If you like city luxury living and have 1+ kids, Boston can be very difficult.  Don’t get me wrong, brownstone living can be great…exposed brick, historic charm, and beautiful architecture in desired neighborhoods is why many of us refuse to head to Hingham or Hopkington or the “North Shore” (and I’m not talking about Hawaii.)  But really? Why is a “walk-up” appealing? If it weren’t for Peapod, many of us are gone.  Or better yet, I think Boston has the most old and constantly breaking elevators than any other city.  If I were a elevator repairman, I’m Donald Trump in this city.

Okay, I digress.  As Miley Cyrus says, “don’t hate, appreciate.”  I do.  There are plenty of beautiful brownstones in Boston that are flawless.  But, should you desire an amenity type lifestyle, Boston has numerous full-service buildings that are kid friendly:

1. The Kensington.  www.kensingtonboston.com

Brand new construction in Chinatown/Downtown Crossing with best amenities in the city.

Pros:  6th floor features outdoor pool, solarium, amazing gym with yoga room (puts Equinox to shame), gigantic living room space, coffee bar, private conference room/office space, entertainment room with TVs (prime birthday party space), etc.  Amazing…it’s the closest you will get to NYC luxury living. Apartments spacious and with all the modern furnishings.

Cons: Location is suspect (to some degree.)  Yes, you are one block from the Common and The Ritz Carlton, but there is a half-way house nearby that you should avoid when with the kids in tow.  Expensive.

2. One Charles Boston.

Beautiful building on Charles Street near Common.

Pros: Somewhat spacious apartments, and large communal space perfect for birthday parties.  Perfectly situated with South End, Beacon Hill and Back Bay easily accessible.  And let’s not forget Finale, a great dessert place, is right around the corner.  Boston Common baseball fields within a stone’s throw.

Cons: Aside from PF Changs (if you like the lettuce wraps) and a few others, there isn’t an array of kid friendly restaurants/services right outside your door.  A short walk, yes, but not so convenient. Expensive.

3. Harbor Towers.  www.harbortowersonline.org

Large outdated but roomy complex down on Waterfront.

Pros: Gigantic apartments.  An amazing gated in pool and yard that makes you feel like you belong to a suburbia private club.  Aquarium is right next door. Public transportation all around.  Water views. Good stroller walking along waterfront.  Affordable.

Cons: It’s an old building…like very old. Some services nearby but still a walk. Overall location less desirable than some of the others on this list.

4. 28 Exeter.  www.28exeteratnewbury.com

Perfectly located and quaint Back Bay building.

Pros: Location location.  Newbury street shopping plus Boylston street restaurants plus Charles River access. Amazing concierge with endless candy bowls in the lobby (done!)  Impeccable cleanliness.  Kingsley School and Old South preschool are within a block.

Cons: Apartments are on smaller size.  Niketown is across the street so this may hurt your wallet given your kids likely fascination with the Swoosh.

5.) 1330 Boylston.  www.1330boylston.com

A luxury option ‘outside’ the city in Fenway district.

Pros: Fenway park views which may keep your kid happy throughout the spring/summer.  Outdoor rooftop pool.  Large spacious apartments.  Tasty Burger across the street.

Cons: A bit overpriced for the location.  Congested during Red Sox games.  Public transportation not so convenient.  Location basically.

Yes, Boston is the beautiful Brownstone city.  It is amazing.  But there is something to be said about having someone open up your door and greet you, gliding through an impeccable lobby in the Bugaboo into a spacious elevator up to your apartment.   Carefree full-service living that your kids will enjoy.