Allston/Brighton
Located west of downtown Boston, this area is very popular with students, as it is home to both Boston College and Boston University. Renovations, new bars and restaurants, and major clean-up efforts on Harvard Ave. have made the area more desirable and have caused rents to rise quickly. Allston is still popular for roommate situations, with affordable rents available in multi-bedroom units.
Brighton is closer to BC and offers residential areas with many beautiful homes that have been converted into apartments as well as ample open spaces. Like Allston, clean up and rejuvenation efforts have raised Brighton rents.
Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill is only a short walk from the Financial District and is home to Massachusetts' State House, Cheers, and the Museum of African American History. The cobblestone streets, lined with two hundred year-old homes and elegant brick facades, are centered around the quaint Charles Street, whose variety of small antique shops and privately owned cafes are perfect to explore on a summer stroll. A warm community spirit is prevalent on Beacon Hill, especially during the holiday season.
Just steps from the Boston Common and accessible by the red line at the Charles MGH, and Beacon Hill'' prime location and quaint charm have earned some of Boston's higher rents. But the unique nature of the area provides a quality of living that keeps residents there to stay.
Brookline
Surrounded on three sides by Boston, Brookline is easily accessible by the MBTA's C and D lines, as well as by bus. A mixture of thriving urban and quaint suburban life, Brookline offers the convenience of the city for those who don't want to live in it. Brookline features both brick apartment buildings and beautiful wood houses, most of which have been converted to upscale condos. The Coolidge Corner Theater, located among the eclectic shops and restaurants of Coolidge Corner, is the only art-deco theater in the Boston area, featuring mainly independent films, short films, and frequent midnight movies. Brookline also offers many recreational parks for golf, hiking, and a variety of individual and team sports. No overnight street parking.
Cambridge
The proud home of both MIT and Harvard University, Cambridge is a thriving example of development. Once home to a vast artistic community and filled with cheap deals for rent, Cambridge has become the focus of a very competitive real estate market. The areas such as Central Square, Inman Square, and Cambridgeport have undergone extensive renovations and condo conversions. If not yet renovated, multi-family housing can still be found cheaply in these areas.
Cambridge is very accessible by a string of stops on the red line, and permit parking is available. The up-and-coming nature of this eclectic area has made it a desirable place to live or visit. The shops and dining of Harvard Square have made it widely popular and other areas - like Central Square - are becoming similarly chic in the wake of renovations.
Fenway/Kenmore
Perhaps known as the home of Fenway Park, Kenmore is also home to colleges (such as BU, Simmons, Wheelock, and Northeastern), museums (The Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum, and the Christian Science Museum). It's a popular rent spot for students. Condos are also available.
The Fenway is home to part of Boston's "Emerald Necklace," which consists of ample park and recreational space. Boston's community gardens provide a unique backdrop for a summer walk. Kenmore Square offers a more social, urban atmosphere. The famous Citgo sign serving as a landmark, the bars, restaurants, and shops are popular places to hang out, as are the Lansdowne street clubs for late night action. The Prudential Building is a highlight for shopping near Kenmore, as is Newbury Street, being one of the pricier shopping districts in Boston. From the Kenmore area you are close to Fenway Park and within walking distance (or a T stop or two) from the Boston Common and Gardens.
The area is conveniently located at the Kenmore stop on the green line, making BC and the city easily accessible. The diversity and prime location of this area, combined with still-affordable prices, make it a great place to live.
West Roxbury
As one of the most suburban of all neighborhoods surrounding Boston, West Roxbury is primarily single family homes. There is a vibrant shopping district on Center Street. There is also a 100-acre park nearing completion with access to the Charles River. With quiet streets and a short distance from downtown, West Roxbury offers the best of suburbia in the city.
Newton
Six miles west of Boston and accessible through several D Line stops, Newton is a quiet, affluent suburb. Bounded by the Charles River, Newton also has an award-winning library, museum, Symphony Orchestra, and residential theater groups. Newton Center is filled with clothing boutiques, restaurants, and stores. It is Boston's closest suburb.
Watertown
Watertown is approximately 4 miles northwest of BC slightly outside of Boston. Accessible by bus from the Alewife stop on the Red Line, the community is diverse and less expensive than other suburbs. There is convenient shopping at the Arsenal and Watertown Malls. Also there are eleven parks, offering many recreational activities.
Waltham
Waltham is nine miles from Boston and can be reached by highway, commuter rail, and bus. The southern section is mainly multi-family housing, while the northern section has larger lot single-family houses. Waltham is home to Brandeis and Bentley Colleges, as well as eleven parks that offer many recreational activities.
Somerville
Somerville is located just northwest of Metro Boston, Somerville is another area which is up-and-coming due to the urban sprawl. There are many different environments from which to choose, as Somerville is fairly large. There are very residential neighborhoods, as well as more exciting neighborhoods with a high-student population. Somerville is home to many of Harvard and Tufts students. Many of the apartments are considerably larger than those in Boston. There is subway service (Red Line - Porter, Davis, and Alewife stops) and many bus lines to commute into downtown Boston.