The 10 Best Neighborhoods in Boston for Renters

Besides being one of the oldest cities in America, Boston is renowned for its captivating history. In fact, though it may be a much smaller city compared to many others in the USA, there’s more history in each of the 23 neighborhoods than one can dream of! While you’re there, soak up the landmarks of Downtown Boston, fall in love with art at the Museum of Fine Arts in Fenway, and gorge on the delicious food in Chinatown, among many other things! To make sure you get all the information you need in bite-sized chunks, we’ve put together a list of 10 best neighborhoods in Boston to help you find out the perfect fit for you.

Complete guide to the 10 best Boston neighborhoods:

1. Back Bay

Back Bay is an upscale neighborhood dominated by the affluent. It’s also one of the most beautiful places in the city, with a residential vibe. The area’s in demand primarily because it’s located in the city’s center, along the majestic Charles River. You’ll find lovely Victorian brownstone homes here owned by the rich folks and pricey luxury apartments. Condominiums, rental rooms, and single-family homes are also available.

The area houses Newbury Street, the high-end shopping center of the city, which has a ton of boutiques and local businesses selling some of the biggest brands one can think of. You’ll also come across some of the finest restaurants and cafes on the neighborhood sidewalks. The local bars here feature performances of the city’s musicians, so if music soothes you, you can drop by some of these venues. The community also has a thriving nightlife scene.

Some of the area’s attractions include the Prudential Center and the Boston Public Library. Interestingly, the public library was the first one in the country to allow residents to borrow books! So, bibliophiles can head over to the library and browse through its book collection. Even if art doesn’t inspire you, you could kill a few hours at the community’s art galleries, Boston Artwork and Childs Gallery.

Some of the community’s lovely parks include the Commonwealth Avenue Mall and the Charles River Esplanade. So, explore these areas to unwind or calm your mind. Reading a book or strolling in the Boston Public Garden can be therapeutic too. Should you be in a spiritual mood, head over to the Old South Church, an icon of Italian Gothic architecture, and admire its beauty.

2. Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill is a pleasant and beautiful historic neighborhood where you’ll find brick apartments alongside lean streets. There are several old row-houses, brownstones, and single-family homes in the area. As one of the oldest areas in the city, it’s a pretty high-priced neighborhood. Residents have lovely gardens and keep gorgeous decorations depending upon the occasion, throughout the year. So, it’s a sight for sore eyes whenever one walks past this place. The cobblestone alleys and the gas street lamps take us back to the 18th century!

Perched on this hill is the Massachusetts State House, a famed landmark with a golden dome opposite the Boston Common, a park frequented by residents and visitors. It replaced the Old State House in 1795. The area was once home to authors Louisa May Alcott and Robert Frost. Fascinating, isn’t it?

Apart from its Greek Revival, Victorian and Federal architecture, the area’s famous for its antique shops, boutiques, restaurants, bars, and notable landmarks. One of its most well-known bars goes by the name Cheers. The primary commercial area is Charles Street, located on the Flat of the Hill, a community within Beacon Hill.

For anyone who wishes to window-shop and satiate their hunger pangs, you’ll find lovely antique shops, several fancy restaurants, and boutiques for people of different tastes and preferences on Charles Street. Also, nightlife is restricted to a few bars, such as Seven’s Ale House for sports lovers, and exceptional wines at Bin 26 for those who crave some fine wine.

The community houses some beautiful parks too, such as Boston Common and Esplanade. You’ll be exposed to a plethora of activities in summer and winter. Summer activities include picnics and public Shakespeare performances. The Frog Pond at Boston Common is used as a skating rink in winters, so there’s no room for boredom!

Finally, most residents in the area have their own car though public transit options are available.

3. Charlestown

The neighborhood has a history that ties back to the Irish, the founders of the place. Charlestown, situated between the Charles and Mystic Rivers, happens to be the oldest neighborhood in the city, set up somewhere in the 17th century. So, you’ll find traces of colonial influence throughout the area. The community’s filled with beautiful brick-row houses and conventional wood homes. You’ll also get to see a blend of single-family homes and condominiums.

Residents comprise immigrants, Irish residents, and young professionals. Several young families also live here, so it’s a family-friendly community too. With a main street and a town square, a sense of community prevails throughout the neighborhood. Residents are down-to-earth and find joy with the little things in life. The community has a casual and small-town vibe and is pretty affordable as well. Also, it is amongst the best neighborhoods to rent a room in Boston.

Main Street and City Square also have shops and restaurants galore, so these are excellent places to hang out. Even if you don’t shop, we’re sure you’ll eat! Thanks to the Irish influence, you’ll get to see Irish pubs everywhere, in case you’re interested in a drink. But if you’re looking to party, you won’t find much of a nightlife here. Overall it is counted amongst the safest neighborhoods in Boston.

