Apartments to rent in 02108, Boston

02108 covers Beacon Hill and the closest parts of Downtown/Government Center. It’s one of Boston’s most walkable, transit-rich ZIPs with historic brownstones, proximity to the State House and quick access to downtown jobs. Expect premium rents, strong transit, a small resident population and lots of tourist foot traffic.

Nearby ZIPs Comparison

ZIPsCostSchoolsSafetyWalkability
02108 — Beacon Hill High Good Safe Excellent
02109 — North End / Waterfront High Good Safe Excellent
02110 — Financial District High Average Safe Excellent
02114 — Beacon Hill / West End High Good Safe Excellent
02116 — Back Bay High Good Very Safe Excellent
Excellent/Good
Average
Poor/Less Safe

Source: Zillow / Zumper (market snapshots)

ZIP 02108 Rental Prices

Studio
$2,000 – $3,200
1 bedroom
$2,500 – $3,700
2 bedroom
$3,500 – $5,500
3 bedroom
$4,500 – $9,000

Source: Zillow / Zumper (market snapshots)

Rentals available in 02108

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02108 Schools & Education

Top Public Schools

Quincy Upper School

⭐ 3/10 GreatSchools (listed on local property pages)
152 Arlington St, Boston, MA
🧭 ~0.6 mi

Top Private Schools

The Advent School

⭐ Not rated PrivateSchoolReview
15 Brimmer St, Boston, MA 02108
🧭 In-ZIP (02108)

Park Street School

⭐ Not rated PrivateSchoolReview
67 Brimmer St, Boston, MA 02108
🧭 ~0.1 mi

Source: GreatSchools / PrivateSchoolReview / school district pages

02108 Safety & Crime Overview

Safe

02108 (Beacon Hill/Downtown) has a small residential population but a large daily visitor footprint; as a result most incidents are non-violent property crimes (theft, pickpocketing, auto break-ins) concentrated around tourist nodes and transit hubs. Violent crime is lower than many urban averages but property-crime reports are elevated compared with quieter residential neighborhoods. Standard urban precautions (locking cars, watching bags in crowded areas, avoiding poorly lit streets at night) are recommended. The area benefits from heavy foot patrols near the State House and major transit stops.

Source: NeighborhoodScout / CrimeGrade / local reporting

02108 Walkability, Transit & Bike Scores

Walk Score ~99
Walker's Paradise (most errands on foot).
Transit Score ~100
Rider's Paradise (centered on Park Street / Government Center transit hub).
Bike Score ~74
Very Bikeable — good access to bike routes and the Esplanade.
<10 min
To downtown core / Financial District by subway or on foot; multiple Green/Red/Orange/Commuter rail nearby.

Source: WalkScore / Redfin Walk/Transit scores

02108, Boston Summary

Overview

02108 is the heart of historic Beacon Hill and the immediate downtown/statehouse area. It’s extremely walkable and transit-accessible, with a small resident population living among offices, tourist sites and government buildings. Rents are higher than city average, housing stock is dominated by historic brownstones and small apartment units, and amenities like Haymarket, Boston Public Market and the Common are within minutes.

Key Features

  • Historic character: Federal-style rowhouses, cobblestone streets and Louisburg Square define Beacon Hill’s architectural charm.
  • Transit & walkability: World-class transit access (Park Street, Government Center, Haymarket) and extremely high Walk Score.
  • Central amenities: Immediate access to Boston Common, Public Garden, Charles River Esplanade, Boston Public Market and major downtown employers.
  • Premium rental market: Smaller inventory and desirable location keep rents high; strong demand from professionals and downsizers.

Housing Snapshot

  • Predominantly small units and historic conversions — many 1BR and studios.
  • High rents relative to city average; limited new-construction inventory inside 02108.
  • Short-term rentals and tourist demand affect availability and pricing in parts of the ZIP.

History

  • Colonial & 19th-century core: Beacon Hill dates to colonial times and features preserved 18th/19th-century architecture around the State House and Louisburg Square.
  • Freedom Trail & maritime history: 02108 sits on historic routes (Freedom Trail) and neighbors the waterfront/history of the North End and Faneuil Hall.

Demographics and Lifestyle

  • Resident profile: Smaller resident population with a high share of professionals, singles and older residents living in luxury or historic units.
  • Lifestyle: Urban, walkable, tourist-oriented with easy access to culture, dining and government services.
  • Cost: Significantly above the national average for rents and general cost-of-living; utilities align with Boston averages.