Located in Norfolk County, Downtown is one of 23 designated neighborhoods in Boston, MA. The Downtown area is made up of a mix of commercial and residential buildings; educational, government and cultural institutions; theaters and a restaurant and nightlife scene; public transportation; 24 million square feet of commercial office space; and people from all demographics.

Downtown stats – 1. Everything is within walking distance. 2. There are 130 restaurants, 300 retail stores, 185 jewelers. 3. Over 10,000 people live in this designated neighborhood.

Go shopping.

1. Macy’s – Originally known as Jordan Marsh, it was and still is one of the downtown’s main attraction. It was Boston’s first department store, and at one time, its largest. Its origins date back to 1841, when Eben Jordan opened a dry goods store and later partnered with Benjamin Marsh. Today, it is one of two department store chains owned by the company, Macy’s Inc., with the other being Bloomingdale’s.
2. Jewelers Building – Since 1922, The Jewelers Exchange Building has served as the number one source for diamonds and jewelry for the city of Boston and beyond, for both retail customers as well as suburban jewelry stores on a wholesale level. Today, the building is home to over 155 independent  jewelers specializing in diamonds, colored gems, pearls, time pieces, sterling and services such as appraising and engraving. These jewelers have direct access to the finest materials and expert crafts people.
3. So much more! – TJ Maxx, Marshalls, DSW, Forever 21, Men’s Wearhouse, Old Navy, Primark and more!

Enjoy the entertainment.

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. Orpheum Theatre – Originally known as the Boston Music Hall in 1852, it served as the original home of the New England Conservatory. The Orpheum appears a bit dated, but despite the tattered appearance, sold out shows are the norm for this venue. It now plays host to live musical performances booked by companies such as Tea Party Concerts and Live Nation.
3. Paramount Center at Emerson – The Paramount opened in 1932 as a 1700-seat, single-screen movie theatre. It was one of the first movie houses in Boston to play talking motion pictures. The theatre was named after its original owner, Paramount Pictures. It closed in 1976 and most of the interior decoration was destroyed during the removal of asbestos in the 1980s. In April 2005, Emerson College announced plans to renovate the Paramount Theatre and build a performing arts facility in and around the original building to include a 550-seat theater, a Performance Development Center, a student residence hall, a 125-seat black box theater, a 170-seat film screening room, rehearsal studios, practice rooms, a sound stage for film production classes, a scene shop, several classrooms, a restaurant and offices for faculty and staff.  The project was completed in the fall of 2008. It opened its doors in March of 2010.

Grab a bite.

1. Marliave – This amazing restaurant serves classic French, Italian, and American dishes with an historically delicious twist. Marliave is one of the oldest restaurants in Boston. It has been there since 1875.
2. Papagayo – Making their margaritas from scratch with fresh fruit, agave nectar, 100% blue agave tequila, and orange liquor, you will find them to be the best around. This Mexican food is prepared with the finest local vegetables, fresh made tortillas and the freshest proteins found.
3. Paul Bakery – Paul is a chain of bakery and cafe style restaurants established in 1889 in the town of Croix, in Nord, by Charlemagne Mayot. Celebrating 125 years, PAUL is the Ambassador of the French art de vivre. Boston is one of 12 locations in the United States to have this famed bakery.

Discover history.

1. Old South Meeting House – One of the nation’s most important colonial sites, Old South Meeting House still stands in the heart of bustling downtown Boston, open to the public daily as a historic site, museum and an active gathering place for discussion and celebration.
2. Old City Hall – For more than 120 years, Boston’s leaders have met in this historic area of the city. It was home to Boston’s first public school attended by Ben Franklin, John Hancock and Samuel Adams, and it served as City Hall for 38 mayors, including John Fitzgerald and James Curley. It has since been converted into a first class office building occupied by more than 20 of Boston’s leading businesses.
3. Old State House – The Old State House is the oldest and most important public building in American history prior to the Revolution, where John Adams insisted, “Independence was born.” The Old State House, the oldest surviving public building in Boston, was built in 1713 to house the government offices of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
4. St. Anthony’s Shrine – A historic Catholic Church located on Arch Street. Home to daily Mass and over 25 outreach ministries.

Other stops.

1. Millennium Tower – A 60-story residential skyscraper built on the site of the former Filene’s and Filene’s Basement. Upon completion, the luxury high-rise was named the third tallest building in Boston. The property features 442 residences, a Roche Bros. grocery store and office space.
2. Brattle Book Shop – One of America’s oldest and largest used book shops. The Brattle Book Shop features two floors of general used books, a third floor of rare & antiquarian books and an outside sale lot.
3. Suffolk University Law School – For more than 100 years, Suffolk Law has produced some of the nation’s most distinguished legal professionals. With an emphasis on real-world practice and experiential learning, and with more than 23,000 alumni worldwide, Suffolk Law is an unmatched place to start, build, and launch a successful career – and life – in law.
4. Omni Parker House – Historic Boston with a Downtown Twist – A legendary symbol in Boston since 1855, Omni Parker House boasts old-world charm and elegance accompanied by all of the modern conveniences of a world-class establishment. The hotel offers the perfect destination for the leisure traveler, while the services and amenities appeal to those looking for a first-class business hotel.
5. Irish Famine Memorial – To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Irish Famine, Boston’s Irish community unveiled a $1 million memorial park on June 28,1998. The park is sited along the city’s Freedom Trail, and is visited by over three million people annually.

There is quite a bit to do in this very small designated neighborhood called the Downtown.

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 Downtown Boston
5. Explore Downtown Boston
6. Boston Elderly Commission – Council on Aging
7. Utilities
8. Guides to Boston