Bostons Neighborhoods : The Back Bay

Beginning in 1857 and continuing until 1880, Boston s Back Bay neighborhood was created entirely by man. The body of water separating Boston from Brookline was filled, adding 450 acres of land to the city of Boston. Today it stands as one of the Boston s premiere neighborhoods. Marked by historic and exclusive boulevards, such as Newbury Street and Commonwealth Avenue, the Back Bay is home to the northern portion of the city s Emerald Necklace, the green space that threads its way through the inner core of the city. The Back Bay is one of the busiest retail sections of Boston, with a thriving commercial center along Boylston Street and Newbury Street, which include the nearby enclosed shopping malls at the Shops at Prudential Center and Copley Place The Back Bay s borders are encompassed by the Charles River, Massachusetts Avenue, and the Boston Public Garden. Known for its exclusive real estate, abundance of spas, high end retail sto