Boston Neighborhoods

Boston’s range of neighborhoods comes with a range of rents, architectural styles, and atmospheres. Generally, apartments situated in the heart of the city are more expensive than those in outlying areas.

Below you’ll find some details on the communities where BU Global graduate students commonly live. For information on all of Boston’s 21 neighborhoods, click here.

Allston and Brighton

Rents in Allston/Brighton are among the more affordable. Many undergraduate students reside in Allston/Brighton, so be aware that these areas may not provide quiet study environments. They are, however, home to many restaurants, bars, thrift shops, and specialty shops, and they feature direct subway access to the Boston University campus.

Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Boston

Back Bay, Beacon Hill, and Boston locations will definitely give you a very “Bostonian” atmosphere, since much of the architecture recalls the city’s early history. These neighborhoods feature brick row houses with detailed ironwork, and, sometimes, cobblestone streets—however, they are also some of the most expensive since they are located in the center of the city among the historic landmarks of Boston.

Brookline

Brookline is a safe, quiet residential area populated by families and young professionals. Close to the Boston University campus, Brookline features a number of parks, as well as two bustling commercial areas with interesting shops and eateries: Coolidge Corner and Brookline Village. Student housing options in Brookline range from a single room in a large Victorian house to modern brick apartment complexes.

Cambridge

Across the Charles River from Boston is Cambridge, home to Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and an array of diverse residents, shops, restaurants, and housing options. Rents vary depending on the location within Cambridge. Transportation can be tricky between the BU Campus and Cambridge, but there are bus routes and subway transfers for those who don’t mind spending more time in transit.

Fenway/Kenmore

Situated between Fenway Park (home of the Boston Red Sox), Back Bay, and the Longwood Medical district, the Fenway/Kenmore neighborhood offers central access to many of Boston’s most famous sites and attractions. The students and young professionals who live in this densely populated area enjoy proximity to the Museum of Fine Arts, a number of affordable eateries, several of the city’s universities, and the nightclubs that line nearby Landsdowne Street. Rents tend to be higher, and apartments small, in the Fenway/Kenmore neighborhood.