Housing Guide - School of Medicine`s Public Health and

111
Off-Campus Housing
Neighborhoods of Boston
Welcome to Boston! This is one of America’s greatest
cities and a wonderful hub of academic, social, and
professional life. The city is teeming with all sorts of
different people and places to see. Our goal in this
packet is to help you find your perfect fit. Whether it be
in the crowded loud streets of the North End or the
quiet suburbs of Brookline, there is a place for
everyone in the city.
The Tufts Health Sciences Campus is located in
downtown Boston bordering Chinatown and the
Theater District. This campus is not to be confused
with our campus in Medford that is home to the many
Tufts schools including the school of Arts and
Sciences and The Fletcher School. Tufts Health
Sciences campus is specifically focused on proving
education to health professionals. On this campus is
the School of Dental Medicine, The Gerald J. and
Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and
policy, The Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical
Sciences, The School of Medicine, and the Physician
Assistant Program.
Neighborhoods

Allston/Brighton- page 2

Back Bay- page 4
While our campuses may be spread out, Tufts still
shares a tight sense of community that is found all
throughout Boston. Our students have the entire city of
Boston to explore for both adventure and opportunity.
Our job is helping you find the right place to center
yourself on that journey.

Beacon Hill- page 6

Brookline- page 8

Charlestown- page 10
Use this guide to help you find a Boston location that
suites your personality, needs, and desires. Part of the
success of our students is in their happiness. If you
are happy where you live, it starts you off on the right
note when performing academically. Your place of
residence will also shape your views, open new
experiences, and serve as your gateway to the city of
Boston. This guide is meant to introduce you to the
character of some of the neighborhoods close to the
Tufts Boston campus.

Chinatown- page 12

Dorchester- page 14

East Boston- page 16

Fenway/Kenmore- page 18

North End- page 20

Jamaica Plain- page 22

Roxbury- page 24

South End- page 26

South Boston- page 28

Somerville/Medford- page 30
In addition to this resources we encourage you to
utilize jumpoffcampus.com to view current student
listings of available apartments. If you have any
questions please email [email protected]
1
Allston/Brighton
“Student City”
Overview-
Cleveland Circle are
Nestled in between the
home to wonderful
BC and BU campuses
restaurants and bars.
are the neighborhoods
Attractions-
of Allston and
Brighton. This is one of
Boston’s youngest (50%
of resident’s are ages
20-35) and most
diverse areas in terms
of its residents. This is
a vibrant section of the
Apartment
Rents
●●●
Studio: $700-$1000
Whether it is dining at
1 Bed: $1100-$1400
fun restaurants or
going to local music
2 Bed: $1500-$1800
joints,
3 Bed: $1800-$2400
Allston/Brighton has
something for
everyone. Because it is
Transportation
●●●
Major T Stops:
All B line Stops-Green
Line
Bus Connections:
Union Square- 57, 66,
preservationnation.org
64
city full of exotic
home to many
restaurants, energetic
immigrant families,
nightlife, and both
the variety of cuisine
young professionals
in Allston/Brighton is
and students. The
unparalleled. There is
different
a great mix of
neighborhood hubs
Vietnamese, Indian,
such as Oak’s Square
Thai, Jewish, and
Allston Village, and
American make it a
2
Oak Square- 57
Commute to
Tufts-Boston
●●●
Car: 11min
Public Trans: 30-45min
great place to satisfy
turnover rate is often
are recommended, but
any food craving.
very high. There is a
for the most part
Allston is also home to
mix of both old and
parking is generally
many local musicians
new apartment
open.
who perform at a
complexes at a range
number of local clubs
of prices with rooms
Safety- This is one
and bars. And be sure
ranging from singles
of the safest areas in
to catch a football
to four-bedrooms.
the city. While loud, it
game at Boston
Most apartments do
is not all that
College during the fall.
not allow pets and do
dangerous with the
not have A/C units or
lowest rates of violent
elevators. Parking, in
crime.
Housing- Housing
in Allston/Brighton is
comparison to other
some of the most
Boston neighborhoods,
affordable in all of
is not difficult. There is
Boston. Because it is
often street parking
home to a majority of
and the opportunity to
students and young
purchase a parking
professionals the
spot. Sticker permits
The Places to Go
Restaurants:

Brown Sugar Café, Tasca, Angora Café, Tavern in the Square, Raising Canes, Moogie’s,
Eagle’s Deli, Sunset Cantina, BurgerFi, Mary Ann’s, Cityside, Roggies
Activities:

