Boston’s apartment market remains one of the most expensive in the country as of early 2019. But some neighborhoods are significantly cheaper than others.
Plus, they tend to offer a relatively large inventory to suspicious and weary-looking future tenants. Use of research site data RentCafé, here are six neighborhoods to check out if you’re looking for a Boston rental deal this winter.
Roslindale
Roslindale might be the best deal for market-priced apartments in Boston right now. Average rent is $ 2,265 in January, 25% below the overall Boston average, and available studios can be purchased for as little as $ 1,824 on average. A room averages $ 2,182.
Roxbury
Shutterstock
In Roxbury, the average rent is $ 2,283, 24% lower than the Boston average of $ 3,020. Studios cost an average of $ 2,127 and available one-bedroom rooms $ 2,195. Roxbury is also more central than Roslindale.
Jamaica Plain
The average rent in Jamaica Plain is $ 2,610, or 14% less than the Boston average. Studios average $ 2,359 and one-bedroom apartments cost $ 2,491. Also, if you are looking for parks and proximity to the Orange Line, JP is your best bet.
Boston East
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13681089/shutterstock_255205528.jpg)
Tupungato / Shutterstock
Eastie probably has the best deals on studios, with an average rent for these small units of $ 1,799. The overall average for apartments available in East Boston is now $ 2,633, 13% lower than the Boston average. One-bedroom apartments cost an average of $ 2,365.
Dorchester
The largest Boston neighborhood by area has the same average rent as East Boston. The real deal in Dorchester could come from its two bedrooms: there the average is $ 2,750, cheaper than any other area except Roslindale, Roxbury and JP.
Allston-Brighton
The neighboring pair have an average rent of $ 2,706, 10% less than the Boston average. Studios cost an average of $ 2,016 and one-bedroom apartments cost $ 2,615.
Incidentally, once you get past Allston-Brighton, which is very popular with college students, you find neighborhoods with higher, sometimes much higher, average than the Boston average. Charlestown, for example, is the second cheapest on average; but the average is 3 percent above the Boston average.
