5 Best New England City Neighborhoods

By Kevin Koczwara

New England is home to many fine big cities that draw oodles of visitors, but each one is also home to smaller city neighborhoods that stand out for their character, style, attractions, and restaurants. Hoping to experience the best neighborhood feel in an otherwise big city? Here are some of our favorite city neighborhoods in New England.

5 Can’t-Miss City Neighborhoods in New England

Best City Neighborhood in Portland, Maine:

Munjoy Hill/East End

Maine’s biggest city has long been seen as a foodie beacon, and the Munjoy Hill/East End neighborhood more than upholds that reputation with places like Jing Yan Tavern, Cong Tu Bot, and the Front Room. In warm weather, hungry crowds head to the Eastern Promenade, whose views of Casco Bay are the backdrop for some of the city’s best food trucks. You’ll also take in great views from the top of the Portland Observatory.

See More: Summer Weekend in Portland, Maine | Travel Guide

Best City Neighborhood in Providence, Rhode Island:

Fox Point

Below Brown University on the East Side sits Fox Point, a city neighborhood that still feels intimate, even a touch secluded. It’s made for walking and biking, or just hanging out in parks along the harbor. Narragansett Brewery, New England’s oldest, makes its home here, while Wickenden Street invites browsing amid a trove of antiques and collectibles shops. 

See More: 5 Best Things to Do in Providence, Rhode Island

Best City Neighborhood in Boston, Massachusetts:

Jamaica Plain

At just 4.4 square miles, Jamaica Plain is packed with attractions that make life special. “JP” is popular with both locals and visitors for its many green spaces, including the Harvard-owned Arnold Arboretum. There’s also brewing stalwart Sam Adams; creative eateries like Tres Gatos, a tapas bar that’s also a book and record store; and the jewel-like Jamaica Pond, with its rowboat and sailboat rentals.

See More: Summer Weekend in Boston | Travel Guide

Best City Neighborhood in Burlington, Vermont:

Old North End

The Old North End (or O.N.E.) is a residential neighborhood north of bustling Church Street Marketplace and adjacent to UVM. Among its enticements are Battery Park, with its fine lake vistas; Intervale’s gardens and trails; the youth theater Very Merry Theatre; and funky stores like Junktiques, which draws artists and even celebrates the art of bartering.

See More: 5 Best Things to Do in Burlington, Vermont

Best City Neighborhood in Worcester, Massachusetts:

Canal District

While the canal itself was covered up long ago, residents of the Canal District know their neighborhood features some of Worcester’s best hidden gems, alongside heavy hitters like the Worcester Ice Center and Polar Park, home of the city’s Red Sox affiliate. The Worcester Public Market, meanwhile, would be a star attraction anywhere.

See More: Best of Worcester | 2023 Summer Travel Guide

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