The Best Boston Neighborhoods for Every Lifestyle in 2025

Boston’s best neighborhoods include Fenway-Kenmore-Audubon Circle-Longwood for walkability and young professionals (95 walk score and 93 transit score), West Roxbury for families (top-rated schools and above-average crime grade), and Allston for university-level students ($3,804 average rent and 87 walk score).

In this guide, we compiled rent data and livability factors, including walk scores and crime grades, to help you choose the right neighborhood based on your priorities. Here are the best neighborhoods in Boston for every lifestyle.

Note: When possible, we drew average rents from current listings on Apartment List for apartments in those areas. Supplemental rent data was pulled from Apartments.com and Zumper on August 15, 2025. Transit scores come from Walk Score. School, diversity, and overall Niche grades come from Niche.com. Crime rates and statistics come from the Boston Police Department and CrimeGrade.org. Click on one of the links to a neighborhood's page to view rental listings on Apartment List.

What Are the Most Walkable Boston Neighborhoods?

Fenway-Kenmore-Audubon Circle-Longwood

Best for: Walkers who rely on transit and want proximity to campus and events

• Walk score: 95
• Bike score: 91
• Transit score: 93
• Average two-bedroom apartment rent: $5,485
• Crime grade: Above average

Fenway-Kenmore-Audubon Circle-Longwood is one of Boston’s most transit-connected neighborhoods with a 93 transit score, a 95 walk score, a 91 bike score, and an average two-bedroom rent of $5,485. Anchored by Fenway Park and the Longwood Medical Area, it’s a hub for students, researchers, and city dwellers who want everything within reach.

The neighborhood blends college-town energy with museum culture and major transit access via the light rail Green Line. While street traffic and game-day noise are part of the package, its density of amenities—from Trader Joe’s to academic institutions—makes it one of Boston’s most walkable and self-contained enclaves.

North End

Best for: Historic charm, Italian eats, and daily walkability

• Walk score: 99
• Bike score: 86
• Transit score: 99
• Average two-bedroom apartment rent: $3,586
• Crime grade: Below average

The North End is Boston’s oldest neighborhood with a 99 walk score, a 99 transit score, and an average two-bedroom rent of $3,586. This compact waterfront area is lined with cobblestone streets, centuries-old architecture, and an unbeatable mix of bakeries, cafés, and historic landmarks like the Paul Revere House.

With the North End’s extreme walkability, you can find everything from your morning espresso to weekly groceries within a few minutes’ walk. The area is especially appealing for renters who want to go car-free and ditch high transportation expenses. With its proximity to Downtown Boston, this is a possibility, but note that the D+ crime grade highlights the area's nightlife activity and dense tourist traffic.

South End

Best for: Foodies, artists, and design lovers

• Walk score: 97
• Bike score: 92
• Transit score: 93
• Average two-bedroom apartment rent: $4,767
• Crime grade: Above average

The South End blends Victorian brownstones with a vibrant arts scene and boasts a 97 walk score, a 92 bike score, a 93 transit score, and an average two-bedroom rent of $4,767. It’s known for the Sunday SoWa Open Market, art galleries, and some of the city’s best brunch spots along Tremont and Washington streets.

Popular with creatives and young professionals, the South End has a mix of charm and edge. It’s walkable and filled with character, and its B crime grade is on par with the whole of Boston.

What Are the Best Boston Neighborhoods for Families?

Back Bay

Best for: Families who want a prestigious location with access to top schools and cultural landmarks

• Public school grade: B-
• Overall Niche grade: A+
• Average two-bedroom apartment rent: $6,083
• Crime grade: Average

Back Bay has a B- public school grade, an A+ Niche rating, and a $6,083 average rent for a two-bedroom apartment. It’s home to top public and private school options, including the nearby Boston Latin School, and offers walkable access to the Charles River, Copley Square, and the Public Garden.

Residents pay to be in one of Boston’s most architecturally distinct neighborhoods, with brownstones, wide sidewalks, and cultural institutions in every direction. Despite its central location and dense foot traffic, most residential streets are quiet and family-oriented.

West Roxbury

Best for: Families looking for suburban vibes with city access and strong community schools

• Public school grade: B-
• Overall Niche grade: A-
• Average two-bedroom apartment rent: $2,746
• Crime grade: Above average

West Roxbury has a B- public school grade, an A- Niche score, and an average two-bedroom rent of $2,746. It’s a residential neighborhood with single-family homes, playgrounds, and neighborhood events that cater to families.

It’s one of the safest areas in Boston, with a B+ crime grade, which is above the overall city average, and it offers access to public and private schools, local shops, and the commuter rail. This neighborhood sits on the outskirts of the city, and while it feels suburban, it remains within Boston city limits.

