Life in East Boston
East Boston is one of the City of Boston's neighborhoods. It lies across the harbor to the northeast of downtown and was formed from several islands connected by landfill. Logan International Airport is part of East Boston.
The water shapes much of everyday life here:
- Piers Park: well known for its views of the Boston skyline.
- Constitution Beach and Belle Isle Marsh Reservation: room to walk and be outdoors.
- East Boston Greenway: a linear park along a former rail line, connecting Piers Park and Bremen Street Park.
Transit and roads
- Blue Line: East Boston stops include Maverick, Airport and Orient Heights. After the train passes under the harbor, Aquarium is the first downtown stop.
- Silver Line SL3: runs from Airport station to South Station one way and to Chelsea the other.
- Driving: the Callahan, Ted Williams and Sumner tunnels connect East Boston with the rest of the city.
Being near the airport helps if you fly often. If noise bothers you, visit a home at several times of day before deciding.
Condos and 2- and 3-families
Most East Boston listings are condos or multi-family homes: condos in converted houses, in newer buildings and in waterfront projects, along with 2- and 3-family homes.
- Condos: request the condo fee, the budget, the reserves and any planned special assessments. For FHA financing, the building needs FHA approval or the unit needs a Single-Unit Approval.
- 2- and 3-family homes: live in one unit and rent the others. Owner-occupied loans can need far less down than investor loans.
- Older homes: for a home built before 1978, the seller must give you the state lead paint notice before the Purchase and Sale Agreement.
Boston taxes and buyer programs
For fiscal year 2026, Boston's residential tax rate is $12.40 per $1,000 of assessed value.
The City of Boston First-Time Homebuyer Program provides:
- Up to 3% of the price plus eligible closing costs, capped at $50,000, for households under 100% of area median income.
- Up to 2%, capped at $35,000, for households between 101% and 135% of area median income.
- A grant for Boston residents. Since September 15, 2026, buyers who do not live in Boston receive a 0% deferred loan instead.
The program covers 1–3 family homes and condos you will occupy. A CHAPA-approved homebuying class is required, and applications come in Spanish and other languages.
How Suad helps in East Boston
Suad Kantarevic has 25+ years in Greater Boston real estate. He helps you compare condo documents side by side, works out the numbers on a 2- or 3-family, and makes sure you understand every page before you sign, in English, Spanish (with Diana) or Bosnian.
Sources: Boston Planning: East Boston at a glance · Boston Planning: East Boston Greenway · nycsubway.org: MBTA Blue Line · Wikipedia: Silver Line (MBTA), route SL3 · City of Boston Assessing: How we tax your property · GBH News: Boston FY2026 property tax rates · City of Boston: First-Time Homebuyer Program · HUD: Condominium mortgage insurance (FHA project and single-unit approval) · Mass.gov: Property Transfer Lead Paint Notification
