Charlestown
Quick Comments: Historic Landmarks, Accessible, Diverse
Public Transportation: Orange Line trains and buses
Many of Massachusetts General Hospital’s offices and research labs and also Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, both members of Partners HealthCare, are in Charlestown. A free Partners HealthCare shuttle bus offers service Monday through Friday from the Navy Yard research laboratories/offices to Massachusetts General Hospital, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and North Station (North Station is located on the Green Line and Orange Line trains). The Partners shuttle schedule is available here.
Young professionals are moving into this neighborhood and old buildings are being converted to modern residential housing and office space. Many residents walk to work in downtown Boston, to the nearby waterfront, and to the North End, all of which are only 10-15 minutes away.
The Charlestown Navy Yard, one of the first shipyards in the U.S., is a national historic landmark. It is home to the USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. The ship was ordered for construction by George Washington and first launched in 1797. The USS Constitution’s greatest glory came during the war of 1812 when the ship defeated four British warships and earned the nickname "Old Ironsides" because cannon balls glanced off the thick hull. The ship was restored in 1927 with contributions from the nation's school children.
Charlestown is also home to the Bunker Hill Monument stands 221 feet tall at Breed's Hill, the site of the first major battle of the American Revolution fought on June 17, 1775. You can visit the Bunker Hill Monument and climb the 294 steps to enjoy the view at the top.
It is recommended that you rent/lease an apartment in this neighborhood after you arrive in the U.S. and can evaluate the area.