Apartments to rent in 02111, Boston

02111 covers Boston’s Chinatown and the Leather District — a dense, highly walkable downtown ZIP centered on South Station, Chinatown and the Theater District. It’s ideal for renters who want immediate access to transit, restaurants and urban amenities; units here skew toward studios and 1–2 bedroom condos and lofts in converted buildings and newer mixed‑use towers.

Nearby ZIPs Comparison

ZIPsCostSchoolsSafetyWalkability
02111 — Chinatown / Leather District High Good Less Safe Excellent
02110 — Financial District High Fair Less Safe Excellent
02108 — Beacon Hill / Government Center High Good Safe Excellent
02116 — Back Bay / Bay Village High Good Safe Excellent
02118 — South End High Good Safe Excellent
Excellent/Good
Average
Poor/Less Safe

Source: RentHop / RentCafe (market listings)

ZIP 02111 Rental Prices

Studio
$2,000 – $3,300
1 bedroom
$2,500 – $4,500
2 bedroom
$3,200 – $6,500
3 bedroom
$4,500 – $9,000

Source: RentHop / RentCafe (market listings)

Rentals available in 02111

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02111 Schools & Education

Top Public Schools

Quincy Upper School

⭐ 3/10 GreatSchools
152 Arlington St / nearby (district assignment varies)
🧭 ~0.5 mi (attendance zones can vary)

Top Private Schools

The Advent School

⭐ Not rated Private school listings
15 Brimmer St (Beacon Hill)
🧭 ~0.6 mi

Source: GreatSchools / Boston Public Schools

02111 Safety & Crime Overview

Less Safe

02111 is a dense, high-activity downtown ZIP that includes transit hubs (South Station) and nightlife. Crime reports and predictive risk tools show elevated property‑crime and theft rates relative to many residential neighborhoods in Boston; however, violent crime rates are mixed and daytime activity and police presence around South Station and Downtown reduce some risks. Standard downtown precautions apply (watch belongings in crowded areas, secure bikes, avoid poorly lit side streets at night).

Source: NeighborhoodScout / SecurityGauge crime analysis

02111 Walkability, Transit & Bike Scores

Walk Score ~98
Walker's Paradise
Transit Score ~100
Rider's Paradise
Bike Score ~70
Very Bikeable
<10 min
To downtown core / Government Center or Back Bay via South Station/Downtown Crossing/Chinatown stations — typically under 10 minutes by T or rapid transit connections.

Source: WalkScore.com

02111, Boston Summary

Overview

02111 is a compact, transit-rich downtown ZIP that includes Chinatown, the Leather District and the South Station transportation hub. The area is among Boston’s most walkable and transit-connected — ideal for renters who prioritize access to transit, restaurants and cultural institutions. Housing stock is a mix of historic brick lofts, converted warehouse buildings, small apartment buildings and newer mixed‑use towers near South Station.

Key Features

  • Transit & connectivity: South Station and multiple subway stops make 02111 one of the best-connected ZIPs in Boston for regional rail, Amtrak and MBTA service.
  • Dining destination: Chinatown is a longtime culinary destination with dozens of Asian restaurants, bakeries and specialty markets.
  • Walkable urban living: Daily errands, entertainment and nightlife are within easy walking distance from most points in the ZIP.
  • Historic character: The Leather District and neighboring streets include brick lofts and theater buildings that blend historic character with modern renovations.

Housing Snapshot

  • High average rents compared with Boston overall; many studios and 1–2BR units.
  • Mix of renovated historic lofts and newer mixed‑use towers, often with limited in‑unit storage.
  • Strong demand from professionals, students and short‑commute renters; parking is scarce.

History

  • Early immigrant neighborhood: Boston’s Chinatown grew in the 19th and 20th centuries as waves of Chinese immigrants settled near downtown, creating the city’s primary Chinese cultural and commercial district.
  • Leather District industrial past: The Leather District was historically home to tanneries and leather goods manufacturers; many brick commercial buildings were later converted to lofts and creative offices.
  • Transit hub evolution: South Station has long anchored the area as a regional transportation center for rail, bus and later MBTA connections.

Demographics and Lifestyle

  • Young, diverse population: The ZIP has a relatively young median age and a large Asian population share, reflecting Chinatown’s cultural presence.
  • Rental-first neighborhood: High rental share and many smaller units make this ZIP renter-dominant rather than owner-heavy.
  • Active nightlife & culture: Theater, restaurants and evening activity draw both residents and visitors, contributing to a lively street life.
  • Transit-oriented lifestyle: Many residents rely on public transit, walking and biking rather than car ownership.