Neighborhood Descriptions
Allston and Brighton are two of the most popular areas for college students. The Allston area has a diverse makeup with many middle class families living in single and dual family homes. What makes this area so attractive to many students is its proximity to both BU’s Charles River Campus and the Boston College campus. Many sections are also close to Harvard Square. Allston-Brighton offers easy access to numerous stores, restaurants, bars, and downtown Boston. The B section of the Green Line is accessible from many parts of the area. Brighton tends to be less crowded and quieter than Allston, and has more residential areas. Free parking on the street is tight, but available. A residential sticker is required in some areas.
Click here to see photos of Allston & Brighton.
| Neighborhood Links: | Allston-Brighton TAB | Allston Brighton CDC |
Back Bay
The Back Bay, characterized by its old-fashioned brownstone houses, Parisian-style boulevards, tree-lined sidewalks, trendy shops, and tourist attractions make it a beautiful place to live. Back Bay features Copley Square, The Boston Common and Gardens, and the Charles River. Newbury Street is also located in the Back Bay, which boasts some of Boston’s best shopping. Advantages of Back Bay include its proximity to BU’s Medical Campus, offering many students the opportunity to either walk or bike to school. The CT1 bus and the #1 bus run down Massachusetts Avenue, affording reliable, though sometimes crowded transportation. As with everything that is good, it has its drawbacks. Parking is very difficult, and the rent can tend to get a bit expensive. The area stretches from the heart of BU’s Charles River campus to the Boston Gardens.
Click here to see photos of the Back Bay.
| Neighborhood Links: | Neighborhood Association | Back Bay NAG (Neighborhood Action Group) |
Beacon Hill
Located in the heart of Boston, Beacon Hill is home to Suffolk University, Massachusetts General Hospital, and a short walk from the Financial District and Government Center. The area features 19th and 20th century brownstones, cobblestone streets, old-fashioned narrow alleyways and occasional park-like areas with big trees. Because of its central location and Charles Street “T” stop on the Red Line, Beacon Hill also allows easy access to all of Boston’s activities. Consequently, this desirable, historic area is crowded, expensive, and the apartments are usually small. Due to narrow streets and overcrowding, parking is minimal.
Click here to see photos of Beacon Hill.
| Neighborhood Links: | Beacon Hill Online |
Charlestown
Boston’s oldest and most historic neighborhood has been the focus of construction and renovation, bringing the original charm back. Housing consists mainly of quaint little row houses, most of which feature old-fashioned wide-plank floors, and offers both single and multi-family units. Charlestown is accessible by the Orange Line at Sullivan Square and Bunker Hill. It is a short walk across the bridge to Boston’s North End and Waterfront District.
Click here to see photos of Charlestown.
| Neighborhood Links: | Charlestown Online |
Dorchester
As Boston’s largest community, Dorchester remains very much a residential neighborhood. Due to its size, Dorchester has several smaller communities within it. Rental prices in Dorchester are generally reasonable. Regal Victorians, triple-deckers, and waterfront spots in Savin Hill and Columbia Point offer an array of housing choices. Portions of Dorchester near the Harbor tend to be more expensive than their inland and more densely populated counterparts. Dorchester is one of Boston’s least transitional neighborhoods. Transportation along the Red Line is reliable and traveling time depends on the location and time of day, usually around 10-25 minutes. Some buses also pass by BUMC and Dudley Square Bus Station.
| Neighborhood Links: | Dorchester Reporter | Ashmont Hill Online |
East Boston
East Boston is one of the oldest neighborhoods of the city. It is a working-class neighborhood some distance from the medical campus. East Boston is a peninsula separated from the rest of the city by the harbor. It is also where Logan Airport is located, and is accessible by the “T” Blue Line. Rents tend to be somewhat cheaper than the rest of the city. There are a large number of two and three family homes.
| Neighborhood Links: | East Boston Online |
Fenway/Kenmore
Best known as the home of Fenway Park, Kenmore is also home to colleges (such as Simmons, Wheelock, WIT, and Northeastern), museums (The Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum and the Christian Science Museum) and the hospitals of the Longwood Medical Area. It is a popular rental spot for students and medical personnel. Boston’s “Emerald Necklace,” which consists of park and recreational space begins in the Fenway. The Fenway is also known for its area night clubs. Throughout this trendy neighborhood, rents are generally expensive but the commute is short. Public transportation is readily accessible from most areas within.
