Welcome Home to East Boston
Melissa Eckhardt

Welcome to East Boston, an intimate but growing community just beyond downtown Boston. Once five islands in Boston Harbor, the area was land-filled to connect to Revere. Development began in the 1830's, making it one of the city's few neighborhoods created with a formal urban plan. Its harbor location made it a center for ship building, and was the home of Donald McKay, the well-known designer of noted clipper ships in the nineteenth century.

East Boston is an excellent option for those who wish to live near -- but not in-- downtown Boston. One of the most notable aspects is East Boston's affordability. Compared to downtown, prices in East Boston are reasonable and popular. With the blue line running throughout East Boston and a T station around every corner, downtown Boston is only a few minutes away. This accessibility combined with affordability makes East Boston an increasingly sought after neighborhood.

This popularity has led to a miniature renaissance, according to Glynece Kokkalis, realtor at Century 21 Mario Real Estate. "People are now discovering East Boston," she said. Many of East Boston's homes have been or are in the process of being renovated. Exteriors once deteriorating or hidden by vinyl siding now stand out with decorative molding and intricate paint work reminiscent of European Old World style. "More and more people come in from outside and want to do the restorations," said Kokkalis. These restorations are increasing the popularity and value of East Boston property.

The Greenway Project will link parks from Maverick Square up through Orient Heights. The Greenway will be East Boston's version of Boston's Emerald Necklace. Piers Park at elite Jeffries Point provides a sample of the finished product. This small park alone offers lush green grass, classic architecture, and a stunning view of Boston across the harbor. A three million dollar project is happening at Constitution Beach, including cleaning, resanding, and increasing grassy areas. MBTA blue line stations are also being renovated.

The numerous squares in East Boston are crowded with restaurants, each declaring its own flavor and personality. Italian restaurants are abundant. Joseph Mario, owner of Century 21 Mario Real Estate, cites favorites including Café Italia, Tony's on Summer Street, and Jimmy Magg's restaurant and bar. Said Kokkalis, "You'll never starve in East Boston. There are tons of restaurants, and everyone delivers."

It is East Boston's neighborhood feel, however, that makes it home to Mario, Kokkalis, and many others. East Boston is not just a Boston neighborhood but is also a community in which families have lived for generations and now share with an increasingly diverse population. Young professionals as well as families are moving into the area and finding not just renovated houses, but also homes. Mario explained, "We have a very caring neighborhood. Everyone is very neighborly, and we're legitimately concerned about each other."

Kokkalis says that the neighborhood feel is what has kept her in East Boston. She notes that it is common for renters in East Boston to eventually buy property because they feel a sense of community. Kokkalis and Mario agree, East Boston is a hidden treasure whose true value is just coming to light.

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