Boston is compact but diverse. From brownstone-lined Back Bay to student-heavy Allston, each neighborhood has its own character—and price point. This guide breaks down where to live based on your budget, with honest takes on transit, noise, and quality of life.
Jump to Your Budget
Student Zone Warning
Neighborhoods near BU, Northeastern, BC, and Harvard have high student populations. Expect Sept 1st chaos, weekend noise, and high turnover. Great if you're young; less ideal if you want quiet.
Under $2,000/month
Finding a decent studio or 1BR under $2,000 in Boston proper is challenging. You'll be looking at the outer neighborhoods or accepting trade-offs.
Allston
Student CentralHome of "Allston Christmas" (Sept 1st furniture on streets). Very young, cheap, but noisy. Near BU. Lots of bars and restaurants.
Brighton
Slightly Quieter AllstonMix of students and young families. More residential than Allston. Near BC. Cleveland Circle area is nice.
Dorchester
Boston's Largest NeighborhoodHuge, diverse neighborhood with many sub-areas. Fields Corner, Savin Hill, Ashmont areas vary widely. More space for money.
Mattapan
Most AffordableMost affordable Boston neighborhood. Diverse community, improving. Longer commute via Mattapan High-Speed Line to Red Line.
$2,000-$2,500/month
This budget opens up more options including some popular neighborhoods with good transit.
Jamaica Plain
Hip & DiverseYoung professionals, families, LGBTQ+ friendly. Near Arnold Arboretum. Great food scene on Centre Street. Good value.
Roxbury
Up & ComingHistoric African-American neighborhood. Gentrifying but maintaining character. Near Northeastern. Varies by block.
East Boston
Waterfront ValueGrowing rapidly. Near airport (noise!). Latin American culture, waterfront parks. Good skyline views.
Mission Hill
Near HospitalsNear Longwood Medical Area. Mix of students and healthcare workers. Some student party noise. Good transit.
$2,500-$3,000/month
This opens up South Boston, Charlestown, and the edges of premium neighborhoods.
South Boston
SouthieIrish heritage, young professionals. Near beaches and Seaport. St. Patrick's Day chaos. Lots of new construction.
Charlestown
Historic & WaterfrontHistoric neighborhood near Bunker Hill. Waterfront views, walkable to downtown. Mix of old townhouses and new condos.
Fenway
Near the ParkHome of Fenway Park. Mix of students (Northeastern, Berklee) and young professionals. Game day madness. Near museums.
North End
Little ItalyBoston's Italian neighborhood. Amazing food, tourist crowds, tiny apartments. Walking distance to everything downtown.
$3,000+/month
Premium neighborhoods with the best addresses, architecture, and amenities.
Back Bay
Boston's Most PrestigiousVictorian brownstones, Newbury Street shopping, Copley Square. Boston's most iconic address. Walk everywhere.
Beacon Hill
Historic & CharmingCobblestone streets, gas lamps, brick rowhouses. Next to Boston Common. Historic district with strict rules.
South End
Victorian EleganceLargest Victorian neighborhood in the US. Amazing restaurants, diverse community. Tree-lined streets, bow-front houses.
Seaport
New & ModernBoston's newest neighborhood. Luxury high-rises, waterfront living. Modern but sterile. Built on landfill—flood concerns.
Research Buildings in Your Target Neighborhood
Once you've picked a neighborhood, research specific buildings. Check RentSmart violations and 311 complaints before signing.
Search Boston BuildingsTips for Choosing a Neighborhood
- Visit at different times — Day, night, weekday, weekend. Neighborhoods feel different.
- Test your commute — Actually ride the T during rush hour. The Green Line is... slow.
- Check building quality — A cheap apartment in a bad building isn't a deal. Research buildings on StreetSmart.
- Avoid student zones if you want quiet — Allston, Mission Hill, and Fenway can be noisy.
- Consider winter — Hills are brutal when icy. Some areas get plowed better than others.
- Think about parking — If you have a car, street parking requires permits and can be hell during snow emergencies.
Boston Winters Are Real
48 inches of snow annually. Make sure your building has reliable heat—check for heat violations on StreetSmart before renting.