Lower Roxbury

Best for: Families seeking affordability, cultural diversity, and walkable city amenities

• Public school grade: B-
• Overall Niche grade: B
• Average two-bedroom apartment rent: $3,081
• Crime grade: Average

Lower Roxbury has a B- public school grade, a B overall Niche score, and an average two-bedroom rent of $3,081. It’s centrally located near Northeastern University and Boston Medical Center, with access to multiple Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA, locally known as “the T”) lines and green space at Ramsay Park and Madison Park Playground.

The neighborhood is culturally diverse and community-driven, with programs supporting students and families. It’s walkable and close to schools, but crime is slightly higher than in outer neighborhoods.

What Are the Best Boston Neighborhoods for Young Adults?

Fenway-Kenmore-Audubon Circle-Longwood

Best for: Young professionals seeking nightlife, campus culture, and transit access

• Transit score: 93
• Diversity rating: A-
• Average two-bedroom apartment rent: $5,485
• Crime grade: Above average

Fenway-Kenmore-Audubon Circle-Longwood is Boston’s academic and cultural crossroads with a 93 transit score, an A- diversity rating, and an average two-bedroom rent of $5,485. This neighborhood is home to Fenway Park, multiple colleges, and some of the city's best concert venues and late-night eats.

Renters here benefit from proximity to the Green Line light rail, walkable grocery store options, and a youthful energy that makes it easy to find live music, student-friendly bars, and peaceful green space around the Back Bay Fens. It’s a strong pick for anyone who wants campus-town buzz, weekend plans within walking distance, and reliable access to the T.

South End

Best for: Creatives and young professionals who live for food, art, and style

• Transit score: 93
• Diversity rating: A
• Average two-bedroom apartment rent: $4,767
• Crime grade: Above average

The South End is Boston’s most design-forward neighborhood with a 93 transit score, an A diversity rating, and an average two-bedroom rent of $4,767. Think Victorian brownstones, indie galleries, and a brunch scene that rivals the best of the East Coast.

The area has a lot to offer in terms of atmosphere. Popular draws are restaurants along Tremont Street, the SoWa Open Market, and cafés serving espresso with a shot of hipster, trendy vibes.

Chinatown-Leather District

Best for: Budget-conscious renters who want access to nightlife, music, and diverse food

• Transit score: 100
• Diversity rating: A
• Average two-bedroom apartment rent: $4,628
• Crime grade: Above average

The Chinatown-Leather District is a downtown hot spot boasting a perfect 100 transit score, an A diversity rating, and an average two-bedroom rent of $4,628. It’s one of the most connected neighborhoods in Boston, with Red-, Orange-, Silver- and Green-line stations just blocks apart.

The neighborhood is unmatched for 24/7 energy. From karaoke and dumplings to dive bars and speakeasies, this area is ideal for renters who want to live where the action is—and rarely need a quiet night in.

What Are the Best Boston Neighborhoods for Students?

Mission Hill

Best for: Students at Northeastern, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS), or nearby medical school campuses

• Proximity to universities: Near Northeastern, MCPHS, and Harvard Medical School
• Walk score: 90
• Diversity rating: A
• Average two-bedroom apartment rent: $3,979
• Crime grade: Average

Mission Hill is Boston’s student stronghold with a 90 walk score, an A diversity rating, and $3,979 average rent for two-bedroom apartments. It borders major medical campuses and offers quick transit access via the Orange Line and several bus routes.

The streets here are filled with students walking to class, grabbing takeout, or heading to one of the neighborhood’s casual bars. Most housing comes in the form of older triple-decker apartments, which means lower rents but fewer modern finishes. It’s not flashy, but it’s dependable. It serves as a functional, budget-conscious base camp for full-time students juggling their studies with city life.

Allston

Best for: Boston University (BU) and Harvard University students looking for a social, affordable hub

• Proximity to universities: Near BU and Harvard University
• Walk score: 87
• Diversity rating: A-
• Average two-bedroom apartment rent: $3,804
• Crime grade: Below average

Allston is a student favorite with an 87 walk score, an A- diversity rating, and an average two-bedroom rent of $3,804. It offers quick access to Boston University and Harvard via bus and train, and the neighborhood is packed with bars, food trucks, and quirky shops.

This is the part of town where it’s totally normal to see a drum set on the curb and a moving van every weekend. The buildings are old, and the rent is reasonable, especially for roommates. But the real draw is the energy, from concerts in tiny venues to ramen at 2 a.m. to constant buzz from the city’s most rotating population of undergrads and graduate students alike.

