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Navigate apartment hunting and city life like a local with our curated articles about Boston, Massachusetts.
Student energy defines Allston, where this Boston neighborhood houses much of the city's academic population with particular concentrations from Boston University and Harvard. Rental options include apartments in traditional Boston triple-deckers and larger buildings throughout this vibrant district. The neighborhood offers exceptional access to both campus facilities and the developing Brighton Avenue corridor, though September 1st lease turnover creates intense competition with advance planning essential for securing quality housing.
Historic elegance defines Commonwealth Avenue, where impressive brownstones line this grand boulevard featuring a central mall designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Residents enjoy both architectural prestige and the practical benefits of living along one of Boston's primary east-west connections providing both shopping access and transportation options. Though some buildings show their age with vintage quirks requiring maintenance knowledge beyond typical renter experience, the trade-off comes in high ceilings, ornate woodwork, and architectural details unavailable in newer construction. The neighborhood's proximityto Fenway Park, the Charles River Esplanade, and multiple universities creates ideal location for both cultural experiences and recreational opportunities despite urban density.
Community connection defines Oak Square, where Victorian homes and triple-deckers create a classic Boston neighborhood in Brighton's western edge. Residents enjoy the independent coffee shops and pubs around the historic square and easy access to the Charles River paths for recreation. Though street parking challenges patience during winter snow emergencies, the neighborhood's excellent public transportation options reduce car dependency. The area's diverse population creates an authentic urban experience where family-owned businesses still outnumber chains, and longtime residents share neighborhood history with newcomers.
National study of renter’s satisfaction with their cities and states
Apartment List has released Boston’s results from the third annual Apartment List Renter Satisfaction Survey. This survey, which drew on responses from over 45,000 renters, provides insight on what states and cities must do to meet the needs of 111 million American renters nationwide.
"Boston renters expressed general satisfaction with the city overall," according to Apartment List. "However, ratings varied greatly across different categories, indicating that even though renters love Boston, some aspects can be better."
Key findings in Boston include the following:
Boston renters gave their city an A overall.
The highest-rated categories for Boston were public transit, social life and recreational activities, which all received A+ grades.
The areas of concern to Boston renters are affordability and weather, which both received D grades.
Millennial renters are very satisfied with their city, giving it an overall grade of A-.
Boston did relatively well compared to other cities in New England, including New York, NY (C+), Philadelphia, PA (C+) and New Haven, CT (D).
The top rated cities nationwide for renter satisfaction include Scottsdale, AZ, Irvine, CA, Boulder, CO and Ann Arbor, MI. The lowest rated cities include Tallahassee, FL, Stockton, CA, Dayton, OH, Detroit, MI and Newark, NJ.
Renters say:
For more information on the survey methodology and findings or to speak to one of our researchers, please contact our team at rentonomics@apartmentlist.com.
