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Build it and they will come — but will they have a good place to buy their groceries?

Boston faces the livability conundrum of building up neighborhoods.

According to experts, a neighborhood needs a diverse infrastructure to thrive.
According to experts, a neighborhood needs a diverse infrastructure to thrive.Adobe, Ally Rzesa/Globe Staff

It’s the chicken-or-egg conundrum when it comes to livability: What comes first? The luxury condos or the full-service grocery store?

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A clothing store in downtown Lowell displays its colorful goods outside on a sunny day.
A clothing store in downtown Lowell displays its colorful goods outside on a sunny day.David L. Ryan/Globe Staff


A view from a St. Regis Residence unit looking toward Echelon-Seaport Boston.
A view from a St. Regis Residence unit looking toward Echelon-Seaport Boston. David L. Ryan/ Globe Staff


The St. Regis condo building at 150 Seaport in Boston.
The St. Regis condo building at 150 Seaport in Boston.David L. Ryan/Globe Staff
People enjoy coffee al fresco in Providence.
People enjoy coffee al fresco in Providence. Jonathan Wiggs/Globe Staff


A packed sidewalk at the South End Buttery in Boston.
A packed sidewalk at the South End Buttery in Boston. Jonathan Wiggs/Globe Staff



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