Fenway-Kenmore-Audubon Circle-Longwood

Best for: Students who want walkability, culture, and campus proximity

• Proximity to universities: Walkable to BU, Berklee College of Music, Simmons University, and Emmanuel College
• Walk score: 95
• Diversity rating: A-
• Average two-bedroom apartment rent: $5,485
• Crime grade: Above average

Fenway-Kenmore-Audubon Circle-Longwood is a campus-rich area with a 95 walk score, an A- diversity rating, and $5,485 average two-bedroom rent. It’s surrounded by top schools like BU, Berklee, Simmons, and Emmanuel and sits right on the Green Line.

If you’ve got the budget, this neighborhood hits a sweet spot between city life and walkability to multiple colleges. If you’ve got the cash to spare, the area has various sushi spots, museums, and other local places to rest between classes. With Fenway Park and the Emerald Necklace nearby, it’s a high-energy neighborhood that still gives students access to green space and culture, all without leaving their block.

Overview: Best Boston Neighborhoods for Every Lifestyle

Boston has neighborhoods to suit every lifestyle. Here’s a quick recap to guide your next move.

• Best overall for walkability and transit: Fenway-Kenmore-Audubon Circle-Longwood, which has unbeatable access to campuses, public transit, and vibrant city life.
• Best for families: Back Bay, a prestigious address with top schools, cultural landmarks, and a quiet, safe environment.
• Best for young professionals: The South End, a hot spot for creatives who want food, art, and nightlife.
• Best for students: Allston, offering affordable rent near BU and Harvard, with a lively social scene.
• Best for budget-conscious nightlife lovers: Chinatown-Leather District, which is perfect for those who want to be in the heart of the action without needing a car.

Whether you’re after a shorter commute time, excellent schools, exciting nightlife or low-cost rent, Boston has a neighborhood for you.

FAQs about the Best Boston Neighborhoods

What is the safest neighborhood in Boston?

West Roxbury is classified as one of Boston’s safest neighborhoods. The area has a B+ crime grade and suburban vibes that are well suited to families.

What are the most walkable areas in Boston?

Fenway-Kenmore-Audubon Circle-Longwood, the North End, and the South End are among Boston’s most walkable neighborhoods, all scoring above 90 on walkability. The North End leads with a 99 walk score, ideal for those wanting a car-free lifestyle and to be close to historic sites, restaurants, and transit options.

Where do creatives live in Boston?

The South End is generally regarded as the creative and artsy heart of the city. The area has both creatives and young professionals who congregate around art, good food, and culture.

Is Boston affordable for renters?

Boston has a high cost of living, currently at 50.8% above the national average; therefore, Boston isn’t considered affordable for average renters. Bostonians have an average rent price of $3,786, while the national average stands at $2,102, meaning Boston residents spend 80.1% more per month on housing costs.

To comfortably afford life in the city and follow the 30% rule, which states a person should spend no more than 30% of their income on housing, a person must earn about $12,620 per month or $151,440 annually to comfortably afford the average Boston rent.

How do I choose between living in the city and the suburbs of Boston?

Whether you choose to live in the city or the suburbs depends on your lifestyle preferences and your priorities. Those wanting to prioritize shorter commute times, walkability, and nightlife may prefer city life, while those seeking more parks or better schools may prefer the suburbs.

What neighborhood has the best access to public transit in Boston?

Chinatown and Downtown Boston offer some of the best access to public transportation in Boston. Residents have access to four major subway lines, multiple Silver Line bus routes, and are within walking distance to South Station, which serves the Boston commuter rail, Amtrak, and intercity buses.

What’s the cost of living like in Boston compared to other major cities?

While Boston is an expensive city, there are other major cities with higher costs of living. According to Sperling’s BestPlaces, New York is 72.5% more expensive than the national average, compared to Boston’s 50.8%, but housing is less expensive in New York than in Boston. San Diego is 54.9% above the national average, and housing costs in San Diego are significantly more than they are in Boston.

Is Boston a good city for remote workers?

Yes, Boston offers several coworking spaces in neighborhoods close to the Downtown area. These are walkable areas with solid transit access and internet infrastructure.

What are the quietest neighborhoods in Boston?

West Roxbury and Lower Roxbury provide a more suburban, quieter atmosphere with parks, playgrounds, and family-friendly streets. These areas tend to be less dense and offer refuge from the city hustle.

Where do young professionals live in Boston?

Young professionals tend to favor Fenway-Kenmore, the South End, and the Chinatown-Leather District, which are well known for their mix of nightlife, cultural attractions, and transit access. These areas cater to those seeking a vibrant social life along with city convenience.