Historical Charlestown
by Melissa Eckhardt

Charlestown is experiencing a real estate resurgence thanks in part to its rich history and recent restoration of homes. Settled by the English in 1629 and annexed to Boston in 1874, it is a quaint, historical neighborhood within walking distance to downtown Boston.

What makes Charlestown such a market hotspot? For starters, the Navy Yard is a must-see on any patriot's tour of Boston. Home to the famous USS Constitution, also known as "Old Ironsides," the 198 year old Yard preserves thirty acres of what was once a booming shipbuilding industry. Many of the brick foundries and forges of the industry have been renovated and are now luxurious condominiums.

The waterfront offers much more. Kayakers and canoers can launch into Boston Harbor from the Constitution Marina or the Schraffts Center Public Boat Launch, with access to the Mystic River. There's The Courageous Sailing Center at the Navy Yard, a nonprofit organization offering sailing programs to children and adults. The waterfront also features a boardwalk along the harbor.

Of course, land offers as much as water in Charlestown. The Bunker Hill Monument, standing 221 feet tall and featuring 294 steps with a great view on a clear day, stands in a Victorian neighborhood. The adjoining house laround the square were sold in the 1830's to help fund the obelisk monument. This area, known as Monument Square, is proof of Charlestown's real estate resurrection. A townhouse on the Square can exceed $500,000 and a two bedroom condo can go for $250,000+.

City Square Park is testament to Charlestown's neighborhood-wide renovations. The park, now a year old, is a blend of the Colonial era and modern times. Brick paths and bronze-work are two modern characteristics, while the foundation stones of the 1629 Great House, which was destroyed after the Battle of Bunker Hill, offer an interesting archaeological piece of history. The Park renovations hint at future improvements to be made in the neighborhood.

Charlestown is home to a number of terrific restaurants and taverns. Todd English created a restaurant boom in 1989 with upscale Olives restaurant. He later opened Figs, a trattoria/pizzeria now with more than one Boston area location. Another well-known eatery is The Warren Tavern, dating back before the USS Constitution. It offers a historical atmosphere for lunch or dinner.

The neighborhood is home to about seven hundred businesses, ranging from home-based professionals to multi-national corporations. It is also home to a major shipping terminal. Quick access to and from the city is provided by MBTA bus, subway, and ferry. Charlestown is convenient to the commuter rail and Logan Airport. Downtown Boston and Cambridge are within walking distance.

The gentrification of Charlestown may be an ongoing process, but one which has already taken history, turned it around, and made it work for both the real estate market and for Charlestown residents, who get the best of both a historical Colonial neighborhood and a modern city life.

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