Boston apartments are smaller than the national average—and that "1 bedroom" might be smaller than you expect. Here's a realistic guide to apartment sizes in Boston.
Understanding Boston Building Types
Triple-Decker (Three-Decker)
Boston's signature housing type. Three-story wooden buildings with one unit per floor. Built 1870s-1920s. Common in Dorchester, South Boston, Jamaica Plain, Allston/Brighton.
- • Usually 3BR, sometimes 4BR units
- • Layout: railroad style or shotgun
- • Often with porches on each level
- • Watch for: old wiring, lead paint, heating efficiency
Brownstone / Rowhouse
Victorian-era brick or brownstone rowhouses. Common in Back Bay, Beacon Hill, South End. Often converted from single-family to multi-unit.
- • Varies widely: studio to 3BR
- • High ceilings, original details
- • Garden-level units (basements) are cheapest
- • Watch for: old plumbing, expensive heat
Modern High-Rise / Mid-Rise
Post-1980s construction, especially in Seaport, Fenway, and newer developments. Amenity buildings with doorman, gym, etc.
- • Efficient layouts but smaller rooms
- • Studios: 400-550 sq ft
- • 1BR: 600-750 sq ft
- • Modern amenities, higher rent
Typical Boston Apartment Sizes
Here's what to realistically expect:
Average Square Footage
Combined living/sleeping area, separate bathroom. Some have kitchenettes, some have galley kitchens.
Separate bedroom and living area. In older buildings, bedroom may be small. Open layouts more common in new construction.
Common in triple-deckers. Bedrooms may not be equal size. One bathroom is typical.
Full floor of a triple-decker is typical. Still usually one bathroom. Common for roommate situations.
Boston-Specific Terms
- "Junior 1BR" or "Convertible"
A studio with a nook or alcove that could fit a bed. Not a real bedroom—no door, no closet.
- "Railroad" or "Shotgun" Layout
Rooms in a line, you walk through each to get to the next. Common in triple-deckers. Privacy issues in shared apartments.
- "Garden Level"
Basement or partially below-ground unit. Cheaper, but check for: dampness, natural light, window wells.
- "Walk-up"
No elevator. Third-floor walk-up in a triple-decker is the cheapest (and most stairs).
- "In-law" or "Accessory Unit"
Separate unit in a single-family home. May share entrance or have separate access.
What to Check During Viewing
- Actual square footage — Ask for it. Listings often exaggerate.
- Closet space — Old Boston apartments have tiny closets. Where will your stuff go?
- Bedroom size — Can you fit your bed AND furniture?
- Layout — Is it railroad style? Will roommates need to walk through your room?
- Kitchen — Full-size appliances? Counter space? Dishwasher?
- Ceiling height — Older buildings have high ceilings (10-12 ft). New construction may be 8 ft.
- Windows — Natural light matters, especially in winter. Garden-level units can be dark.
Photos Can Be Deceiving
Wide-angle lenses make rooms look bigger. Always visit in person. Bring a tape measure if you're unsure about furniture fit.
Maximizing Small Space
Boston apartments require creative thinking:
- Measure before you buy furniture — That couch might not fit up the stairs
- Vertical storage — Tall bookshelves, wall hooks, over-door organizers
- Bed risers — Create under-bed storage
- Multi-function furniture — Storage ottomans, drop-leaf tables
- Declutter regularly — Small space = less stuff