market, and Chattermark Distillers.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Dining 0.82 miles 10 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining 2.5 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining 1.99 miles 6 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 1.04 miles 11 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 2.01 miles 40 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 4.07 miles 9 reviews 5/5 stars

Schools in Beacon Hill, MA

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby Beacon Hill. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating