One of the oldest neighborhoods of Boston, Charlestown is mainly residential. Originally settled in 1629, Charlestown was originally a separate town and is located across the Charles River and inner harbor from Downtown Boston.

Charlestown’s gaslight district is similar to the Back Bay and Beacon Hill in that it is comprised mainly of Victorian era brick townhouses built in the mid-19th century along narrow streets (and yes, they are lined with gaslights). The other areas of Charlestown contain many wood frame buildings and houses that stretch back to earlier that century and even back into the 1700s.

Today, most of these buildings have been converted into condos, but many of them remain as single-family homes. It’s a beautiful neighborhood that’s somewhat less pricey than other downtown Boston neighborhoods.

Charlestown is across the Charles River from Boston, and to the east of Somerville. It is served by the MBTA Orange Line via the Community College and Sullivan Square stops. From Boston, it is reachable by car via I-93 and the Zakim Bridge.