Neighborhood Spotlight: Charlestown

DID YOU KNOW?

Did You Know? Charlestown is the oldest neighborhood within the city of Boston, and was originally called Mishawum by the Massachusett tribe. Charlestown proper was founded in 1628.

Did You Know? The territory of Charlestown was once considered the capital of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The territory was originally much larger and included land that now belongs to the cities of Woburn, Medford, Everett, Malden, Melrose, Stoneham, Somerville, Cambridge, Burlington, and Arlington.

Did You Know? On June 17, 1775, the Charlestown Peninsula was the site of the Battle of Bunker Hill. The town, including its wharves and dockyards, was almost completely destroyed during the battle by the British.

Did You Know? Throughout the 1960-1980’s Charlestown was infamous for its Irish Mob presence. Charlestown's McLaughlin Brothers were involved in a gang war with neighboring Somerville's Winter Hill Gang, during the Irish Mob Wars of the 1960s.

Did You Know? Charlestown has been a staple location for many famous films including The Departed, The Town, Mystic River, and Good Will Hunting.

FOOD & DRINK

Sure, Charlestown may be small, but it still has plenty to offer if you're looking for a bite to eat or a drink, and you'll be able to mix in some incredible views and history while you're at it!

Starting your day on the right foot, you'll want to stop by Anna's Cafe or Grasshopper Cafe for some amazing breakfast & pastries options as well as coffee (they're great for lunch too). If you're a big bacon fan, then you'll want to swing by the recently established Bacon Truck Cafe for lunch, which has turned the incredibly popular food truck into a small sit down establishment.

If you're a fan of pizza, Charlestown has some incredible options for you. You'll have to check out Figs by Todd English, a stalwart featuring thin-crust pizza with gourmet toppings plus Italian entrees in intimate quarters. Or if you prefer more of a rustic bar vibe for your pizza, then head on over to Brewer's Fork where you'll get pizza as well as an impressive list of craft beers. Can't get a table at Brewer's Fork? Try checking out Monument Restaurant & Tavern (pictured above) for wood-fired pizzas & more gastropub grub in a comfortable setting of brick & weathered woods.

Looking to have a meal with a view? Then head on over to Pier 6, a seafood restaurant with a roof deck located in the Charlestown Navy Yard. Still hungry after Pier 6? Walk on over to Blackmoor Bar & Kitchen for a casual dining atmosphere and bar with 34 rotating craft beers and incredible cocktails, just minutes from the North End.

And last but certainly not least, go grab a bite of history at Warren Tavern, established 1780, it's the oldest tavern in Massachusetts and one of the oldest in the country. It was Paul Revere's favorite watering hole and it was rumored that George Washington once visited it.

FRESH AIR

Because Charlestown is so small, you can explore it all easily on a sunny Saturday afternoon.

You can start by walking around the Bunker Hill Monument and stopping in to the Battle of Bunker Hill Museum to get a short history lesson.

From there you can walk down to the Navy Yard (pictured above) and walk along the pier with unbeatable Boston skyline views. While you're down in the Navy Yard, you can stop by the USS Constitution and Museumlocated by the end of the freedom trail.

REAL ESTATE

Charlestown has grown over the last 10 years to be one of Boston's strongest markets and it's becoming increasingly more difficult to find great homes for sale due to the low inventory and the competitive buyer pool.

In 2018, Charlestown saw a total of 320 home sales, with a median price of $772,000. The median home price jumped 43% in just 5 years! If you have a home in the Charlestown area and are curious to see how much your home has gone up in value, give us a shout and we'll give a free consultation on what we think it's worth in today's market.

Want to know what all this fuss is about? We’ve created a collection of some of our favorite homes currently on the market or recently sold around Charlestown. Click HERE to view the entire collection of homes or scroll down to view a few of the highlights.

