Town Overview

Fenway-Kenmore has typically been the go-to neighborhood for medical staff and students from at the many hospitals and universities here who are looking for a place to live. However there has been a building boom in this small neighborhood in recent years which has brought more condo buildings to the area as well as all the restaurants and shops that cater to them. That has attracted many who are looking for more for their money than they can get in the neighborhoods that are a bit closer to downtown, without having to sacrifice the amenities of city dwelling.

As is the case in many of Boston’s neighborhoods, having a car is completely optional. If you do have a car, a resident permit will allow you to park on the street, which is a bit easier here than other parts of Boston. Thanks to Fenway Park, there are plenty of garages and parking lots in the area to use as well. If you aren’t using your car to commute, you won’t have to move your car until the weekly street sweeping day.

Commuting

Whether you are commuting downtown or doing a reverse commute out of Boston, your options abound from this neighborhood. Both Storrow Drive, which runs along the Charles River, and I-90 run along the northern edge of Fenway-Kenmore. From there you can head east for 3 miles to reach downtown or jump onto I-93 north or south. Another option is to take I-90 West to all the businesses and shopping in Metro West. A green- or orange-line subway stop is within walking distance from wherever you are in this neighborhood with downtown Boston just a handful of stops away.

Schools

There are no elementary-level public schools right in Fenway-Kenmore but there are several upper-level schools here, including McKinley middle and high schools, EDCO Alternative Youth high school, Kennedy Health Care Academy, not to mention the number-one high school in the state, Boston Latin. There are also plenty of private schools to choose from within the neighborhood, such as Frances Jacobson early childhood school, Kids Are People elementary school, Fenway High School, and Winsor School for girls.

Buying Groceries

Residents are likely to have a grocery store within walking distance thanks to the Whole Foods Markets on the east and west ends of the neighborhood, the Star Market right in the center, the Stop & Shop just to the south, and Wollaston’s Market in the southeast corner. During the summer months, Boston University hosts a farmers’ market, or if you are willing to venture a bit farther, there are many others to try in surrounding neighborhoods, including Mission Hill, Coolidge Corner, Cambridgeport, and Copley Square.

Eating Out

Thanks to all the universities and hospitals within the borders of this small neighborhood, as well as Fenway Park, there are endless choice for delicious, quick bites to eat. However, if you are looking to sit and socialize for a while over a lovely meal, a few of your choices are:

• Eastern Standard – This popular, neighborhood staple offers a modern take on French brasserie food from breakfast through dinner
• Island Creek Oyster Bar – This bright, sleek seafood restaurant offers some of the best oysters in Boston as well other creative seafood plates
• Tiger Mama – Enjoy Southeast Asian fare from Top Chef alum, Chef Tiffany Faison, in fun and funky surrounds

Recreation

Thanks to the universities and hospitals, there are many small green spaces within Fenway-Kenmore but they are far overshadowed by the Back Bay Fens which sprawls across the middle of this neighborhood. Besides its playground, it offers a rose garden, community gardens, ball fields, basketball courts, memorials, and historic structures.

Things to Do

Fenway-Kenmore can boast that it is home to some of Boston’s most iconic spots. It has two of Boston’s top art museums: the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. The legendary Fenway Park is here and the historic Citgo Sign lights up the sky every night. For nighttime activities the possibilities range from high-brow concerts at Symphony Hall, wild nights at the clubs on Lansdown Street, or watching the latest movie release at the cinema.

The Environment

Fenway-Kenmore, as part of Boston, has a strong Environmental Department and is #1 for energy efficiency in the U.S. The Environment, Energy, and Open Space Commission focuses on the environment, energy systems, and open spaces. There are also several green initiatives, including the Adopt-A-Tree Program, Greenovate Boston, and the Mayor’s Carbon Cup, which all encourage participants to improve the environment.

Learn More

If you’d like to learn more about Fenway-Kenmore, just let us know – we are happy to help!