Boston Neighborhoods
Moving off campus? Here's the real deal on every neighborhood near BU - from student-packed Allston to upscale Back Bay.
Student Favorites
Budget-Friendly
All Neighborhoods
Allston
The Student Capital
Allston is THE BU neighborhood. Cheap rent, endless food options, and a gritty charm that grows on you. It's where students live when they move off campus.
- Budget-conscious students
- Foodies
- Juniors/Seniors off-campus
Look for apartments on side streets off Harvard Ave - same proximity, less noise.
Brookline
Bougie But Worth It
Brookline is Allston's more refined neighbor. Better apartments, safer streets, and a family-friendly vibe. You pay more, but you get more.
- Students who prioritize safety
- Grad students
- Those with a higher budget
The C Line stops are closer to BU than they look - Washington Square is a hidden gem.
Brighton
Allston's Quieter Sibling
Brighton offers a middle ground - cheaper than Brookline, quieter than Allston. It's where you move when you want space but can't afford much more.
- Students wanting quiet
- Those with cars
- Grad students
Cleveland Circle has the best of both worlds - quieter but still has bars and restaurants.
Back Bay
Living the Dream
Back Bay is Boston's most prestigious neighborhood. Beautiful brownstones, Newbury Street shopping, and a completely different vibe from student housing.
- Students with money
- Those who want Boston experience
- Fashion/art students
You probably can't afford to live here, but it's a 15-min walk from campus for day trips.
Fenway-Kenmore
Home of the Sox
Fenway puts you right in the action - Red Sox games, concert venues, and a mix of students from BU, Northeastern, and Berklee.
- Sports fans
- Music lovers
- Social butterflies
Living here means accepting noise on game nights - bring earplugs or embrace it.
South End
Boston's Foodie Heaven
The South End is Boston's culinary capital. Victorian rowhouses, trendy brunch spots, and an artsy, diverse community.
- Food lovers
- Art students
- Those wanting city experience
Take the 43 bus from campus - it goes straight down Tremont to the South End.
Cambridge
Harvard's Backyard
Cambridge offers an intellectual vibe with Harvard and MIT nearby. It's a longer commute but a completely different world from BU.
- Those with friends at Harvard/MIT
- Intellectual types
- Those who don't mind commuting
The 47 bus goes from Central Square to BU - a straight shot down Mass Ave.
Jamaica Plain
The Crunchy Alternative
JP is Boston's hippie-ish, artsy neighborhood. Farmers markets, independent shops, and a strong community vibe. Far from BU but beloved by those who find it.
- Nature lovers
- Those who want space
- Those who don't need to be near campus
Only live here if you have a car or don't mind 45+ minute commutes.
Ready to find your place?