197 8th Street, Unit 631

1 Bed | 1.5 Bath | 1,015 SqFt | $879,900 (sold)

Rooms with the view! Oversized 1 bedroom, 1.5 bath Southwest facing condo. Over 1000 square feet, gorgeous hardwood floors throughout with a wall of window sliders to fantastic city views of the city skyline, harbor and Zakim bridge! Bonus! Down harbor views from front facing floor to ceiling window. Amazing ceiling moldings, custom columns and stunning detail. Warm wood kitchen cabinets with back light accents and granite counter tops. . Formal foyer with half bath, extra closets throughout and storage spaces. Huge master bedroom with tall ceilings and panoramic views with built in desk area. One valet parking space. 24 Concierge, fitness center, elevator, hot water included. Closed loop energy conversion system to unit heat pump included in condo fee.

Listed by Sherry A. Grancey of Gibson Sotheby's International Realty

30 Oak Street, Unit 1

3 Bed | 2 Bath | 2,032 SqFt | $1,010,184 (sold)

Sophisticated 3+BD/2BA w/original detail, modern conveniences & outdoor space on a tree-lined street. Features classic architectural elements, original pine flooring, dramatic built-ins, tall ceilings, decorative fireplace mantel & crown moldings. New oak staircase, bathroom, windows, quartz countertops & renovated “bonus” room are recent enhancements to a home w/layout for entertaining & everyday living. 1st floor features foyer, 16’x13’ living room w/french doors to cheerful dining room. Kitchen w/island, ss appliances, quartz counters, built-in glass hutch & space for a table. 2BDs & office w/built ins + floor-to-ceiling windows is a pleasant place to contemplate. Bath w/marble accents completes 1st floor. Master suite w/oversized tub & shower, walk-in & French doors w/direct access to private courtyard. Bonus room provides additional options. Central air, in-unit W/D, private storage & common roof deck w/views. One block from 92/93 Bus & close to Whole Foods, Orange Line & more.

Listed by Grace Bloodwell of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

7 Hancock Street

4 Bed | 4 Full Baths 2 Half Baths | 2,280 SqFt | $1,399,000 (under agreement)

The one you have been waiting for! Here is your chance to own a Brand New single family with roof deck & Patio. No-expense-spared renovation by premier builder provides everything you could ask for, and then some. Open concept living with incredible natural light and idyllic floorplan. Oversized Chef's kitchen features floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, professional grade appliances, elevated breakfast bar, and direct access to formal dining. Living room with handcrafted built-ins is the ideal space to relax or entertain. Master suite is out of a magazine! Offering room for a king, custom closets, and incredible roofdeck. Spa-bath with double vanity, full marble surround, and rain shower. Generous guest bedrooms feature adjacent full baths - perfect for the growing family. Enjoy Summer on your gigantic bluestone patio with privacy fencing. A truly special home just steps to all-things Charlestown.

Listed by Adam Geragosian of Compass

284 Bunker Hill Street, Unit 1

3 Bed | 3 Bath | 2,623 SqFt | $1,795,000

Be the first to live in this stunning 3+ BR/3 BA duplex gut renovated to the highest standards. Enter to a large foyer leading to gracious living room with high ceilings, crown molding, huge gas FP with ornate wooden mantel. Loads of light from oversized windows and corner exposure. Wide passage with custom built-in leads to spacious formal dining room. Den/3rd bedroom provides maximum flexibility. Huge open kitchen/family room in the rear features gleaming stone counters and backsplash, double hung cabinets, top-of-the-line appliances and convenient breakfast bar. Enjoy gas FP and exposure on three sides w/two sets of doors leading to wonderful deck with city views. Downstairs is an oversized office or rec room with beautiful built-ins and door to private patio. Down the hall, you'll find a 2nd bedroom, full marble bath, large laundry rm and gorgeous master suite featuring generous walk-in closet, and sumptuous bath with double vanity and walk-in shower. Includes 2 car garage parking.

Listed by Steven Cohen Team of Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro | Back Bay