Some must-visit places include the Bunker Hill Monument, the USS Constitution, and Charlestown Navy Yard.

4. Dorchester

The city’s most extensive and diversified neighborhood, one can trace its development back to the 1920s when its electric trolley lines attracted hordes of working-class members. It’s a pretty active and energetic community. The former Mayor of the city, Marty Walsh, was born and raised here. The area is home to many residents and immigrants who’ve lived here for long, and has a lively feel. You’ll find refurbished industrial lofts, condos, and single-family homes. Also, a great place to live with roommates.

Business is centered around Dorchester Avenue with many shops, small-scale businesses, and restaurants to cater to the taste palates of residents and visitors alike. Consistent growth of the area has helped set up some excellent restaurants and cafes, including the Dorchester Brewing Company, Ashmont Grill, and the Homestead Bakery & Care. South Bay Center, recently revived, has more eateries and recreational options. The Strand Theater in Upham’s Corner is a lovely venue that runs plays and musicals for residents year-round.

Dorchester houses Franklin Park, which is part of the entire 1100-acre Emerald Necklace park chain. It contains a golf course, a zoo, and 500 acres of parkland. You’ll find numerous other parks in the area too. The community has the honor of being the chosen destination for the first elementary school and the first chocolate factory in America! Some places you could explore include the JFK Library and the Dorchester Historical Society.

With the area surrounded by the Neponset River and Boston Harbor, residents have access to seasonal boating opportunities, harbor beaches, and water-related activities.

5. Fenway-Kenmore

Fenway-Kenmore houses Fenway Park, a baseball stadium where the famous Red Sox team played and won many games. The area has multiple restaurants and bars around the park. The best part about the community is it’s constantly growing, with numerous skyscrapers across the community. Residents are sociable and cheerful and always find reasons to be joyful. Seventy-five percent of the people here are students in various colleges and universities. Some reputed universities you’ll find in the area are Northeastern University and Boston University. Overall, it’s a young and lively neighborhood. If you are a student, then this is where you should be looking for roommates in Boston.

The area has several homes, studios, and condos close to MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority) stops. It seems to be a perfect location for living, studying, or working with your perfect roommate. Nightlife venues are few and far between, such as Cask n’ Flagon. You’ll also find many eateries housed here. Some of the new ones are fantastic and serve everything from oysters to tacos!

In your leisure time, you can check out the Back Bay Fens, the Museum of Fine Arts, and Symphony Hall, to name a few. The Back Bay Fens, a large park and wildlife area, is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts and those who wish to live close to the city’s center. Other attractions include Kenmore Square, a commercial and cultural hub in Boston. In addition, the House of Blues is a great music venue, where musicians from all over the country perform now and then.

The community has multiple public parks and gardens where you can spend quality time. You can even take a walk or jog through Fenway Park.

6. Jamaica Plain

Jamaica Plain or JP is a quiet, diversified neighborhood known for its parks and local businesses. Here, people care for and look out for each other. The Victorian houses in the area might be high-priced, but there are affordable options too if you are looking for houses for rent in Boston. In other words, it isn’t an upscale neighborhood. Residents comprise young families, professionals, artists, activists and successful landlords.

Center Street is the area’s main street. You’ll find varied shops, cafes, restaurants, and local businesses. Tres Gatos is one such place that serves as a Tapas restaurant, a bookstore, and a record shop! Don’t forget to drop by J.P. Licks for flavorful ice cream if you have a sweet tooth. If you have a hankering for drinks, visit Sam Adams Brewery, where you get beer-making lessons and free samples too! Several community events, such as music festivals and spring fairs occur here, so drop by if you find the time.

Taking a walk through Jamaica Pond, a beautiful park, is liberating. The park also conducts activities, such as rowing, sailing, and kayaking in case you wish to try something that’s out of your comfort zone!

Encompassed by Franklin Park and Emerald Necklace, you’ll find lots of entertainment options in the community. Some must-visit places include Olmsted Park and the Arnold Arboretum, both of which comprise park spaces.

7. North End

Influenced by Italian-American culture, North End is a frequented neighborhood in Boston and often called Boston’s Little Italy. It’s also an upscale place with pretty big-budget homes, not to mention several colonial-era constructions and tenement buildings. Condominiums and smaller apartment buildings owned by families can also be found here. Residents consist of families, young professionals, and long-term residents.

You’ll find a host of amazing Italian restaurants with lip-smacking dishes. Well-known bakeries include Mike's Pastry and Modern Pastry. However, baked goods at Bova’s Bakery are extraordinary and available all hours of the day and night in case you feel hungry at ungodly hours! For more shopping and eating, head over to Hanover and Salem Streets. Generally, the area has cafes and parks aplenty.

