If you're planning on bringing a car to the city, here's what you should know.
- Finding an off-street spot is expensive. Does your apartment have a spot? If not, renting an off-street spot is a monthly cost on top of rent, and prices vary widely by neighborhood, so get a quote before you sign a lease. Some apartment complexes include parking in the rent, so make sure to ask about it when you're apartment hunting. Some parking garages or lots offer discounted rates for monthly parking. Do some research and see if there are any options in your area that could save you some money. Also, consider using public transportation.
- Overnight parking is not guaranteed. There are many towns and cities surrounding Boston that regulate overnight street parking. In some towns, certain months are off-limits for overnight street parking (Newton has a winter overnight ban through the end of March). Brookline bans overnight street parking all year but sells overnight permits for town lots. Make sure they allow overnight parking if you plan on street parking in a certain town by visiting the town's website.
- If you're coming from out of state, you will need to register your car in Massachusetts before getting a parking permit. Massachusetts expects you to register as soon as you become a resident, and the law gives no grace period. You need Massachusetts insurance first, because your insurance agent stamps the registration application, and you need an inspection sticker within 7 days of registering. For a Boston permit, the car must be registered in your name at your Boston address, and your insurance must show that address too. The permit is free, but you must pay any unpaid Boston parking tickets first, and it does not let you park during street cleaning or snow emergencies. The details can vary with your situation, so check with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles for current requirements.
Pro Tip: Always read signs to make sure you can park easily. There are also signs that designate street cleaning times and snow protocols. Boston relies on posted signs, not curb colors. At a meter, a red cap means the meter is not in effect at certain times (often a drop-off zone), and a yellow cap means the space is also a loading zone at certain times. Check for any temporary parking restrictions due to construction, events, or moving permits.
By following these tips and reading signs carefully, you can avoid parking tickets and keep your vehicle safe while parked on the street (or in a designated off-street spot). When you're searching for an apartment with parking on Spot Easy, simply type in your area in Search and choose More filters, then select Parking:
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