Boston, MA Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Boston, MA: What You Need to Know

Boston is the capital of Massachusetts. As the birthplace of the American Revolution, the city helped shape the country’s history and destiny.

A Storied History

Boston’s story is steeped with a tradition of independence and resistance. In 1630, English Puritans of the Massachusetts Bay Company settled in the area, which they named Boston in honor of the town in England where they came from. The Puritan colonists enjoyed autonomy until 1684 when the Massachusetts Bay Company’s charter was declared null and void, and the British crown sent the first royal governor in 1686. As the British increased its control, the colonists’ discontent grew, culminating in the famous Boston Tea Party in 1773, which sparked the American Revolution. 

The City of Champions

Boston is a maverick sports town. It’s home to some of the best major league teams in the country: Red Sox (MLB), Patriots (NFL), Celtics (NBA), Bruins (NHL), and Revolution (MLS). The Celtics have won 17 NBA championships, the Red Sox have 9 World Series titles, the Bruins have 6 Stanley Cups, and the Patriots have 6 Super Bowl titles.

The Cost of Living in Boston

It’s no secret that Boston is one of the priciest places to live in the U.S. The city’s cost of living and food and housing costs are 39.5%, 5.5%, and 35.5% higher than the national average, respectively. Boston’s median gross rent is $1,539 while the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $3,375. Massachusetts levies a flat income tax rate of 5.10% and a flat statewide sales tax rate of 6.25%.

Know Your Neighborhoods

Finding the right housing in Boston (population of 692,600) can be challenging. If downtown prices are out of reach, check out these neighborhoods that are close to downtown: Dorchester, Charlestown, and East Boston. 

If you prefer the suburbs, Brookline and Cambridge are so close that most residents feel they are part of Boston proper. Both communities have a large number of renters. 

If you don’t mind commuting, Lexington and Boxborough are good choices for their excellent schools. Residents love Lexington for its diversity and amenities and Boxborough for the peace and quiet. 

Getting Around in Boston

Driving a car in the city means being mindful of parking availability and traffic jams. If you want an alternative, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (or T for short) operates all five major modes of land and water transportation. It runs the local rail with five subway routes, commuter rail with 137 stations in the Greater Boston area and eastern Massachusetts, bus, ferry, and paratransit service. Boston Logan International Airport is located only three miles away from downtown.