My favorite neighborhood is the North End.  Not just because I'm Italian (it is known as Boston's Little Italy), or my family owns a business there (Improv Asylum 216 Hanover Street), or because it is Boston's first neighborhood (est. 1645).  Those are all great reasons, but there is so much more......

 

For starters, it has the Paul Revere house.  A favorite stop on Boston's Freedom Trail comprised of 16 key historic sites.  A tiny, unassuming wooden home on North Street, from which Paul Revere left on his horse, April 18, 1775 to warn troops in Lexington, MA that the British were coming.  The cobblestone streets around the home, located in North Square, near the original North Church enhance the historical experience.

 

But, where else in the city can you get fresh-baked goods, arancini (rice balls), Sicilian pizza and more 24 hours a day?  Well, take a stop by Bova's (134 Salem Street) at ANY time and get fresh products, homemade daily.  There you can get cream puffs, whoopie pies with real whipped cream, sfogliatelle and lobster tails (pastries). 

 

Speaking of food, the North End has some of the best restaurants in the city in Lucca (226 Hanover Street), Mother Anna's (211 Hanover Street), Marco (253 Hanover Street), Neptune Oyster (63 Salem Street), La Suma (30 Fleet Street), Prezza (24 Fleet Street) and of course Umberto's (289 Hanover Street).  Just keep in mind: some of these places do not take reservations and fill-up early.  So, either go early or go late, but make sure you go!  Umberto's is only open for lunch, so get there early if you have your heart set on an arancini.  Because once they sell what they've cooked, the gate comes to a close. 

 

And, if you are looking to purchase property, you can still get a 1 bedroom condo for under $350k.  How about a fabulous floor through unit on Endicott Street with open floor plan, spacious living room and gleaming hardwood floors.  Unit has a decorative brick fireplace, lots of windows and custom light fixtures.  Kitchen has GE profile appliances, gas stove and dishwasher and unit has a washer/dryer.  All yours for a list price for $339k.  Maybe it's about time YOU started loving the North End too.