Boston Photo

Chinatown, Boston,MA

Neighborhood Data
Proximitii Score score
? /100
Amenities Score Amenities Score Locked
Transit Score Transit & Commute Score Locked
Schools Score Schools Score Locked
Health & Safety Score Health & Safety Score Locked
City Crime Score Crime (City) Score Locked
Location Crime Score Crime (Location) Score Locked
Economy Score Economy Score Locked
Housing Score Housing Score Locked

Chinatown’s proximity to Downtown Boston is a huge perk for anyone moving here. Just a short walk or quick ride away, residents enjoy easy access to the financial district, theaters, and shopping hubs. This close connection means you can enjoy the quiet charm and cultural richness of Chinatown while still being able to hop over to Downtown for work, entertainment, or errands. Public transportation options like the MBTA’s Orange and Green Lines also make commuting a breeze, making it an ideal spot for professionals and families alike who want the best of both worlds.

Living in Chinatown also means immersing yourself in a community that celebrates its heritage year-round. Aside from the fantastic dining scene, you’ll find cultural landmarks such as the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association and the annual Chinese New Year celebrations, which light up the streets with dragon dances and fireworks. Shopping is another highlight, with markets and specialty shops offering everything from traditional herbs to unique gifts. Whether you’re seeking a culturally rich neighborhood with easy downtown access or a place that feels like a welcoming home away from home, Chinatown in Boston offers a truly special living experience.

Community Snapshot

Population 6,366
Density (People/sqml.) 27,133
Median Age 40.5
Married Couples
37%
37% of the population of Chinatown aged 16 years and older are married.
Have Kids
13%
13% of the population aged 16 years or older have children.

13% of the Chinatown population aged 16 and up are married, which is in line with national averages. This balance suggests a neighborhood with a healthy mix of families, couples, and single residents, creating a well-rounded community dynamic. You are likely to find a blend of stability and social variety, appealing to both long-term homeowners and younger professionals alike.

With only 13% of people over 16 having children, you can expect an easygoing environment that tends to attract residents seeking a quieter lifestyle. The atmosphere here leans more toward adult-oriented living. Without the constant rhythm of school schedules or kid-centered events, the community maintains a slower, more relaxed pace. This makes it especially appealing to singles, couples, and empty nesters who appreciate tranquil streets, and recreation on their own terms.

Age Breakdown

Chinatown neighborhood age breakdown chart

Chinatown demographic details provide a clearer picture of what life is like in the neighborhood, offering insight into its character, community, and overall lifestyle. With a population of 6,366, the number of residents who reside in Chinatown is about average in size compared to other Boston neighborhoods, striking a perfect balance between energy and tranquility. It’s large enough to offer plenty of amenities, activities, and a vibrant local scene, yet small enough to maintain a welcoming community feel and a more relaxed pace of life.

Boasting a population density of 27,133, Chinatown is more densely populated than many other Boston neighborhoods, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. The higher concentration of residents contributes to a lively street scene, a strong sense of community, and convenient access to shops, restaurants, and urban amenities just steps from home.

With an average age of 41, you're likely to find a well-balanced community where multiple generations live side by side. This mix of age groups contributes to a neighborhood atmosphere that’s both active and welcoming, offering a blend of fresh perspectives and long-standing community values.

Crime in Chinatown

Crime Safety Index Score Locked 1 2 3 4 5

 

Total Crime Incidents
Try for free within 1 mile
Score Locked per 100k people

Types of Crime

Chinatown neighborhood age breakdown chart

Chinatown Crime Map

The Chinatown crime map provides an in-depth look at crime rates throughout the community, using block group data to reveal both safer pockets and places with more frequent incidents. By visualizing these patterns, the crime map helps residents and newcomers alike better understand the dynamics of neighborhood safety. It’s worth noting that higher-crime areas on the map aren’t always indicative of danger — spots near busy commercial centers, transportation hubs, or popular attractions may naturally show more reports due to increased activity.

Housing

? /10
Home Price $1,046,222
Median Rent $2,143
People/Household 1.8

Home Price Breakdown

Chinatown neighborhood home price breakdown chart

Rent vs Own

Rent 71% Own 29%

Year Moved In

Before 2010 28% After 2010 72%

Types of Homes in the Area

Market Trends

Year-over-Year YoY data

 

Housing costs often reflect the desirability and overall character of a neighborhood. In Chinatown, home prices come in around $1,046,222, which is higher than many other areas. This elevated pricing points to a sought-after location with strong demand, well-maintained properties, and access to premium amenities that contribute to a higher quality of life. Historical home price trends and appreciation rates in Chinatown can serve as a window into the neighborhood’s economic strength and future potential. By understanding how the market has performed in the past, buyers and investors can better evaluate whether the area offers promising opportunities for growth and long-term value.

With an average rent price of $2,143, rental rates in Chinatown are higher than many other neighborhoods. This reflects the area’s desirability and strong demand, often accompanied by well-maintained properties, premium amenities, and a high quality of life.

Walkability & Lifestyle

Coffee Shops

Tbaar
Coffee Shop
min.
min.
OneZo
Coffee Shop
min.
min.

Entertainment

Wang Theater
Theatre Arts
min.
min.
Wilbur Theatre
Theatre Arts
min.
min.

