<p>I’ve got a D who’s a rising HS senior. Her older sister is at Harvard, and the younger D loves the Harvard Square sidewalk scene, the college town buzz, the opportunity to step off the campus and be in a different, but still active, environment. What would she likely think of the BC neighborhood? I have the sense that it’s more suburban quiet than the Harvard Square area, though I realize that it’s just a $1.70 T ride to get downtown.</p>
<p>i would say that chestnut hill is a high end somewhat quiet residential neighborhood. although i have not lived there yet, i have been on campus several times. from what i understand a lot of students go to cleveland circle where there are more stores/restaurants. i think BC is in a very ideal location though. it is just a T ride away from everything you want in boston, but you are in a very nice area with a very VERY beautiful campus.</p>
<p>There is no Chestnut Hill scene - not off-campus.</p>
<p>Padfoot is right: Chestnut Hill is boring outside of the BC campus. Cleveland Circle isnt much fun either unless you are going to bars. There are some good places to eat but not much else to do. I guess Newton Center is OK for shopping and eating good food. Its more accesible to freshmen on Newton campus though.</p>
<p>If you want to step out of your dorm immediately be in an urban setting, then Boston University would be the place to go. BC is tough to beat for a place that has a very tranquil setting, but is minutes from the urban stuff.</p>