A Local Experts Guide to the Top Boston Neighborhoods for College Renters

Hi! I’m Amelia, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Boston, Massachusetts! We’re excited to help you find your new home, and getting to know the neighborhood is an important part of that process!

When you think of Boston, what comes to mind? Maybe you said history… high-tech innovations… or cutting-edge medical facilities… you’re absolutely correct, but tying all of those together are several of the most prestigious universities in the country, from Harvard and MIT to Boston University, my alma mater.

Whether you’re seeking a vibrant community with exciting nightlife or a quieter neighborhood with beautiful beaches and great dining, join me on a tour of the best Boston neighborhoods with apartments for students. Before we begin, however, a quick word to the wise for new students moving in — take great caution if you’re renting a moving van, and pay attention to signs warning you of low overpasses. Students “getting Storrowed” is a common occurrence here (as you can see since we’ve invented a name for it!), and you don’t want it to happen to you.

Boston University

Boston University is a private research university located in the Fenway-Kenmore and Allston neighborhoods. BU boasts over 300 fields of study, including business, law, communications (my degree), and health sciences, with Boston Medical Center serving as its primary teaching hospital. The university has a diverse student body, with students from over 130 countries and alumni who range from Martin Luther King, Jr. to New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasia-Cortez.

Lower Allston

Seeking a more laid-back vibe? Lower Allston (sometimes also called North Allston) is located between the Charles River and Allston proper, giving you the option of quiet river walks (or study sessions!) or busy restaurants and shopping. Lower Allston is convenient and affordable, with a blend of classic Boston-area triple-decker/multi-family houses, older apartment buildings, and newer developments, making it a great location for all kinds of budgets.

Brookline Village

Just a short Green Line ride away from BU, this quiet neighborhood offers great dining and one of the best independent bookstores in Boston, Brookline Booksmith. Take the books you pick up there down to Olmsted Park for a peaceful study session — did you know that its designer (and namesake) Frederick Law Olmsted also designed Central Park in New York? Housing here tends to be a bit higher-end, with renovated brownstones (which you might share with a couple of roommates), small and mid-sized apartment buildings, and new developments along Boylston Street.

Fenway

Fenway is super student-friendly, with a great central location right in the hub of Boston and housing options ranging from historic renovated brownstones to new builds. With easy access to public transportation and so many hot spots within easy walking distance, there’s no shortage of things to do in Fenway! The most obvious, of course, is to catch the Red Sox at Fenway Park (Go Sox!), but you can also take advantage of the incredible music scene from the House of Blues to multiple smaller clubs.

University of Massachusetts - Boston

Located on the Columbia Point peninsula, UMass Boston has beautiful waterfront views. The university offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs, notably business, nursing, education, and public policy, and is home to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library. As Boston’s only public research university, UMass Boston is both affordable and accessible, attracting a diverse student body, including many first-generation college students. Notable alumni include Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and former U.S. Representative Stephen F. Lynch.

Columbia Point

Columbia Point surrounds UMass Boston, making it an incredibly convenient neighborhood for students. A range of apartment types are available, both new construction and older buildings with a few multi-family homes mixed in for good measure. Columbia Point tends to be a quieter neighborhood, and you can take advantage of waterfront locations like Harborwalk and Carson Beach, whether you’re looking for a place to go for a run or bike ride or just to relax and study for a bit.

South Boston

South Boston (aka “Southie”) is well-known for its blue-collar roots and great bar scene. Southie has transformed in recent years, becoming a thriving (and more expensive) location, but affordable options for students can still be found, especially if you have roommates. Triple-deckers are common here, and there has been a great deal of new construction recently. Students can walk or bike on the waterfront along Morrissey Boulevard, and don’t miss a quick trip to L Street, which features row homes you’ve likely seen in multiple Boston-set movies, such as Good Will Hunting (and if you like them apples, you may want to stop by the L Street Tavern!).

North Quincy

My family and I are proud to call Quincy home! Just a short Red Line trip from UMass Boston, North Quincy is an affordable and friendly neighborhood with a diverse community and an incredible Asian dining scene. Housing ranges from triple-deckers to brand-new construction, and most needs are just a short walk away. Take a break from your studies with a jog along Wollaston Beach, and be sure to explore the beautiful marshes and wetlands nearby, which are a haven for wildlife.

Harvard & Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Probably the most famous and well-known of Boston’s universities, both Harvard and MIT are located close to each other in Cambridge, and students attending either of these schools are likely to live in the same neighborhoods. Harvard, the oldest university in the U.S., is particularly known for its business, medical, and law programs (Legally Blonde, anyone?), while MIT is renowned for innovation in engineering and the sciences. Some of our most influential figures are graduates from these prestigious universities, including Barack Obama and Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Harvard) and Buzz Aldrin and Shirley Ann Jackson (MIT).

Kendall Square

Kendall Square can be a bit pricey, but it’s a great choice for students with a higher housing budget. This area features new developments and luxury apartments with a few mid-rise apartment complexes and loft-style conversions. Kendall Square is just steps from MIT and only two stops on the Red Line from Harvard, and it’s filled with fabulous restaurants and cafes — great for studying! My partner and I are regular visitors to Landmark Kendall Square Cinema, which screens independent films and other movies with limited releases.

Davis Square

Located in Somerville, just outside Cambridge, Davis Square is a bit more affordable than Cambridge proper, with plenty of great student apartment options. Triple-deckers are common here, as are older pre-war brick apartment buildings. While you can catch the Red Line to MIT and Harvard, you may also want to opt for a ride on the Minuteman Bike Path.

East Cambridge

If you want to avoid the high rents of Kendall Square, East Cambridge keeps you close to the action with easy access to MIT, Harvard, and downtown Boston. Mid-rise apartment buildings are common here, with triple-deckers and new luxury buildings in the mix. Take a break along the Charles River or enjoy great local restaurants, like the Helmand, which serves incredible Afghani food.

Northeastern

Northeastern is located in the heart of Boston and is especially known for its experiential learning model, particularly its innovative co-op program, which integrates professional work experience into academic studies. Northeastern’s program offerings include business, engineering, computer science, and health science, with notable alumni including Twitter co-founder Biz Stone and CEO of Palo Alto Networks Nikesh Arora.

Kenmore

Just across the river from Cambridge and adjacent to Fenway, Kenmore is a great place for a student with a higher budget to live — right in the middle of everything! Kenmore Square is filled with renovated brownstones and older mid-rise buildings, as well as new developments. The Charles River Esplanade is nearby, and you’ll be practically at the doorstep of the Museum of Fine Arts, which you definitely don’t want to miss. Plan ahead since the Museum can get busy and you may have to wait in line to get in!

Roxbury

Roxbury is an affordable and diverse neighborhood, adjacent to Franklin Park Zoo, one of my family’s favorite locations. Franklin Park itself is Boston’s biggest open space — a great spot to bring your books and study! Make sure you also check out the Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists. Roxbury is primarily a mix of brownstones and triple-deckers, with a few newer developments mixed in.

South End

The South End is stylish and diverse, with an eclectic artsy vibe, making it a fun spot for student rentals. The restaurant scene here is incredible, with plenty of small bistros and bars to enjoy, and students can also check out the numerous art galleries of the SoWa Arts District. The South End is famous for its housing, with rows of 19th-century brownstones, many of which are now apartments. Warehouse conversions and lofts are also popular here.