Food & Drink

Dunkin'
Fast Food
min.
min.
Dunkin'
Fast Food
min.
min.

Groceries

Jiaho supermarket
Grocery Store
min.
min.
Ho Yuen Bakery
Bakery
min.
min.

Parks

Seybolt Park
Park
min.
min.
Oxford Place Playground
Park
min.
min.

Shops

Kalai Hairstyle
Hairdresser
min.
min.
Wing's Flowers
Florist
min.
min.

Getting Around

Transit Stops

Kneeland St @ Washington St
Bus Stop
min.
min.
Washington St @ Kneeland St
Bus Stop
min.
min.

Transit Stations

Tufts Medical Center
Transit Station
min.
min.
Chinatown
Transit Station
min.
min.

Health & Safety

Medical Facilities

Tufts Medical Center
Hospital
min.
min.
Floating Hospital for Children
Hospital
min.
min.

Health Care

Porter Pediatrics
Doctor
min.
min.
Harmony
Dentist
min.
min.

Safety

Boston Fire Department Engine 7, Ladder 17
Fire Station
min.
min.
Boston Fire Department Engine 10
Fire Station
min.
min.

Top Neighborhood Schools

Name Category Grades Rating
Carter Developmental Center
396 Northampton Street, Boston, MA
High School 7 - 12 School Score
Boston Adult Academy
20 Church St, Back Bay, MA
High School 11 - 12 School Score
The Advent School
15 Brimmer St, Boston, MA
Elementary School PK - 6 School Score
James Condon Elementary
200 D Street, South Boston, MA
Elementary School PK - 8 School Score
Quincy Upper School
152 Arlington Street, Boston, MA
High School 6 - 12 School Score
Learning Project Elementary School
107 Marlborough St, Boston, MA
Elementary School KG - 6 School Score
Park Street School
67 Brimmer St, Boston, MA
Elementary School PK - 6 School Score

Education Level Achieved

School ratings in Chinatown combine factors like student performance, graduation rates, and standardized test scores to provide a clear picture of overall educational quality. The use of NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) scores adds valuable context by offering a consistent national benchmark to see how local schools compare on a broader scale. Additionally, understanding the overall education level achieved by residents in Chinatown can give insight into the community’s priorities and opportunities, helping families make more informed decisions about where to live and how well local schools may support long-term student success.

Economy

? /10
Income Per Capita $82,121
Household Income $102,650
Unemployment 3.0%

Income Breakdown

Chinatown Income breakdown chart

Employment by Industry

Industry Employed
Agriculture & Mining Unlock
Construction Unlock
Manufacturing Unlock
Wholesale & Retail Unlock
Transportation & Warehousing Unlock
Information Unlock
Finance & Insurance Unlock

The economic makeup of a neighborhood often tells a deeper story about its lifestyle, opportunities, and overall character. In Chinatown, median household incomes average $102,650, which is higher than many surrounding neighborhoods. This elevated earning power helps support a more upscale environment, offering residents access to premium amenities, well-maintained surroundings, and a standard of living that emphasizes comfort and quality.

The strength of a neighborhood’s local economy is often reflected in its employment landscape, shaping daily life and long-term stability for residents. In Chinatown, the unemployment rate is just 3%, indicating a strong and resilient community with steady economic growth, active local businesses, and a high quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the highlights?

Boston's Chinatown is renowned for its vibrant culinary scene, featuring authentic eateries like Gourmet Dumpling House and Peach Farm, known for their delicious dim sum and seafood. The neighborhood also hosts beautiful cultural landmarks such as the Chinatown Gate on Beach Street, a symbol of the community's heritage. Additionally, the proximity to the Boston Common and the Rose Kennedy Greenway offers residents and visitors green spaces to relax and enjoy outdoor events.

Are there any major highways or transit lines nearby?

Yes, Chinatown in Boston is well-connected via public transit. It is served by the Chinatown Station on the MBTA Orange Line and the nearby Green Line stations such as Boylston and Downtown Crossing, providing easy access to other parts of the city. Major highways like I-93 and the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) are also close, making it convenient for commuters and travelers to reach the neighborhood by car.

Are there any notable landmarks or historical sites?

Chinatown features several notable landmarks including the historic Chinatown Gate, which was a gift from sister city Guangzhou, symbolizing the strong cultural ties. The neighborhood is also close to the Asian American Civic Association, which supports local immigrant communities. Nearby, the Old South Meeting House and the Blackstone Block Historic District offer glimpses into Boston's broader colonial and immigrant history, enriching the cultural fabric of the area.

Compare Nearby Neighborhoods

Location Overall Amenities Health Transit Schools Housing Economy Crime
Unlock to see 82 85 82 49 70 79 51 35
Unlock to see 75 86 71 42 34 60 64 40
Unlock to see 68 34 61 87 55 87 34 46
Chinatown Subscribe Subscribe Subscribe Subscribe Subscribe Subscribe Subscribe Subscribe
Unlock to see 49 86 90 63 36 43 87 52
Unlock to see 36 49 71 49 36 84 65 59
Unlock to see 25 41 64 63 59 71 79 42

Other Neighborhoods in Boston, MA