Click here to see a few photos of the Fenway and Kenmore Square areas.
| Neighborhood Links: | FensNet | Fenway Alliance |
Jamaica Plain (JP)
Jamaica Plain, often referred to as ‘JP’, is perhaps the most culturally diverse section of Boston. Nearly every ethnicity, socio economic stratum, and sexual orientation is well represented in this neighborhood. Two great bonuses to living in JP are the Arnold Arboretum and Jamaica Pond. Along Centre Street, you will find ice cream parlors, natural food stores, and restaurants that encompass the diversity of the neighborhood. Housing prices vary depending on the area of Jamaica Plain. There are many different styles of accommodations available including triple-decker houses, Victorian homes and some apartment buildings. The Green “T” Line (E) runs as far as the VA Medical Center and the 39 bus runs along the same route as the Green Line but continues through the center of town. The Orange Line is also very convenient to many who live throughout JP. JP is one of the few sections of Boston that does not require a residential parking sticker. Rents are reasonable and the houses are usually well maintained.
| Neighborhood Links: | Jamaica Plain Online | Jamaica Plain Gazette |
Mattapan/Hyde Park
Mattapan and Hyde Park are less urban parts of the city, with many single and two family houses with yards. Parking is generally not a problem. Mattapan is T-accessible via the Red Line. Rents here are quite reasonable, but commuting can be time consuming.
| Neighborhood Links: | Mattapan On-Line |
Mission Hill
Mission Hill, part of Roxbury, is an up and coming community that has recently received a lot of attention. The community is conveniently located and is a culturally diverse neighborhood, much like Jamaica Plain (see description of JP). Housing includes triple-deckers and Victorian homes. Mission Hill is located near the Green Line (E), the #39 bus and some parts of Mission Hill are located near the Orange Line. Apartments in Mission Hill tend to be large. Parking is readily available, but a parking permit is needed.
| Neighborhood Links: | Mission Hill Gazette |
North End
The North End is a close-knit neighborhood that historically features fabulous Italian restaurants and shops. The area is located only five minutes from downtown Quincy Market, and two minutes from the waterfront. A car is not recommended in this area because parking is almost impossible on the narrow streets. From the North End, you can take the Orange Line from Hay Market to Massachusetts Avenue, and then take the #1 or the CT1 bus to the BUMC. The Green Line is also nearby. Apartments are very small, and rent is expensive for the size.
| Neighborhood Links: | Northendboston.com |
Roslindale/West Roxbury
Roslindale, like many areas of Boston, has a wide range of housing options. There are areas with duplexes, houses, apartment complexes, and multi-family dwellings. The community is mainly middle class families. With a little effort, you can have the benefits of living in the city without all the hassles (or costs!). Two great bonuses to living in Roslindale are the Arnold Arboretum and Jamaica Pond nearby in Jamaica Plain. They are great escapes from studying and city living. The public transit infrastructure allows you to commute via the Orange Line or the Commuter Rail, along with bus connections. West Roxbury is similar to Roslindale but is generally more affluent and even more suburban in character, with many single-family homes for rent. Commuting by car is no problem. Depending on where you live, it is accessible by Commuter Rail (Needham Line), which connects with the Orange Line. Parking is readily available in most areas.
| Neighborhood Links: | Roslindale Board of Trade | West Roxbury Transcript | |
| WestRoxbury.com |
Roxbury
Roxbury is a large residential community that is considered the center of Boston’s Black Community. It is culturally varied, with many areas in the process of urban renewal, and even “gentrification.” It is close to the medical center and rents tend to be cheaper than in most parts of the city. Public transport serves the community well by bus. Most buses will either go directly to BUMC or connect to the Dudley Square Bus Station, where several buses can take you to class.
| Neighborhood Links: | Roxbury.com | Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative |
South Boston
Famous for the traditions of its long standing Irish population, ‘Southie’ is a working-class neighborhood that is easily accessible from BUMC. Residents enjoy the best of both worlds in this seaside community, with an easy commute to downtown via Broadway and Andrew Squares on the Red Line and an equally short trip to the beach. All types of apartments and homes can be found here, including multi-families and open-air lofts. Rents tend to be less expensive than many other portions of the city, although prices are rising.
| Neighborhood Links: | South Boston Online | South Boston Tribune |
South End
Boston University Medical Campus (BUMC) is located in the South End, so the commute to school, in most cases, is a short walk or bike ride and very convenient. The area is undergoing a lot of renovation and redevelopment, and some beautiful old homes from the past century are being restored. Victorian brick row houses predominate throughout much of the area. It is a diverse neighborhood with many different ethnic and income groups living here. Tremont and Columbus streets host a multitude of shops, galleries and restaurants. Public transportation is available into the city on the new Silverline bus and the #10 bus runs down Dartmouth Street to the medical center every 25 minutes or so. Resident parking is available by permit.
