The historic Back Bay neighborhood sits on the Charles River in central Boston.

When Back Bay was laid out in the 19th century with wide, parallel, tree-lined avenues, it was unlike anything this colonial city had seen.

The neighborhood has block after block of well-preserved row houses.

“Most of the residential section of the Back Bay consists of brownstones constructed in the early 1900s.” —Anne D., resident

“It's quietly residential with lush trees, yet it's also steps away from some of the best restaurants and shopping in Boston.” —Caitlin M., resident

“There are many new restaurants in this old part of the city. The cohesion of old and new is unique and beautiful!” —Maya B., resident

Back Bay includes a section of the riverside park known as the Esplanade.

“It has a beautiful view, and it's quiet. It's nice to live here.” —Tan T.N., resident

Monday afternoon sunbathing along the Charles River.

“I typically walk everywhere from my apartment. And it's really easy to hop on the Green or Orange line.” —Caitlin M., resident

Many of the city’s most iconic places are in Back Bay.

It’s home to Boston Common and the adjoining Boston Public Garden, the largest of the city’s parks.

The Public Garden was the country’s first botanical garden and is the setting of the popular children’s book Make Way for Ducklings.

The local historic and cultural sights attract tourists to the neighborhood.

Some of the city’s major hotels center around Back Bay’s Copley Square.

The 1877 Trinity Church helped establish Copley Square as a cultural center.

The Central Library continues to attract more than 2 million people a year to Copley Square.

“Back Bay has so much character. It is the heart of Boston.” —Alex K., resident