Northern Dorchester.
savin hill, jones hill, uphams corner, and polish triangle
Did you know? From being originally a city full of large country estates, Dorchester is now Boston’s largest and most populous neighborhood.
Did You Know? Europeans started settling in what is now known as Savin Hill in June of 1630, about three months before the city of Boston was officially founded. This section of Dorchester was later named after a type of Juniper tree known as Savin Juniper that used to cover the top of the hill.
Did You Know? Savin Hill was named a Historic District in 2003, with Savin Hill Beach (known as Malibu Beach) being one of three public beaches comprising the Dorchester Shores Reservation.
Did You Know? The Upham’s Corner/Jones Hill predates Boston’s oldest intact neighborhood, Beacon Hill, by 160 years. This area has so much history that even if only a handful of buildings from the 1600s and 1700s survive, tangible reminders of it remain; such as the Blake House, one of the oldest surviving houses in Boston, the first public school in America – the Mather School, founded in 1639 – and the historic Strand Theatre, which was built in 1918 and described as “the city’s first movie palace.”
Food & Beverage
With residents coming from all over the world, one of the major perks of living in Boston’s largest neighborhood is that you are surrounded by authentic international cuisine. Dorchester has a diverse food scene, but it does not end there. Whether you are looking for a comforting bowl of pho on a cold day, a deli sandwich with all the frills, or the perfect patio vista, you know you can find it “within the neighborhood”. Need help? We'll give you a head start with some crowd favorites.
Start your day by having breakfast at our personal favorite Honeycomb Cafe. One of the reasons we make a beeline (ha!) for Honeycomb is their commitment to sourcing from local farms and suppliers who support sustainable agriculture. We highly recommend their Chai Latte and the classic breakfast sandwich.
Another food scene staple in the area is dbar, the premier destination for fine dining, delicious cocktails, and exciting nightlife in Dorchester. This full-service restaurant seamlessly transforms into a nightclub and lounge as the evening progresses. From espresso martinis to a fine glass of Cabernet, dbar caters to everyone's tastes.
Curious to explore Polish cuisine? Start your trip about a block down from Andrew Square at the famed Cafe Polonia. It’s about as close to traditional Polish dining as you can get in the States. If you’re looking for those wonderful deli sandwiches, grab one from Baltic European Deli (the Polish combo is great)
For those with a sweet tooth, the perfectly baked pączki at Dj’s Market and Euromart whose storefront is stocked with some of the best Polish sweets like the Delicje, chocolate-covered cookies filled with a fruit jam and the Prince Polo, a chocolate-and-wafer bar similar to a Kit Kat. The Polish food found right at Andrew Square is everything you could want it to be: cheap, filling, and delicious.
Maybe the craving is more for a comforting bowl of pho, that filling banh mi sandwich, or the irresistible call of the aromatic Indian basmati rice dish biryani? The best Vietnamese restaurant that serves an amazing bowl of pho is nearby Pho Hoa.
An excellent banh mi sandwich must begin with excellent bread, and this no-frills counter spot in Savin Hill has that part down pat. Bánh Mì Ba Le has house-baked baguettes that are soft inside with a crispy exterior—the perfect match for crunchy and bright pickles, unctuous pork pâté and salty cold cuts, and tender lemongrass marinated beef.
Meanwhile, our best bet for that fragrant Biryani dish or that perfect chicken tikka masala is one of Boston's true hidden gems, Shanti: Taste of India - located right on Dorchester Avenue (aka Dot Ave).
When you’re done filling your belly with that diverse set of delicious foods, head on over to Dorchester Brewing Company on Mass Ave. to wash it all down with their variety of craft beers -- and occasionally ciders, seltzers and rosé. In addition to its wide selection of board games, be sure to check out its amazing new taproom and roof deck.
Explore
Dorchester has a rich and diverse collection of historical sites, museums, and boutiques–and there’s no shortage of beautiful public spaces to explore. We recommend taking a tour by walking, hopping on the Red Line or riding a bicycle.
When you talk about things to do in Dorchester, first on our list would be to check out the largest park in Boston. Franklin Park has over 500 acres of beautiful green space to enjoy, it is full of beautiful wildlife, walking trails, ponds, a golf course and athletic courts. Its most exciting attraction is the Franklin Park Zoo where you can explore an arboretum, exotic animals from all over the world, and learn about wildlife conservation. The zoo is always holding events for kids and adults alike.
Dorchester is also home to Malibu Beach, an awesome spot for a beach day without leaving the neighborhood. The newly renovated playground and baseball fields nearby offer more summertime fun. You can also find restrooms, water fountains, a boardwalk and, during the summer months, a lifeguard on duty.
If you appreciate history, you may want to explore the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. Compelling exhibits bring historical events to life with presentations on the space program, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and more. Another must-see is the Commonwealth Museum. This hidden gem offers interactive and creative exhibits that shed light on Boston’s fascinating colonial and revolutionary history.
History AND architecture fan? The Strand Theatre in Uphams Corner is a beautifully restored vaudeville playhouse. Originally built in 1918, the building itself is a sight to behold, with red plush seats and curtains, a huge domed ceiling, and grand pillars on either side of the stage.
Local real estate market
Dorchester has become a highly desirable neighborhood due to its proximity and accessibility to downtown, diverse and energetic cultures, spacious real estate and consistent growth.
Interested in learning more about neighborhoods in the northern part of Dorchester? Send us as email! A few members of The RP Group live here and would love to tell you what it’s all about!
Email: rpgroup@compass.com | Phone: 207-751-1500