Oak Square YMCA, Great Scott’s, Do Re Mi Kareoke, Paradise Rock Club
3
Back Bay
“The Hub of Boston”
Apartment
Rents
Overview-What
where visitors can
was once actually a
shop and even dine on
bay before being filled
the very top floor
in 1857, this iconic spot
looking out over the
Studio: $1500-$2500
in Boston is home to
entire city.
1 Bed: $1600-$3000
some of the most
Attractions-Back
2 Bed: $2600-$5000
desired shopping
spots and restaurants..
Bay is a bustling hub
in Boston where there
●●●
3 Bed: $3000-$6400
Transportation
●●●
Major T Stops:
Hynes Convention
Center – Green Line
Copley- Green Line
Back Bay- Orange Line
www.copley-investments.com
Bus Connections:
Back Bay is where you
are numerous things
can find some of
to do. Be sure to check
Boston’s greatest
out Newbury street
architecture whether it
which always boasts a
be the rows of
large crowd of
Commute to
Tufts-Boston
Victorian brownstone
shoppers on its
●●●
homes, Trinity Church,
sidewalks and is the
or the towering
location to stores like
Prudential Building
Newbury Comics,
4
Mass Ave.- 1,CT1
Car: 7min
Public Trans: 15-17min
Trident Booksellers
featuring both
location of Back Bay
and Café, Burberry,
professional and
and the numerous T
Johnny Cupcakes,
student musicians.
spots make public
Chanel and many
transportation a
more. If you are
Housing- While 3+
looking for a quieter
bedroom apartments
way to navigate
spot to study or relax,
are rare, it is very easy
Boston. This is perfect
there is always the
to find studio, one, or
for students studying
Boston Public Library
two bedroom
in the city and who are
and the Boston
apartments. Most
looking for a
Common which is
buildings are no more
picturesque place to
steps away from the
than five stories tall
live.
end of Newbury.
and have stood there
Music lovers will
for over 100 years.
Safety- Back Bay is
enjoy having access to
Don’t let their age fool
also known for being a
the Hatch Shell located
you, however, as these
very safe
right along the Charles
buildings make up
neighborhood. It is
River and the Berklee
some of the highest
always a good idea to
College of Music
quality housing in
be cautious when in
Performance Center
Boston. Parking can be
the city, but the well-
which plays host to a
hard to find at times
lit and well-traveled
number of concerts
and is mostly on
streets make it one of
throughout the year
streets that require a
the safest sections in
permit, but the
the city.
simple and effective
The Places to Go
Restaurants:

Trident Booksellers & Café, Stephanie’s, Lolita’s Cocina & Tequila Bar, The Pour House,
Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse, Sweetgreen, Top of the Hub
Activities:

Prudential Center, Berklee College Performance Center, Newbury Comics, Boston Public
Library, Boston Common, Boston Public Garden Swan Boats, Copley Square,
Commonwealth Avenue Mall, Trinity Church, Charles River Esplande
5
Beacon Hill
“Revolutionary”
Overview-
famous Charles St.
Residents of Beacon
which is home to high-
Hill are transported
end pubs and shops.
back to Colonial
The neighborhood,
Boston. The rows of
while very close to
brick houses and
downtown, is
streets paved with old
relatively small and
cobblestones are
quiet. Beacon Hill is
also the location of
Apartment
Rents
●●●
Studio: $1200-$1900
1 Bed: $1500-$2500
2 Bed: $1800-$3600
3 Bed: $2000-$5600
Transportation
●●●
Major T Stops:
Park St.- All green lines
Bus Connections:
Temple Place- Silver
fenwaypropertiesboston.com
Line
accents of Beacon Hill
Massachusetts General
that show off its
Hospital.
history and age. The
neighborhood is one of
Attractions-
the oldest and most
Beacon Hill is noted
exclusive in Boston. It
for its high-end,
is home to the
exclusive nightlife.
Massachusetts
Many restaurants and
Statehouse and the
bars in the area are
expensive with
6
Commute to
Tufts-Boston
●●●
Car: 14-20min
Public Trans: 5min
Charles St. being the
brownstones that
Rents are high and
priciest and
make one think back
apartments are usually
Cambridge St. the
to America’s
fairly small, but
cheapest. The
revolutionary days.
because of its
neighborhood is not
They are often
exclusiveness
particularly loud, but
accented with
residents are also able
offers easy access for
elaborate front doors
to say they live in one
anyone looking to go
and decorative
of the safest areas of
downtown for a little
ironwork. These
Boston.
more noise. Charles St.
houses are typically
is the place to see in
rented out by their
Safety- This is one
Beacon Hill because it
owners who look for
of the safest
is home to many fine
responsible
neighborhoods in
antique shops and
professionals as
Boston.
restaurants.
tenants. This means
Housing- This
that they rarely rent to
students unless they
neighborhood is made
feel that they are
up of 100-200 year old
mature and
Federalist-style
responsible enough.
The Places to Go
Restaurants:

75 Chestnut, Figs, The Paramount, Tip Tap Room, Toscano Restaurant, Mooo…, Neptune
Oyster, Seoul
Activities:

Boston Athenaeum, Boston Common, Boston Public Garden, Massachusetts State House,
Harrison Gray Otis House, Museum of Afro-American History
7
Brookline
“Rockin’ the Suburbs”
Overview-
very popular amongst
Brookline is
families because of the
considered the
excellent school
suburbs of Boston.
system. Students also
While only a short
live in Brookline and
drive or T ride to the
typically reside closer
city, this area of
to the city in the larger
Boston is one of the
economic hubs of
Washington Square
Apartment
Rents
●●●
Studio: $1000-$1400
1 Bed: $1400-$1800
2 Bed: $1600-$2500
3 Bed: $2600-$3200
Transportation
●●●
Major T Stops:
Coolidge Corner- Green
C Line
Brookline Village- Green
D Line
Bus Connections:
newtonandbrooklinehomes.com
quietest and most
and Coolidge Corner.
residential
These are popular
neighborhoods. This is
areas not only for the
primarily because the
quiet residencies, but
town does not allow
also because of the
any manufacturing or
numerous shops,
industrial activities.
restaurants, and
Brookline is extremely
convenient T stops.
safe to live in, and is
8
65, 66 buses
Commute to
Tufts-Boston
●●●
Car: 12-17min
Public Trans: 30-45min
Attractions- The
houses the public
undergraduate
primary commercial
library and a number
students. Parking can
of parks that are
be somewhat of a
always populated with
problem in Brookline
families and kids of all
because apartment
Washington Square.
ages playing soccer,
complexes usually
Coolidge Corner has a
basketball, or tennis.
won’t provide tenants
areas of Brookline are
Coolidge Corner,
Brookline Village, and
number of high
quality restaurants
and shops including
Hops N’ Scotch, The
Coolidge Corner
Clubhouse, and the
Brookline Booksmith.
It is also home to the
Coolidge Corner
Theater which features
older classics.
Washington Square is
smaller, but is also the
location of many
popular restaurants in
the area such as the
Publick House and
Barcelona. Brookline
Village is slightly less
commercial than the
previous two, but
Housing- Housing
with a space and
overnight parking is
in Brookline is
prohibited. Spaces can
expensive because of
be purchased
the high quality of the
anywhere between $50
neighborhood and its
and $200 per month.
convenient location to
downtown Boston.
Safety- Brookline
Residencies primarily
is one of the safest
take the form of small
neighborhoods in
apartment buildings or
Boston. It has very
multi-family homes.
efficient police and fire
Brookline is large so
departments as well as
prices and sizes of
access to the BU police
apartments will vary
department.
the farther out you get
from the city.
Apartments and
homes are generally in
good condition
because landlords do
not like to rent to
The Places to Go
Restaurants:

Coolidge Corner Clubhouse, Zatfig’s Deli, Paris Creperie, The Publick House, The Fireplace, The Abbey, Hops N’
Scotch, Barcelona
Activities:

Coolidge Corner Theater, Brookline Booksmith, The Puppet Showplace Theater, Larz Anderson Park
9
Charlestown
“Living History”
OverviewFounded in 1628,
Charlestown is history
at its finest. This
section of Boston is
located north of the
city across the Charles
River near Somerville.
This neighborhood is
rich in history and has
major bodies of water
that surround Boston.
AttractionsThose living in
Charlestown are
surrounded by notable
historical landmarks.
The U.S.S.
Constitution, the
Apartment
Rents
●●●
Studio: $900-$1200
1 Bed: $1200-$1500
2 Bed: $1500-$2000
3 Bed: $2100+
Transportation
●●●
Major T Stops:
Sullivan Square- Orange
Line
Bus Connections:
wikimedia.org
been the destination of
many Irish immigrants
as well as many young
professionals. The
scenery from
residencies in
Charlestown is usually
very nice considering
the neighborhood is
extremely close to the
Sullivan Square- 13
oldest commissioned
warship in the U.S.
fleet, is docked in the
Charlestown Navy
Yard. Residents will
sometimes even be
privileged enough to
hear the U.S.S.
Constitution fire its
cannons at sundown.
Charlestown is also
10
buses stop here
Commute to
Tufts-Boston
●●●
Car: 8-10min
Public Trans: 30-45min
home to the Bunker
Hill Monument.
Housing- For
housing, Charlestown
offers a wide variety of
both old and new
residencies. Many of
the rentals in
Charlestown come in
the form of traditional
triple-decker houses
that offer both single
and multi-family units.
There are, however,
also many new
housing and condo
developments close to
the water as well as
some higher-end
apartment options.
projects that have
marked a sharp
decline in violent
activities making it a
much safer place to
live.
Safety- What was
once a violent
neighborhood in 2005,
Charlestown has
undergone
renovations and repair
The Places to Go
Restaurants:

Navy Yard Bistro & Wine Bar, The Warren Tavern, Tavern at the End of the World, Legal
Oysteria, Puier 6 Boston Waterfront, Asian House Restaurant, Old Sully’s
Activities:

Charlestown Navy Yard, U.S.S Constitution, Room Escape Adventures, Boston Pizza Tours,
Museum of Science, Upper Deck Trolley Tours, Paul Revere Park
11
Chinatown
“A Whole New World”
Overview- As
Chinatown is a
you walk through the
popular tourist spot.
Paifong gate, you enter
The neighborhood is
a new world of shops
extremely close to
and restaurants that
downtown and is
make you feel as if you
home to Tufts Medical
have traveled across
Center.
the sea to China.
Attractions-
Apartment
Rents
●●●
1 Bed: $1200+
2 Bed: $1600+
3 Bed: $2000+
Transportation
●●●
Major T Stops:
Chinatown- Orange line
Boylston- Green Line
Downtown Crossing –
Red Line
Bus Connections:
f
Temple Place- Silver
boston.com
Boston’s Chinatown is
Chinatown is known
home to the largest
mostly for its
Chinese population in
restaurants and shops
Boston and is the third
where residents and
largest Chinese
visitors can fully
neighborhood in the
experience a different
country. Because of its
culture. Dim Sum is a
exotic food choices
very popular dining
and unique shops,
option for visitors as
12
Line
Commute to
Tufts-Boston
●●●
Car: <1min
Public Trans: 1min
well as the nine
location to Tufts
concern in this
Chinese bakeries that
Medical Center, but is
neighborhood due to
line the narrow streets.
very crowded in terms
the dense population
One of Chinatown’s
of living space. The
and crowded streets.
most notable
rare apartment
attractions is the
openings are usually
Safety- Crime can
August Moon Festival
in the form of one or
be a problem here
where children carry
two-bedrooms located
because it is a very
around colorful
above a commercial
populated area and
lanterns and
space. More
there are problems
participants eat moon
developments are
with drug use.
cakes with hidden
being built for
messages inside.
residents, but because
Housing- Housing
of its great location in
the city and proximity
can be difficult to find
to the Medical Center
in Chinatown because
apartments will still be
of its dense population.
hard to come by.
It is a very convenient
Parking can also be a
The Places to Go
Restaurants:

Imperial Seafood House, China Pearl, Eldo Cake House, Gourmet Dumpling House,
Winsor Dim Sum Café, Hong Kong Eatery, Great Taste Bakery and Restaurant
Activities:

The Hayden Building, Kam Man Foods, August Moon Festival,
13
Dorchester
“The Grass is Always Greener”
Apartment
Rents
Overview-
sections based on
Dorchester is Boston
commercial centers.
variety at its finest.
The largest centers
There are options for
include Uphams
Studio: $700-$1000
everyone in this
Corner, Columbia
1 Bed: $1000-$1400
neighborhood.
Point, Savin Hill,
Dorchester is the
Fields Corner,
oldest, largest, and
Codman Square,
Ashmont and
●●●
2 Bed: $1400-$1800
3 Bed: $1800-$2700
Transportation
●●●
Major T Stops:
All Red Line stops south
of Broadway
Commute to
Tufts-Boston
www.downtowndc.org
●●●
most diverse section of
Neponset. Many of
Boston. It contains
these areas have gone
residents of all ages
under recent
and backgrounds
revitalization projects
including Vietnamese,
and have shown a
Polish, Irish, and Cape
large increase in shops
Verdean. Because of its
and restaurants. Not
size, Dorchester is
only are there many
often broken up into
opportunities for
14
Car: 10-20min
Public Trans: 20-40min
housing, but
Vietnamese
especially closer to the
Dorchester also offers
restaurants in Fields
water in the Savin
many open green
Corner, the Polish
Hill/Columbia Point
spaces for residents.
Triangle bordering
area, that are fairly
Most neighborhoods
South Boston, and the
new and readily
within Dorchester
historic JFK Library.
available. These tend
have a park or athletic
fields nearby.
Housing-
to be more expensive
than the multi-family
Dorchester has many
homes, but offer a
housing opportunities
good location in
Dorchester is also
for all types of
relation to the harbor
home to Franklin Park
residents. It is very
and South Boston.
which is the largest
common to find triple-
Parking is very easy in
area of green space in
decker multi-family
Dorchester and it is
Boston. It contains the
homes for rent which
not difficult for those
Franklin Park Zoo, an
offer a lot of space for
with a car to find
18-hole golf course,
tenants at very
available spots.
and 527 acres of
reasonable prices.
parkland. This area is
These homes are
Safety- A majority of
a popular spot for
typically either old
Dorchester is made up of
families and dog-
Victorians that reflect
quiet, suburban
owners. Along with its
the old age of the
neighborhoods with little
open spaces,
neighborhood or more
violence. Areas near Roxbury
Dorchester offers
modern houses of
and BUMC tend to be a little
many diverse social
recent immigrants.
more dangerous.
opportunities.
There are also
Residents enjoy the
apartment complexes,
Attractions-
The Places to Go
Restaurants:

224 Boston Street, Lambert’s Rainbow Fruits, The Banshee, McKenna’s Café, Sea Breeze
Mexican Grill, Pho Sho 1 Boston, The Avenue Grille& Pizzeria, Ashmont Grill
Activities:

Franklin Park Zoo, JFK Library, Franklin Park Golf Course, Fields Corner, Dinosaur
Museum, Malibu and Savin Hill beaches, Boston City Singers
15
East Boston
“Taking Flight”
Overview-
East
Boston is one of the
largest sections of the
city that is not actually
part of the mainland.
Connected to Boston
by the Sumner,
Callahan, and Ted
Williams Tunnels, this
area is completely
Hispanic immigrant
populations. The area
has been slowly
developing for many
years now and looks to
be a very up and
coming place for new
Boston residents. The
most notable aspect of
East Boston is that it is
Apartment
Rents
●●●
Studio: $600-$1700
1 Bed: $875-$2000
2 Bed: $1000-$2100
3 Bed: $1600-$2700
Transportation
●●●
Major T Stops:
Maverick- Blue Line
Airport- Blue Line and
Silver Lines
newenglandboating.com
Bus Connections:
surrounded by the
water. This however,
does not make East
Boston a difficult
commute as it is very
accessible by all forms
of public
transportation. The
neighborhoods of East
Boston are home to
large Italian and
the location of Logan
Airport. For residents
who are from out-ofstate, East Boston has
proven to be a very
convenient location in
terms of travel.
Maverick:
114,116,117,120,121
Commute to
Tufts-Boston
●●●
Attractions-
Car: 11min
East Boston is a
developing area with
Public Trans: 20-25min
16
many new restaurants
and shops opening
each year. It is home to
some of the best ethnic
cuisine in all of Boston.
One of the best parts
of “Eastie” is the view
of the ocean and the
Boston Harbor.
Residents enjoy the
beauty of the Boston
Skyline from afar
while still being in
close proximity to the
city for work and/or
school.
Housing-
Most
apartments are located
in triple-decker
buildings or small
apartment buildings.
While development of
East Boston has been
relatively slow, there
are many new
buildings and housing
developments opening
up which makes
housing very
accessible to those
moving to Boston. You
will even be able to
find condos and
homes to rent for a
more private living
experience. These
neighborhoods are
also generally quieter
the farther away you
are from the airport,
which allows residents
who don’t want to be
bothered by city noise
a nice escape.
Safety- East
Boston used to have
higher rates of gang
violence, but this has
decreased sharply in
recent years and it is
now a very safe place
to live.
The Places to Go
Restaurants:

Taqueria Jalisco, Santarpio’s, Rino’s Place, KO Pies at the Shipyard, D’Amelio’s Off the
Boat Italian & Seafood Restaurant
Activities:

Suffolk Downs, Belle Isle Marsh, East Boston Piers Park, Central Park Lanes, East Boston
Memorial Park
17
Kenmore/Fenway
“Play Ball!”
Overview-
of these
Perhaps most
undergraduate
recognized as the
students, as well as
home of Fenway Park
young people
and the Boston Red
throughout the city,
Sox, Fenway/Kenmore
are drawn to the lively
bars and clubs along
also boasts many of
Apartment
Rents
●●●
Studio: $1000-$1400
1 Bed: $1400-$1800
2 Bed: $1700-$2200
Lansdowne Street
the City's top cultural
institutions, including
Attractions-
the Museum of Fine
This area is most
Arts and Symphony
3 Bed: $2400-$4000
Transportation
known for being the
●●●
Major T Stops:
Kenmore- Green Line
Northeastern- Green
Line
Fenway- Green Line
Bus Connections:
shiftboston.org
Mass Ave. 1,CT1
Hall.
home of Fenway Park
Fenway/Kenmore also
and the Boston Red
has a strong academic
Sox. While this
presence, including
national icon does
Boston Latin School,
loom over the small
America's first public
section of Boston, it is
school, as well as
not the only notable
several institutions of
part of this city.
higher learning. Many
Kenmore is home to
18
Kenmore- 8, 57
Commute to
Tufts-Boston
●●●
Car: 8-10min
Public Trans: 25-30min
many colleges
of exhibits that change
housing is very
including BU,
throughout the year.
affordable with the
Northeastern, and the
There is also The
primary resident’s
“Colleges of the
Isabella Stuart
being students from
Fenways”. This creates
Gardner Museum
the surrounding
a large student-driven
which occasionally
colleges. Also, because
atmosphere that
hosts jazz concerts
of the students, there
provides residents
outside, weather
is a high turnover rate
with a young, social
permitting of course.
which makes
living situation. Not
And if art isn’t your
apartments very
only are there a
thing Fenway is also
available, especially
number of different
home to the Boston
studio and one-
restaurants and bars to
House of Blues and the
bedroom. Just be
visit while in Fenway,
Symphony Hall where
aware that this also
but there are also
patrons can catch up
means that apartments
museums, movie
on the latest music.
can be left in less than
theaters, and music
There are activities for
ideal conditions.
venues that provide
morning, noon, and
entertainment to those
night around this part
Safety- With a
who may not be
of Boston.
high population of
interested in catching
students theft and
the next Sox Game.
Housing- The
The Museum of Fine
housing in this area is
can be a problem, but
Arts, located near
relatively older and
the area is relatively
Northeastern’s main
reflects cheaper rent
safe other than that.
campus is home to
options when
some of the world’s
compared to areas
most magnificent
such as Back Bay or
paintings and a variety
the South End. The
public drunkenness
The Places to Go
Restaurants:

Elephant Walk, Cask N’ Flagon, Tasty Burger, Yard House, Church, Symphony Sushi
Activities:

Fenway Park, House of Blues, Jillian’s, Paradise Rock Club, Landsdowne St.
19
Jamaica Plain
“Bohemian Boston”
Overview-
strong Hispanic
Jamaica Plain, or “JP”
population, beautiful
as it is commonly
parks including
referred to, is one of
Jamaica Pond, and
Boston’s most diverse
collections of hidden
and eclectic
restaurants and shops.
neighborhoods. In the
Residents of JP consist
middle of both affluent
of activists, artists,
students and families.
Apartment
Rents
●●●
Studio: $800-$1100
1 Bed: $1000-$1400
2 Bed: $1500-$1800
3 Bed: $1800-$2700
Transportation
●●●
Major T Stops:
All Orange Line stops
south of Roxbury
Crossing
Bus Connections:
Forest Hills: 16 buses
boston.com
Commute to
Tufts-Boston
and working class
JP is also home to a
neighborhoods, JP
large gay and lesbian
provides a perfect
community. This is the
blend of both worlds
most politically active
to residents seeking a
neighborhood in
Car: 14-17min
happy medium. This is
Boston where
Public Trans: 25-35min
a fairly large
residents have loud
neighborhood
opinions on current
characterized by a
issues. There is never a
22
●●●
dull moment in
located in a former
with rooms for rent. JP
Jamaica Plain.
brewery, residents are
has the most options
always finding new
for co-op housing in
ways to have fun. JP is
Boston and parking is
combination of small
also home to the
never an issue.
stores and restaurants
Samuel Adams
scattered along the
brewery which offers
Safety- While
streets that run in and
free daily tours of their
generally a safe
out of various parks
facilities.
neighborhood, there
Attractions- A
make JP an extremely
are areas such as Hyde
interesting place to
Housing- Housing
live socially. There are
in JP also reflects the
that have dealt with
plenty of things to do
diversity of the
histories of youth
during both the day
neighborhood.
violence and drug use.
and the night.
Residents can live in
Whether it be walking
any type of housing
along Jamaica Pond,
ranging from single
going to the Arnold
apartments to high-
Arboretum, visiting
end housing along the
the Midway café, or
pond. There are also
venturing to the Milky
multi-family houses
way lounge which is
and Victorian homes
and Jackson Square
The Places to Go
Restaurants:

Ten Tables, The Haven, Tres Gatos, Vee Vee, Alex’s Chimis, Fiore’s Bakery, Sorella’s, Forest
Hills Diner, Canto 6
Activities:

Jamaica Poond, Arnold Arboretum, Milky Way Lounge, Midway Café, Samuel Adams
Brewery, Franklin Park, JP Art Market
23
Roxbury
“Heart of the City”
Overview- Located in
Dominican and Cape Verdean
the heart of the city, Roxbury
to more Hispanic cooking
is an up and coming
styles towards the sections
neighborhood with a strong
bordering Jamaica Plain.
diverse presence. This section
Roxbury has undergone major
of Boston is not only one of
developments in recent years
the most populated
and what was once a farming
neighborhoods, but is also the
community has shifted to an
economic hub with hundreds
Apartment
Rents
●●●
Studio: $800-$1100
1 Bed: $1000-$1400
2 Bed: $1400-$1800
3 Bed: $1800-$2400
Transportation
●●●
Major T Stops:
Roxbury CrossingOrange Line
Jackson Square- Orange
Line
Bus Connections:
Dudley Square: largest
boston.com
bus transfer point in
one with the highest
of new business and housing
percentage of renters.
initiatives.
Roxbury is home to Boston’s
strongest African American
Attractions- The
community which is reflected
commercial centers of
its variety of restaurants and
Roxbury are Grove Hall,
shops. Residents are often
Egleston Square, and Dudley
treated to many different
Square. The Grove Hall Mecca
kinds of cuisine ranging from
Mall is home to a variety of
shops as well as the largest
24
Boston
Commute to
Tufts-Boston
●●●
Car: 11-13min
Public Trans: 25-45min
grocery store in Roxbury. If
style houses and brownstones.
issues stemming from a
you are interested in clothing
The type of housing very
history of poverty and
and art then Dudley Square is
often reflects the
disenfranchisement. There is
perhaps your preferred
neighborhood that Roxbury is
still evidence of gang violence,
destination, while those
bordering. Because it is the
crime, and drug abuse so
seeking fine Hispanic food
very center of Boston, the
residents should take caution
would probably go to
different sections of Roxbury
at night.
Egleston Square.
take on the characteristics of
Housing- There is plenty
their surrounding
neighborhoods. There is
of housing in Roxbury for all
everything from smaller
its residents. Because almost
apartments to larger houses
everyone in this
up for rent.
neighborhood rents, there is
very high apartment turnover.
Safety- While it is a
The most common housing is
developing neighborhood,
triple-decker multi-family
Roxbury still deals with safety
The Places to Go
Restaurants:

Merengue Restaurant, Joe’s Sub Shop, Dudely Square Grille, Ray’s Soul Kitchen, Chinese
Spaghetti Factory,
Activities:

SoWa Open Market, Samuel Adams Brewery, Freedom Trail Tours, Franklin Park, Roxbury
Center for the Arts, Culture and Trade
25
South End
“Backyard Boston”
Overview-
The
South End is in the
heart of Boston.
Originally meant for
the wealthy class in
the 1800s, the South
End is home to the
largest collection of
Victorian brownstone
houses. This is one of
community and is the
location for the annual
Gay Pride parade.
With numerous parks
and upscale
restaurants tucked in
and around the
historic Victorian
housing, the South
End makes for very
Apartment
Rents
●●●
Studio: $1100-$1800
1 Bed: $1400-$3000
2 Bed: $1800-$3700
3 Bed: $1900-$7000
Transportation
●●●
Major T Stops:
Mass Ave.- Orangle line
Newton, Concord St. –
Silver Line
Bus Connections:
south-end-boston.com
the most diverse and
socially trending
neighborhoods in
Boston. The South End
includes a variety of
residents from
families, graduate
students, to
professionals. It is also
home to Boston’s
largest gay and lesbian
Concord St, Newton
comfortable living.
Street: 1, CT1, CT3, 8,
10,16,47
AttractionsWhen in the South
End the most
important streets to
know are Washington
Street, Tremont Street,
and Columbus Street.
These locations are the
center of social life.
26
Commute to
Tufts-Boston
●●●
Car: 6min
Public Trans: 14-16min
Tremont, especially,
has become known for
some of the most
desirable new
restaurants in Boston
and has even been
known as “restaurant
row”. In addition to all
of the restaurants, the
South End contains
many small upscale
boutiques, non-chain
stores, and a vibrant
arts community. The
Boston Center for the
Arts and the Boston
Ballet are just two of
the many arts
opportunities to
experience while
living here.
Housing- Housing
in the South End
comes primarily in the
form of the Victorian
brownstones. These
apartments are
generally on the older
side which is reflected
in their hardwood
floors and metal hotwater radiators, but
provide a perfect
location adjacent to
downtown Boston
while retaining a small
neighborhood feel.
Many of these have
also been subject to
renovations in recent
years to bring a more
modern feel to the
buildings. There are
also a number of larger
apartment complexes
in the area. Parking in
the South End is
difficult and is mostly
dependent on the
possession of a sticker
permit. Parking spaces
in garages are
available, but are
limited and cost
around $200/mo.
Safety- While this
area has become a lot
safer in recent years,
there are still areas
that grapple with
poverty,
disenfranchisement,
and violence. This is
mostly around the
Boston Medical Center
which treats a lot of
patients with injuries
from gang violence.
The Places to Go
Restaurants:

Toro, Galleria Umberto, The Gallows, Blunch, Stella, Aquitaine, Roxy’s Gourmet Grilled
Cheese, Clery’s, Andre’s Café, The Beehive
Activities:

