For almost a decade, former NFL quarterback Tom Brady called the sprawling penthouse at 310 Beacon Street home. Located in Boston’s exclusive Back Bay neighborhood, the two-bedroom, three-bathroom dwelling extended over 3,000 square feet and featured two decks with panoramic views.

With floor-to-ceiling windows letting in natural light, the space had a modern and luxurious feel to it. The residence was also one of only eight units on the upper floors of the building, ensuring maximum privacy for its high-profile resident.

Tom Brady – Wikipedia

For those who are unfamiliar with Boston’s streetscape, you may be wondering: What makes Beacon Street so special? Well, if you’re looking for iconic architecture, renowned cultural institutions, diverse entertainment options and elegant residences – all nestled together – this is the place to be.

Running from Massachusetts Avenue all the way to Kenmore Square, Beacon Street has been a hub of activity since Boston’s settlement days. Today, this street is abuzz with life: lined with cafes and shops and traversed by runners and cyclists traveling down its wide sidewalks.

In fact, Beacon Hill was recently named one of America’s “10 Great Neighborhoods” by the American Planning Association. And it’s easy to see why – brick row houses line the streets crowned by quaint gaslamps that evoke the area’s rich history.

However, this charm and convenience come at a price – Back Bay has long been Boston’s most expensive neighborhood.

Back Bay, located in the heart of Boston, is one of the city’s most fashionable neighborhoods and historically significant commercial districts. With its many iconic architectural features, recreational amenities like the Esplanade and the Public Garden, and proximity to some of Boston’s best shopping and dining destinations, it’s no surprise that Back Bay is one of Boston’s priciest neighborhoods. The demand for property in this area has increased significantly over the years, leading to rising prices on units within well-designed brownstones, trendy lofts with stunning views of the skyline, and sleek high-rise luxury condominium complexes.

Wealthy individuals with an appetite for exceptional living spaces move to Back Bay – known for its grand Victorian homes from 19th-century architecture with ornate designs as well as new luxurious condominiums – to be close to top-quality establishments including designer clothing stores, gourmet restaurants, and high-end spas. As such, real estate here has always been in local and international news due to aspects such as walkability scores, high end developments like One Dalton Street Residential Tower or The Four Seasons Private Residences.

There are few neighborhoods in Boston that can rival Back Bay when it comes to convenience, elegance, and luxurious living standards. It’s a neighborhood where residents get to enjoy a unique mix of old-world charm and modern sophistication. The historic brownstone buildings lining the streets are juxtaposed against high-rise glass towers towering above the vibrant streetscape. This striking blend of old and new creates an exciting urban ambiance that appeals to professionals working in downtown offices as well as families looking for a serene but electrifying oasis right in the middle of the city.

Back Bay residents also enjoy unrivaled access to retail therapy at world-class shops nestled along Newbury St., Boylston St., and Prudential Center. The dining scene is top-notch, with some of the best restaurants in Boston within walking distance. For those who enjoy the outdoors, there are scenic jogging paths on the Esplanade and public spaces like Copley Square or Commonwealth Avenue Mall ideal for relaxing strolls.

Living here comes at a premium, but the allure of such an address often trumps other inconveniences. Many people who know Back Bay will note how it’s closed to Mass General Hospital, MIT, Harvard University, Boston University, and several other research hospitals.

With all these in mind, let’s explore what life looks like for Back Bay residents by taking a closer look at their lifestyles.

Back Bay is among Boston’s most prestigious neighborhoods. Its leafy streets, historic charms, and notable architecture attract wealthy residents reflecting old money and new affluence. Living in Back Bay often comes with a certain consensus of elegance and refinement that is not easily attained elsewhere. The luxury housing options found within its confines are widely acclaimed for their beauty, quality, and exclusivity.

Tom Brady’s time living in Back Bay provided him with a taste of the luxurious offerings this neighborhood has to offer. Brady’s former penthouse at 539 Beacon Street boasts an unobstructed view of the Charles River and Boston skyline, featuring upscale amenities such as a full-time concierge service and private roof deck. Furthermore, the building itself was designed by a prominent architect and features unique wrought-iron detailing that has become a hallmark feature of Back Bay.

The three-level 5,000 square foot condo was sold in August 2020 to Dr. Dre for $31 million after several price reductions since its original listing in 2019 for $40 million.

Brady isn’t the only high-profile individual residing in or exploring Back Bay’s elite real estate options. It is home to some of Boston’s most recognizable residents, including Fortune 500 CEOs, venture capitalists, top executives, wealthy foreign investors, famous athletes like David Ortiz and several celebrities who value its rich history and modern conveniences.

Some popular elite residences around Back Bay include:

Living in a neighborhood like Back Bay, however, isn’t without its drawbacks. For example, although location is ideal for commuting and prestigious schools, it can be quite noisy and crowded at times. Additionally, the downside of living within a close-knit community with residents of similar wealth is that high rent prices and real estate tend to keep increasing as demand surges.

On the flip side, however, this tight-knit community also provides leisure activities right on their doorstep, from sophisticated shopping on Newbury Street to exquisite dining experiences spread across many streets and avenues around Back Bay along with theater and music venues such as Boston Symphony Hall.

Exploring Brady’s former residence has shed light on some of the luxurious housing options found within Back Bay. However, there are plenty of other elite residences worth exploring beyond his former home.

Back Bay boasts some of Boston’s most stunning homes, ranging from historic brownstone townhouses to soaring luxury condominiums. Many feature impressive views of the city skyline while others have private outdoor spaces perfect for entertaining on warm summer nights.

The grand French-inspired building where Tom Brady lived was built in 2009 and contains 11 condos featuring stunning architectural details such as a winding staircase adorned with beautiful wrought iron railings. Moreover, Brady’s unit had a modern interior design featuring ample sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows of an open concept living space.

Other notable buildings that embody luxurious living in Back Bay include One Dalton – a modern oasis offering exceptional views – and The Mandarin Oriental – which has spectacular public spaces (and Boston’s only Forbes Five-Star spa).

For those looking for more traditional or historic homes, the South End neighborhood features charming Victorian row houses with intricate facades, cast-iron details, and magnificent rooftop decks.