Within the neighborhood, you may not find any proper supermarket, but wait, you have Haymarket! Open on Fridays and Saturdays, vendors from all over sell fresh stuff, including cheeses, pasta, meats, and so on, at meager prices.

For entertainment, head over to West End’s renovated North Station, where you can attend concerts at Big Night Live or watch a Celtics or Bruins game at TD Garden. If you’re a movie buff, catch one at ArcLight Cinemas. If nature beckons you, drop by Christopher Columbus Park and join a game of frisbee with the people playing here. If not, take a nice long walk along the adjacent harbor.

North End is the perfect place for history lovers. Among the must-visit places are Old North Church and Paul Revere’s house. Paul Revere, a patriot, was an integral part of the American Revolution. Also, the community houses a chunk of the Freedom Trail, another notable landmark. It comprises a famous Revolutionary War walking tour that cuts through several neighborhoods before proceeding further.

8. South End

South End is a well-known neighborhood fit for families and millennials and houses a big LGBTQIA+ community. In other words, it’s an inclusive neighborhood. You’ll get to see lots of stunning brownstone Victorian houses coupled with condominiums, single-family homes, and rental apartments. Of late, new high-rise apartments have come up.

The sidewalks are well-kept, making it easier for residents to stroll or reach places. An area filled with parks, playgrounds, brick sidewalks, and brownstones, South End was once a thin land strip called the Boston Neck and surrounded by a tidal wetland.

The primary commercial streets of the area include Washington Street, Tremont Street, and Columbus Avenue. The area’s renowned for its fantastic upscale restaurants and a thriving nightlife scene. Some top-notch eateries include the bistro-bar Aquitaine and Giacomo’s. Head over to Caffe Nero for a cup of joe. If you wish to skip breakfast and have an early lunch, drop by Metropolis. Wrap up your meal with fresh donuts from Blackbird Donuts.

Looking for relics? Visit Pioneer Goods Co. to look through the range of antiques and buy those that appeal to you. South End houses cultural institutions like the Calderwood Pavilion, which is a hub for art performances. See if you’re interested enough to drop by.

9. East Boston

East Boston is a very diverse neighborhood situated opposite downtown, consisting of people from across the globe, including immigrants from South America, Central America, and Southeast Asia. You’ll feel a community vibe here and people are always there for each other.

What’s interesting about the area is that the site comprised Boston’s shipyard during the American Revolution. Italian Americans make up the major residents of the community. The neighborhood is a calm and peaceful place and isn’t very high-priced. You’ll find several shorter buildings compared to other areas.

The community offers you exceptional vistas of the city skyline. Take a ferry boat or the Blue Line on the subway and go on a fantastic journey across the harbor. The neighborhood also serves some of the most delectable cuisines you can imagine!

10. Cambridge

This Boston suburb is located opposite the picturesque Charles River and is also referred to as the “Intellectual Capital of the World.” The area’s split into three squares, namely Harvard, Central, and Porter. The neighborhood is home to MIT and Harvard, so you’ll run into many brilliant minds here. Cafes, bookstores, and bars line Harvard Square. Some of the finest Italian and Japanese cuisines can be found here along with seafood and local specialties. There are lots of old and new restaurants and transit options aplenty.

Central Square isn’t as refined as Harvard, so you’re likely to see many hip restaurants, bars, and the popular Middle East nightclub. On the other hand, Porter Square is a quieter and more homey community. You’ll find apartment buildings and multiple duplexes for those looking to find a place to stay.

Cambridge houses Kendall Square, a tech and biotech community offering co-working spaces and incubators aplenty for businesses of all sizes. The neighborhood is environmentally friendly and has taken up many green living projects, such as the fuel-efficient vehicle-charging stations and panel installations for the use of solar energy.

Since it’s an educational hub, it’s a highly sought-after destination, so you’re likely to find many condos, apartments, and single-family homes. Reaching the place shouldn’t be a problem because buses and other transportation modes operated by MBTA are always available.

With Harvard and MIT in the vicinity, you never run out of things to do. These universities run exhibits, public lectures, film screenings, art installations, and the like. So, head over to these schools and find something intellectually stimulating to do. You might even make some genius friends along the way!

Conclusion

As you may have noticed, Boston may not be able to compete in size with other cities, it more than makes up with its architectural and natural beauty, its captivating history, and its top-level food scene! So, anyone who decides to call the city home, isn’t going to be disappointed. Also, we hope we’ve been able to give you all the relevant information you need to make an informed decision should you choose to move to the city in the future. All the best!