Apartments for rent in Boston, MA

Getting to Know Boston, MA

Living in Boston puts you in the middle of a lot of American history. Founded in September 1630, it's one of the oldest cities in the country. It's also central to much of American history, with many significant events before and during the American Revolution happening there. 

The city is always exciting, with almost 5 million people in the metropolitan area and more than 12 million people visiting each year. Whether you're looking for Boston luxury apartments, a studio, or a cheap place to sleep for those few hours you're not exploring the city, you can find exactly what you need. Here are some of the area's highlights.

Boston Neighborhoods

Allston-Brighton: Boston University and Boston College are in Allston-Brighton (two separate areas, but often treated as a single neighborhood), making it great for students. It also has a large number of young professionals, so many bars and restaurants have popped up to appeal to the 20-something crowd. 

Brookline: Want to be close to the city, but have a quieter, more suburban feel? Then you'll want to look at Brookline. It's quite affluent, with many large estates and one of the oldest country clubs in America. It's also close enough that you can get to the city itself with a short train ride. 

Cambridge: Cambridge sits on the Charles River, but that's not the real appeal of this neighborhood. Harvard and MIT are located nearby, making the area one of the more extreme examples you can find of feeling like a college town. If you like the liveliness of a college town and want to be near a strong art and musical culture, Cambridge is a great place to live. 

North End: Two things define North End: American history and Italian food. Here in the oldest neighborhood in the city, you'll find the Freedom Trail and all of its historical landmarks, as well as the "little Italy" of Boston, with as much great Italian food as you'd want. 

Somerville: This is the densest and most diverse area in Boston. If you want a neighborhood with a mix of many different people, you'll find it here, from young professionals to families to recent immigrants. It's also home to many different restaurants from all over, so it's perfect to live in (or even just visit) if you're big into trying new restaurants. 

Boston Landmarks

Freedom Trail is one of the most popular tourist attractions and the site of many historical landmarks. A 2.5-mile brick path, it's a lot of history concentrated into a relatively short stretch. You'll find places like the Old Corner Bookstore, which has been standing since 1718. It was first used as a pharmacy then later as a bookstore. Though it's no longer a bookstore, it still has the same design that it had throughout the centuries. 

Also along the Freedom Trail is the Park Street Church, where gunpowder was stored during the War of 1812, the Paul Revere House, which was built in the late 1600s, the site of the Boston Massacre, and the burial ground for famous figures such as John Hancock and Samuel Adams. Located in Downtown, it's located close to many neighborhoods and there are many apartments available for rent nearby. 

Education Hotspot

More than just a charming city with lots of history, Boston is a top spot for higher education. Known as the "Athens of America," Boston and the surrounding area is home to numerous colleges and universities with a myriad of academic programs, such as Harvard, Boston College, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Berklee College of Music, and Boston University. So regardless of what your interests are, there's likely a school in Boston for you. 

If you're into the arts, you might want to rent an apartment near the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University. Designed by artists for artists, this revered institution is dedicated to providing education for pioneers in the arts, whether it's sculpture, painting or sketching.

Average Rent in Boston

While rent varies significantly by neighborhood, residents in Boston can expect a higher average rent than most big cities, with an average of around $2,800 a month.

Did You Know?

Whether you're strolling the greens at Boston Common or sunning yourself at Revere Beach, you're taking in part in history. Boston is home to the nation's first public park and first public beach.

Public Transportation in Boston

To ride Boston's subway, called the "T," you can purchase a CharlieCard at any subway station and use the color-coded maps to plan your route.

Boston Events and Festivals

Each year brings a full slate of events to Boston, including festivals for foodies, St. Paddy's and Christmas celebrations, and local traditions like Boston Harborfest and the world-famous Boston Marathon.

Free Things to Do in Boston

Some fun free things to do in Boston include walking the Freedom Trail, picnics in Boston Common and tours of the Boston Public Library, Commonwealth Museum, and Samuel Adams Brewery.

Boston Sports

If you're a sports lover, there's no better place to be than Boston, the home of die-hard fans. Your new home in Boston puts you near the famous Fenway Park, where you can catch a Red Sox game, and the TD Garden, where the Celtics and Bruins play. You'll also be a short distance away from Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots and the New England Revolution. 

If you're an athlete yourself, you might be interested in participating in the Boston Marathon or the Head of the Charles, the largest regatta in the world. There are also a number of parks and recreational sites where you can organize a pickup game with your friends. 

Things to Do with Kids in Boston

Boston offers a lot of free things for families to do, and our top picks include stargazing at the Coit Observatory, playtime at the waterfront park on Castle Island, and the historical and cultural activities offered by the Highland Street Foundation's Free Fun Fridays.

Boston Outdoors

Located on the water, Boston is great for nature enthusiasts. Situated near several beaches and only a few hours from Cape Cod, Boston is perfect for people who love to get out and bask in the sun during warm months. You can even leave straight from Boston Harbor and spend an afternoon whale watching! If you're looking to be more active, you can rent a canoe, kayak or sailboat or sign up for a rowing class.

If you love hiking, there are plenty of nearby trails and even a few mountains to climb nearby, including Mount Washington and Mount Monadnock in New Hampshire. You'll also find plenty of parks for jogging, skateboarding and other fair-weather fun, or exercise your green thumb at an urban planting center like Fenway Victory Gardens.

Finding the Best Nightlife in Boston

With many college students around, Boston has some serious nightlife. Whether you're looking for a hopping club where you can dance or a low-key coffee shop to unwind at the end of a long day, the city has plenty of options.

The Paradise Rock Club hosts national touring acts and large local bands. The Middle East is another great place to catch a live performance and indulge in a few drinks. With plenty of taxis available to get you back to your apartment, you don't have to worry about finding a designated driver.

Here are a few more picks for great nightlife spots:

• Nightclubs: Royale, Venu, Cure Lounge, Machine, Tunnel, Icon
• Bars: Anchovies, Parlor Sports, Drink, Lookout Rooftop & Bar
• Dining: The Gallows, Roxy's Central + A4cade, Bostonia Public House
• Live Music: Wally's Cafe, Sinclair, Toad, House of Blues
• Comedy: Laugh Boston, Improv Asylum, Dick Doherty's Beantown Comedy
• Theaters: Charles Playhouse, Wang Theater, Shubert Theatre, Boston Opera House, Boston Ballet

Getaways from Boston

You have a lot of major cities near you in Boston. New York City is about a four hour drive, Philadelphia is five, and Washington, DC is about eight. There are also a lot of relatively cheap flights, which cut those travel times to about an hour and a half. Looking to get away from the crowded cities? Cape Cod is a 70 mile drive away.