Boston Center for the Arts (BCA), Boston Ballet, SoWa Market, Piano Craft Guild Theater,
Space 242, Calderwood Pavillion, Cutler Majestic Theater
27
South Boston
“Community in Action”
Overview-
downtown Boston
skyline. Residents
enjoy going to
beaches, parks, and
the many restaurants
and pubs the area has
to offer.
South Boston, or
“Southie” as many
Bostonians refer to it,
is a bustling
neighborhood full of
young professionals
and families who are
drawn there by its
strong sense of
AttractionsSouth Boston is
Apartment
Rents
●●●
Studio: $1000-$3000
1 Bed: $1000-$2200
2 Bed: $1600-$3500
3 Bed: $2000-$4000
Transportation
●●●
Major T Stops:
Broadway- Red Line
Bus Connections:
Broadway- 9,11,47
wikimedia.org
Courthouse- Silver Line
community. What was
once a predominantly
Irish-Catholic
neighborhood is now a
diverse area of both
people and businesses.
Because of its location
right on the water,
Southie has
spectacular views of
both the ocean and the
comprised of both the
older residential
peninsula and the
newer Waterfront
District (also called the
Seaport District). This
allows residents to
have a tightknit
neighborhood feel
while also being steps
away from the popular
28
Commute to
Tufts-Boston
●●●
Car: 5min
Public Trans: 15-30min
Boston nightlife. The
Waterfront District is
home to the Boston
Convention and
Exhibition Center, the
Harpoon Brewery, and
the Institute for
Contemporary Art.
Along with these
popular spots, the stilldeveloping Waterfront
District is becoming
home to many popular
restaurants and bars.
So whether you are
going to see the iconic
South Boston St.
Patrick’s Day Parade
or looking to go on a
harbor boat cruise,
South Boston has
something for
everyone.
HousingHousing in Southie is
made up of mostly
triple-decker buildings
with larger houses
closer to the beaches.
Neighborhoods are
packed with young
professionals and
families which make
living here a very
communal experience.
The Seaport District
contains more upscale
apartment living
which is more
expensive than
residential
neighborhoods, but
provides residents
more modern living
conditions. Because of
all the new
developments there
are many
opportunities for
housing for many
different budgets.
Parking in the Southie
neighborhoods can be
difficult. Most parking
requires a resident
sticker, but some street
parking is also
available.
Safety- Southie is a
generally safe
neighborhood, with
minor problems of
public drunkenness.
Get to know your
neighbors and you’ll
be fine.
The Places to Go
Restaurants:

Drink, James Hook & Co., Row 34, Legal Harborside, Whiskey Priest, Café Porto Bello,
Bastille Kitchen, Trade, Smith & Wollensky, The Barking Crab
Activities:

Fort Independence Park, Castle Island, Harpoon Brewery, Boston Convention and
Exhibition Center, The Institute for Contemporary Art, Carson Beach, Boston Tea Party
Ships & Museum, Laugh Boston, Boston Children’s Museum, Blue Hills Bank Pavillion, St.
Patrick’s Day Parade
29
Somerville/Cambridge
“The Scholarly Town”
Overview- The
transportation. Even
Somerville/Cambridge
though this area is
area is very popular
relatively quiet in
among Tufts students
terms of its residents
because this is the
there are still plenty of
home of the Tufts
things to do
Apartment
Rents
●●●
Studio: $850-$1500
1 Bed: $1000-$2000
undergraduate
2 Bed: $1400-$2500
campus in Medford.
3 Bed: $2200-$3200
Transportation
●●●
Major T Stops:
All Red line stops- from
Kendall/MIT to Davis
Sq.
Bus Connections:
Central Square- 1, CT1,
trbimg.com
47, 64, 70, 83, 91
The neighborhood is
Attractions- The
on the quieter side and
primary areas of
feels more suburban
interest for those
feel than other parts of
looking for some fun
the city. Because this
are Sullivan Square,
area is just north of the
Union Square, Central
city, there are many
Square, Davis Square,
ways to access the city
Harvard Square and
through public
Porter Square. These
30
Commute to
Tufts-Boston
●●●
Car: 10-20min
Public Trans: 30-45min
are large commercial
Housing- Most
of housing options and
centers with many fun
housing in this
prices in this large
shops and restaurants.
Another benefit of this
area is the presence of
neighborhood is
through multi-family
homes. These are
the major universities
usually older houses
such as Tufts, Harvard,
that have been rented
and MIT. This means
by students over the
there are always lots of
years. This means that
students both graduate
there is typically high
and undergraduate
apartment turnover
who are out and about.
There are multiple
campuses that host a
rate and fairly
reasonable rents. Rents
tend to decrease the
variety of events such
farther out you go
as plays, concerts, or
towards Medford and
athletic games that
increase towards
make the weekend an
Cambridge, which has
enjoyable experience
high demands of
for everyone. This
living. There are some
mixed with an array of
different bars and
restaurants makes the
Somerville/Cambridge
area a hotspot for
section of Boston.
Safety- For the
vast size of this area, it
is one of the safest
areas in Boston. Areas
around Mass. Ave can
be a little more
dangerous especially
at night, but the
prominence of the
surrounding
universities provides a
very strong police
presence and very safe
atmosphere for
residents.
apartments, which are
usually located closer
to the major
commercial squares.
Overall, there are a lot
student life.
The Places to Go
Restaurants:

Hungry Mother, Russell House Tavern, Johnny D’s, Ten Tables, Grendel’s Den, Grafton
Street Pub, The Sinclaire, Highland Kitchen, Boston Burger Company, Deli-icious
Activities:

Harvard Square, ice skating at Harvard(winter), The Garment District, Somerville
Theater, Lizard Lounge, Middle East Club, The Sinclair, ImprovBoston Theater, Cantab
31