Welcome to Boston, the capital of Massachusetts! If the only things you know about Boston are that Mark Wahlberg calls this city home and that you’ll find a Dunkin’ Donuts located on every corner… Here's a rundown of what you might want to consider before moving here.
Where in Boston should I live?
Boston is home to nearly 4.9 million people living in a region that includes five counties in Eastern Massachusetts, according to the US Census Bureau. It’s almost 90 square miles without including the towns surrounding the city that fall into the “Greater Boston” category. With such a large spread of people and towns, it can be a daunting task to narrow down an area to focus on. If you’re a student visiting or a working professional moving here for the first time, consider some of these factors when moving:
What is the best transportation?
If you own a vehicle, you’ll probably be moving it twice a week for street cleaning or paying outrageous garage prices. Your best bet would be walking, though plenty of people bike to work too. If your preference is for public transportation, you should look for a place on the Blue, Green, Orange or Red MBTA Lines, or “the T” as it is dubbed online. The subway system in Boston was actually the first in the United States. You’ll find yourself wondering if they ever updated it when you’re facing some of its extreme delays.
What are you looking to spend?
Budget is an important factor to consider when looking for a place in Boston, especially since the city is constantly ranking right behind New York and San Francisco in terms of price. Median one-bedroom rents in Boston rose to $2,720 in January, according to Business Insider. A common way to bring down the cost is having roommates. If you know where to look though, you’ll probably be able to score a place within your budget.
Notable Boston Neighborhoods:
- Allston & Brighton: Former residents, like Aerosmith - ever heard of them?, caused the “Rock City” nickname to stick to this area. However, Great Scott and Brighton Music Hall are actually better known for their cheap beer and inexpensive tickets. Close to Boston University, this area is popular for students. It has its own holiday called “Allston Christmas” on September 1st, when renters move to new places and leave furniture behind on the street.
- Beacon Hill: Full of brownstones and next to the beautiful Boston Public Garden, you’ll find high-end shopping on Newbury street and the golden dome of the Massachusetts State House. Beacon Hill is also famous for the television-famous bar, Cheers.
(Source: Matt Collamer on Unsplash)
- Brookline: A town of its own on the Green Line C and D branches, with a quieter nightlife. Places to check out in this city include Coolidge Corner Theatre, Kupel’s Bakery, and Corey Hill Outlook.
- Cambridge: Prestigious colleges like Harvard and MIT aren’t the only thing Cambridge has to offer. The biotechnology industry thrives in Kendall Square, which is the most innovative square mile in the world. There are several distinct squares (Porter, Harvard, Charles, Central, Kendall) along the red line in Cambridge that each have their own quirks. There are quite a few places to find reasonable rent along these red line stops, but better deals can be found nearby in Somerville or Allston.
- East Boston: East Boston offers skyline views across the harbor at rents below most of the city. Logan Airport is located in East Boston, making it easy to get away for work or vacation.
(Source: Documerica)
- Jamaica Plain: “JP” is built around its green space, with Jamaica Pond and the Arboretum at its edges. Places to try here include JP Licks ice cream original location, Centre Street for its cafes, and the Sam Adams Brewery.
- North End: In this historic corner of the city you’ll find late-night bakeries and an al fresco marketplace. Its waterfront real estate and proximity to downtown makes this neighborhood pricier than most. Nightlife includes catching a Bruins or Celtics game at TD Garden or catching a concert at Big Night Live.
(Source: Wie Zeng on Unsplash)
- Somerville: Located directly northwest of Boston, Somerville is a dense, walkable city built mostly of two- and three-family homes. Check out The Burren in Davis Square for a live show or discover Bow Market hidden in Union Square for shopping and a bite to eat. There are also quite a few craft breweries in the area to explore.
(Source: Winston A. Hide on Unsplash)
- South Boston: Known as ‘Southie’ on the southeastern edge of the city, this spot is close to the Financial District, Chinatown, and Downtown. Many tourists flock to Castle Island in the summer and grab a lobster roll or hot dog from Sullivan’s. Alternatively, South Boston is right above Dorchester - which is the city’s largest neighborhood and offers more affordable real estate.
If you’re considering moving to Boston, or looking for a new spot to call home, hopefully this guide can help you find your community. When you’re ready to start browsing for listings, make sure to start with Spot Easy, the most trusted platform in Boston for finding apartments.
Related reading
Boston neighborhood guides
- Cambridge MA Apartments: Your Comprehensive Guide to Finding the Perfect Rental
- Living in Somerville, MA: The Ultimate Guide for Renters
- South End Boston Apartments: Living in the Heart of Boston
- Unlock Brighton, MA: Top Tips for Finding Apartments in This Vibrant Neighborhood
- Discover Beacon Hill: Ultimate Guide to Boston’s Most Enchanting Neighborhood
- Living the Southie Life: Guide to Finding the Perfect Apartment in South Boston