Click here to see photos of the South End.
| Neighborhood Links: | The South End | Blackstone/Franklin Square Neighborhood Association |
| South End Neighborhood Coalition | Union Park Neighborhood Association |
Brookline
A mixture of thriving urban and quaint suburban life, Brookline offers the convenience of the city for those who don’t want to live in it. Safety is one of Brookline’s numerous advantages (one of the safest areas around). The commute from Brookline also makes it a desirable area for BUMC students. From most areas it takes approximately 20 minutes by car or bicycle, and 40-45 minutes by public transportation. Most apartments are only a short distance away from one of Brookline’s many public parks. Brookline also has an excellent public school system. The quiet, residential atmosphere and excellent shopping are a plus here. Overnight parking is prohibited, so make sure your apartment provides parking. Otherwise, you may have to pay an additional $75-175 a month and parking spaces are very limited. A car is not necessary in Brookline since public transportation is excellent. Many people bike to class, and most of Brookline is on the B, C and D Green Line, which can take you to the Hynes Convention Center stop to take the #1 or the CT1 bus to school.
| Neighborhood Links: | Town of Brookline | Brookline TAB |
Cambridge
Cambridge is across the Charles River from Boston. Many find the steady stream of cultural and educational events and varied colorful commercial enterprises very appealing. It is fairly large and can be broken up into four general areas: Harvard Square, North Cambridge/Fresh Pond, East Cambridge, and Cambridgeport. Rents vary greatly from area to area. Good places to look for housing information include the Harvard and MIT public bulletin boards, as well as notice boards at Harvard Law and Business Schools. Massachusetts Avenue goes directly through Cambridge to BUMC and is about a 20-25 minute drive from Harvard Square. For public transportation, the Red Line also runs through Cambridge. You can get off at Andrew then take the CT3 to BUMC. Alternatively, the #1 runs straight down Massachusetts Avenue, and the #47 runs from Central Square to BUMC.
Harvard Square is by far the most sought-after housing in Cambridge, and the competition from Harvard and MIT students for affordable housing is intense. There are some bargains in older two and three family homes but these are hard to find because people don’t like to move out of them. There’s easy access to the Red Line and buses, lots of student life, and a relatively low crime rate. The North Cambridge/Fresh Pond area is a bit further away (about 15 minutes extra) but the rents are somewhat lower. There is a large shopping area as well. The Alewife station on the Red Line is located here.
| Neighborhood Links: | City of Cambridge | Cambridge Chamber of Commerce |
| Cambridge Chronicle | Harvard Square |
Malden
Located just north of Boston this ethnically diverse community is primarily a residential area. Apartments in this area are typically large and moderately priced. Malden is easily accessible to supermarkets, Laundromats, and shopping centers. It is convenient to have a car but not necessary. Malden offers access to the Orange line and several bus routes.
Click here to see photos of Malden.
| Neighborhood Links: | City of Malden | Malden Observer |
Newton
Newton is a prosperous suburb of Boston, connected to it by reasonably good public transit. It is large, spread out, and made up of over ten villages. It is difficult to make any specific comments that apply to the entire area, but there are many choices of housing. The public school system is excellent. Travel time to school is attractive, but a car is a must in some areas. The D Green Line combined with a bus schedule is also an option. Most rental units are single homes that have been converted into two family dwellings. There is no additional cost for on-street parking and availability is fairly good. The rents in Newton vary and are affected by location; -proximity to Boston or the Mass Pike may increase prices.
| Neighborhood Links: | City of Newton | Newton Citizens |
Quincy
Quincy, a small city just south of Boston, has a lot to offer for those students who hate the hassles of big city living. There are several sections of the city including North Quincy, Wollaston, Quincy Center, and West Quincy. The city is made up largely of Irish Catholic working class families as well as a growing Asian population. It promotes a community atmosphere and is often quieter than Boston. The ocean provides a great view for running, walking, rollerblading, or just relaxing. The Red Line has four stops in Quincy that will take you to the Andrew stop near BUMC, taking about 20-30 minutes. The Southeast Expressway (I-93) to the Andrew Square exit is an option by car. The expressway can get very congested during rush hours. Parking is usually on street, free, and easier to find than in Boston. Just beware of territorial neighbors who do not want you to park in front of their homes! Most people feel very safe in Quincy, and there are many housing options available: high-rise complexes, houses, duplexes, and triple-deckers.
| Neighborhood Links: | QuincyMass.com | Quincy Online |
Somerville
Somerville is just north of Cambridge, and is serviced by excellent public transportation. This area has mostly triple-decker houses and apartment complexes. Housing conditions are variable, but good deals can be found. The population is primarily working-class families with many Tufts students and young couples. Davis Square, the heart of Somerville, is a growing area with many great restaurants, jazz and rock music clubs as well as a movie theater which features live African and folk music. There is easy access to Cambridge and Boston via the Davis Square station on the Red Line, and to downtown Boston and the South End via the Orange line at Sullivan Square station.
| Neighborhood Links: | Somerville Journal | The Ville |
Watertown
Watertown is a middle-class community with a large number of single and two family homes with yards. Watertown also has a number of apartment complexes. Commuting by public transportation may require a number of bus changes on routes with limited service. Parking is not a problem.
| Neighborhood Links: | City of Watertown | Watertown-Belmont Chamber of Commerce |
