Boston has more students per square mile than almost anywhere else in the US. Harvard, MIT, BU, BC, Northeastern, Tufts — 35+ colleges draw 150,000+ students. The housing market is expensive and competitive, but densely built and walkable.
Harvard & MIT (Cambridge)
Cambridgeport: Between Harvard and MIT along the Charles River. Old triple-decker houses converted to apartments. Rooms USD 1,100–1,800/month.
Central Square: Cambridge’s “downtown.” Diverse, gritty-chic, excellent food. Red Line access to both campuses. Rooms USD 1,000–1,700/month.
Porter Square & Davis Square: Further north, near Tufts. More residential, great bars and live music. 10 min Red Line. Rooms USD 900–1,500/month.
Somerville: Across the Cambridge line. Davis Square and Union Square are the hubs. Rooms USD 800–1,400/month.
BU & Northeastern
Allston: The classic BU student neighborhood. Harvard Avenue’s bar and restaurant strip. 10 min walk to BU. Rooms USD 900–1,500/month.
Fenway/Kenmore: Near Fenway Park. Modern apartment buildings, closer to Northeastern. Rooms USD 1,100–1,800/month.
Mission Hill: Near Northeastern. Mix of students and long-term residents. Rooms USD 800–1,400/month.
Jamaica Plain (JP): Further south on the Orange Line. Diverse, green (the Arnold Arboretum), strong community feel. Rooms USD 800–1,300/month.
The September 1 Move-In Madness
Boston’s rental market runs on an unusual “September 1” cycle — nearly all leases start or renew on this date. If you’re arriving for a September semester start, book temporary housing for August and plan to move on September 1. The upside: massive selection. The downside: moving day is chaos, with U-Hauls double-parked across the city.
FAQ
How do I find roommates in Boston? University Facebook groups, Boston Housing subreddit, and roommate-matching services through your university’s off-campus housing office. Is it better to live in Boston or Cambridge? Cambridge is slightly more expensive but closer to Harvard/MIT. Boston proper (Allston, Brighton, Fenway) is better for BU and Northeastern. Health insurance required? Massachusetts mandates health insurance. University plans are the standard for international students. SafetyWing for travel between semesters.