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Apartments for Rent in Boston, MA - 568 Rentals available

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Renter's Guide to Boston

Boston is best known for its sports teams and the world-renowned Boston Symphony Orchestra. In 2016, it was named one of the top 10 cities for millennials, largely due to its stable but affordable housing market, vast educational system, and the abundance of job opportunities – particularly in the booming tech sector. Even though it is an urban environment, there are plenty of parks and green spaces throughout the city.

Boston is about the same size as Washington, DC in land area and population density. Compared to New York City, Boston is over six times smaller with ten times less residents. But don’t let that trick you, as Boston is not only the largest city in the state of Massachusetts, but also the largest city in all of New England.  

Boston is a four-hour drive from New York City and six-hour drive from Philadelphia. However, the high speed train can get you to Philadelphia in about two and a half hours.

In the summertime, the average temperature is 80ºF but can drop to 60 ºF at night. The city gets humid, especially in August, and random thunderstorms are not uncommon. During winter time, the average temperature is 32ºF. The city sees large amounts of snow from December through March, with temperatures rarely getting above freezing in January and February. Autumn and spring tend to be crisp, but not particularly prone to rainfall.

Boston, MA Demographics

  • Total Population650,281
  • Female 311,843
    Male 338,438
  • Median Age31.6

Cost of Living in Boston, MA

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, commonly referred to as The T services the vast majority of public transportation routes within the Boston metropolitan area. This includes buses, subways, commuter rails, and ferry routes. Many Bostonians use public transportation to get around the city, with the buses and subway being the most popular. The subway is made up of three heavy rail rapid transit lines and two light rail lines which are set up in a spoke-hub distribution with central Boston as the hub.

A regular bus or subway fare in Boston costs $2.75 for an adult and up to three children 44 inches tall can ride free with a fare-paying adult. The average commute time in Boston is around 25 minutes, which is on par with the U.S. average of 25.7 minutes.

A meal for two people in a mid-range Boston restaurant can cost anywhere between $35 and $80, while a regular cappuccino goes for around $3.75. Massachusetts state sales tax in restaurants is 6.25%.

Boston residents spend, on average, between $250 and $330 on utilities such as electricity, heating, water or garbage – depending on the time of year.

Living in Boston

Like any other major city, Boston has its pros and cons. Boston is surrounded by a bevy of cultural opportunities, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, dozens of museums and historical sites (some dating back to the Colonial Era), as well as several successful professional and collegiate sports teams. It has a very active nightlife, with a burgeoning restaurant and bar scene that appeals to all ages and demographics. Half of the population of Boston is comprised of people of African-American, Asian, and Hispanic descent.

There are 54 colleges and universities in the Boston metropolitan area, providing endless educational opportunities for students of all ages. As a result, the city attracts many well-educated young people so visitors or new residents should find plenty of occasions to network both professionally and personally. Additionally, its per capita crime rate is much lower than New York, Washington, DC, and Philadelphia’s. Unfortunately, Boston is infamous for its unfriendly population (this is particularly problematic for those unfamiliar with the New England ethos), its sustained winter weather, and the high cost of living.

Things to do in Boston

One of the best things about Boston is its ability to combine rich historical traditions and architecture with present-day activities. If you’ve got children to entertain, the Franklin Park Zoo, Boston Science Museum, and New England Aquarium are excellent places to explore. Additionally, the Boston Public Garden Park provides a peaceful and green oasis in the middle of the city – be sure to stop by the famous “Make Way for Ducklings” statues.

The biggest annual events to take place in the city include Patriots Day/the Boston Marathon, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Independence Day festivities and St. Anthony’s Feast – held in the North End of the city, famous for its large Italian population. You can also catch a sporting event almost any night of the week. With all of its parades, events and history, Boston provides some of the best cultural opportunities in the country.

Working in Boston

Banking, technology, and health services are the largest industries operating out of Boston. The city is home to the headquarters of multiple major insurance companies, as well as MITRE, Massachusetts General Hospital, and several mid-sized banks. As a result, it is one of the top 30 most economically powerful cities in the world and is the sixth-largest economy in the country.

Boston, MA Households

  • Total Number of Households256,294
  • Family 122,814
    Non-family 133,480
  • Children 59,997
    No Children 196,297
  • Average People Per Household2.35
  • Median Household Income$55,777
  • Median Housing Costs Per Month$1,472

Top Colleges in Boston

Boston is home to some of the most notorious colleges in the country – and of world fame – like Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Amherst College.

Boston, MA Education Statistics

  • No High School7%
  • Some High School28%
  • Some College21%
  • Associate Degree4%
  • Bachelor Degree23%
  • Graduate Degree17%

Tips for Renting in Boston

If you’re looking to move to Boston, particularly from somewhere outside of New England, you will notice that people are very driven and successful, largely due to the expansive educational and professional opportunities. Rental laws are governed by Massachusetts state law.

In Boston, landlords and tenants are required to give a minimum of 30 days’ notice of termination of a year-to-year lease contract, unless otherwise specified in the lease. A month-to-month agreement continues until either the landlord or tenant gives the other party a written notice at least 30 days before the end of the rental period. There is a 14-day notice if a landlord wishes to terminate an at-will tenant for nonpayment of rent.

RENTCafé is your one-stop shop for finding a great new apartment in Boston, MA. Easily search through a wide selection of apartments for rent in Boston, MA, and view detailed information about available rentals including floor plans, pricing, photos, amenities, interactive maps, and thorough property descriptions. Property owners and managers are one click away, so feel free to contact them and find out all you need to know about the apartment you’re interested in. Browse Boston, MA apartments with rents starting from $1,595 and submit your rental application today!