AI-Scored Rankings • Updated 2026-04-03

Best Apartments in Boston, MA — Scored by AI

ListWise scores every Boston neighborhood on safety, walkability, schools, commute time, and rental value. See which areas actually match your lifestyle — not just what's cheapest.

$2,800/mo
Median Rent
675,647
Population
8
Neighborhoods Scored
Massachusetts General Hospital
Top Employer
Local Insights

Why Boston? What Renters Need to Know

The median rent in Boston is approximately $2,800 per month. Upscale neighborhoods like Beacon Hill and Back Bay command $3,500-$4,500, while areas like Allston and Dorchester offer more affordable options in the $1,800-$2,400 range.

Quick Facts

Population 675,647
Median Rent $2,800/mo
Top Employer Massachusetts General Hospital
Neighborhoods 8 scored by AI
Rent vs. National$2,800 vs $1,500 national median

Rent Comparison

Boston median rent is $1,300 above the national median of $1,500/mo.

Largest Employer

The largest employer in Boston is Massachusetts General Hospital, making the Back Bay area and nearby neighborhoods popular for commuters looking to minimize travel time.

Top Neighborhoods

Top Neighborhoods in Boston

Ranked by ListWise's composite AI score. Top 3 shown free — unlock all 8 for the full picture.

#1

Back Bay

Score: 94/100
Safety A
Walk Score 98
Avg Rent $3,900
Schools 8/10
#2

South End

Score: 91/100
Safety A-
Walk Score 96
Avg Rent $3,400
Schools 7/10
#3

Jamaica Plain

Score: 86/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 87
Avg Rent $2,500
Schools 7/10

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#4

Dorchester

Score: 70/100
Safety B-
Walk Score 77
Avg Rent $1,900
Schools 5/10
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#5

Beacon Hill

Score: 95/100
Safety A+
Walk Score 97
Avg Rent $4,100
Schools 9/10
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#6

Allston

Score: 78/100
Safety B
Walk Score 89
Avg Rent $2,300
Schools 5/10
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#7

Charlestown

Score: 88/100
Safety A-
Walk Score 84
Avg Rent $3,000
Schools 7/10
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#8

Roxbury

Score: 63/100
Safety C
Walk Score 80
Avg Rent $1,700
Schools 4/10
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See All 8 Boston Neighborhoods Ranked

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How It Works

How ListWise Scores Boston Apartments

1

Tell Us Your Priorities

Rank what matters: safety, schools, walkability, commute, budget, nightlife. Every Boston renter is different.

2

AI Scores Every Listing

We pull real-time data from MLS, crime stats, school ratings, transit APIs, and walk score databases for Boston.

3

Get Your Ranked List

Receive a PDF + Excel report with Boston properties ranked by YOUR priorities. Delivered within 24 hours.

FAQ

Frequently Asked About Boston

What is the average rent in Boston?

The median rent in Boston is approximately $2,800 per month. Upscale neighborhoods like Beacon Hill and Back Bay command $3,500-$4,500, while areas like Allston and Dorchester offer more affordable options in the $1,800-$2,400 range. The city's large student population keeps demand — and prices — consistently high.

Which Boston neighborhoods are best for young professionals?

The South End, South Boston ("Southie"), and Cambridge's Porter Square are popular with young professionals. They offer walkable streets, vibrant restaurant scenes, and reasonable commutes to downtown financial and tech corridors. Allston is popular for those on tighter budgets.

How is commuting in Boston?

Boston has the MBTA ("the T"), one of the oldest subway systems in the US. It's reliable for most commutes but has faced aging infrastructure challenges. Many residents commute by bike, foot, or commuter rail. Traffic and parking downtown are notoriously difficult, so most residents forgo car ownership.

What is the job market like in Boston?

Boston has a robust economy anchored by healthcare, education, biotechnology, and finance. The Greater Boston area is home to over 50 colleges and universities, generating a consistent talent pool. Major employers include MGH, Fidelity Investments, State Street, and a booming biotech corridor along Route 128.

How are the winters in Boston?

Boston winters are cold and snowy — average snowfall is around 48 inches per year, and temperatures regularly dip below freezing from December through March. Many residents consider the seasonal change a feature, not a bug, and the city's infrastructure is well-equipped to handle winter conditions.

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Data is for informational purposes only. Verify all information independently before making housing decisions.