Welcome to Chinatown – Real Estate and More

Located in Norfolk County, Chinatown is one of 23 designated neighborhoods in Boston, MA. It is the only surviving historic ethnic Chinese area in New England since the departure of the Chinatowns in Providence, RI and Portland, ME during the 1950s. It is also the third largest Chinatown in the United States to San Francisco, CA and New York City, NY.  Chinatown is one of the most densely populated residential areas in Boston. Due to the large number of Asians and Asian Americans living in this designated neighborhood, there is an abundance of Vietnamese and Chinese restaurants and markets.

Places to visit in Chinatown:

1. The Chinatown Gate – The official entrance to Chinatown, this decorative gate is a gift from the city of Taipei. It symbolizes an entryway for guests visiting Chinatown as well as an entryway for immigrants who are still settling here; they come to establish relationships and put down roots in their newly claimed home.
2. Top Restaurants –
   1. The Q Restaurant – Hot Pot, Sushi, Lounge. Voted #1 in Chinatown by Tripadvisor.
   2. Gourmet Dumpling House – You’ll find an extensive menu of hits from Canton lobster with vermicelli to Shandong dumplings, and everything in between.
   3.  Shabu-Zen – Boston’s home for personal, authentic Asian “Hot-Pot” cuisine.
3. Boston Theater District – Chinatown is home to the Theater District with opportunities to attend amazing performances; broadway plays, music, comedy, drama, dance and more.
   1. Boston Opera House – When it first opened its doors 84 years ago as the B. F. Keith Memorial, it was reported to be “so magnificent that it kind of takes your breath away for awhile” ~ Boston Globe, October 30, 1928. In 2004, a $54 million restoration was completed, bringing this magnificent theater back to life. It hosts the region’s top touring Broadway shows, Boston Ballet performances as well as cultural presentations and concerts.
   2. Boch Center – A nonprofit innovator and guardian of iconic venues, providing arts, entertainment, cultural, and educational experiences to the greater community. The structure was originally known as the Metropolitan Theatre when it opened in 1925. In 1962 it became the home of the Boston Ballet and was renamed the Music Hall. In 1983, Dr. An Wang made a very large donation and the Wang Center was born. From 1989–1992, $9.8 million was raised to restore the Theatre to “its glory days of the 1920s”. It was then named the Wang Center. Since that time it has been named the Citi Performing Arts Center and now the Boch Center.
   3. Wilbur Theater – A historic performing arts theater that originally opened in 1914, but was revitalized in 2008. The Wilbur Theatre dwells in the heart of Boston’s historic theater district and is known for hosting live comedy and music.
   4. Shubert Theater – Opened on January 24, 1910, this restored 1500+ seat theater – considered Boston Theater District’s “Little Princess” – continues to be the home for many local community arts organizations. The Shubert Theater also serves as a venue for the touring companies that present Broadway, theater, music, dance and opera.
   5. Charles Playhouse – It was regarded as one of the pioneering regional theaters in America. Blue Man Group and Shear Madness currently perform there.
4. Boston Public Garden – The first public botanical garden, established in 1837. Over 80 species of plants are cultivated at the Boston Parks and Recreation Department greenhouses for future plantings in the Garden and more than 50 other locations around the city. Due to the wide variety of plants and its romantic setting, the Boston Public Garden attracts many weddings.

The City of Boston is now called home to almost 6,873,018 residents. Estimated median household income is $78,800. Median home price is $560,300. Boston has a split tax rate; for fiscal year 2017, the real estate tax rate is $10.59 for residential and $25.37 for commercial and industrial properties.

Here are some important links that can help you navigate the City of Boston:

1. City of Boston
2. Boston Public Schools
3. Boston Parks and Recreation
4. Welcome to Chinatown
5. Boston Elderly Commission – Council on Aging
6. Utilities
7. Guides to Boston
8. History of Chinatown