Apartments to rent in 02121, Boston

ZIP 02121 covers a large portion of Dorchester (Mount Bowdoin / Grove Hall area). This long-standing Boston neighborhood mixes dense, transit-friendly corridors with pockets of parkland (Franklin Park nearby), community retail strips, and a diverse resident base. Rents in 02121 have shown monthly variability but remain significantly above the national average — use the market snapshot below to compare typical studio–3BR ranges and local amenities.

Nearby ZIPs Comparison

ZIPsCostSchoolsSafetyWalkability
02121 — Dorchester Average Fair Less Safe Good
02122 — Fields Corner Average Fair Less Safe Good
02124 — Ashmont / Dorchester Center Average Good Safe Good
02125 — Mattapan / Neponset Low Fair Less Safe Fair
02119 — Roxbury Average Fair Less Safe Good
Excellent/Good
Average
Poor/Less Safe

Source: Zillow

ZIP 02121 Rental Prices

Studio
$900 – $1,600
1 bedroom
$1,100 – $2,200
2 bedroom
$1,800 – $3,500
3 bedroom
$2,400 – $5,000

Source: Zillow

Rentals available in 02121

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02121 Schools & Education

Top Public Schools

Top Private Schools

Source: GreatSchools / Boston Public Schools

02121 Safety & Crime Overview

Less Safe

Crime and public-safety indicators in 02121 are mixed: community-level data and third-party crime indices place parts of north/central Dorchester (the Mount Bowdoin / Grove Hall corridors) above the city average for property and violent crime. While police presence and community programs are active, residents and renters should be aware of hotspots along several commercial corridors and take typical urban precautions (lock vehicles, secure entries, avoid poorly lit streets at night).

Source: CrimeGrade / NeighborhoodScout

02121 Walkability, Transit & Bike Scores

Walk Score ~77
Very Walkable
Transit Score ~65
Excellent Transit
Bike Score ~61
Somewhat Bikeable
<20 min
Fairmount Line (Four Corners/Geneva) to South Station ~15 min; Red Line connections (Fields Corner / Ashmont) reach downtown in ~20–30 min depending on transfers and waits.

Source: WalkScore.com

02121, Boston Summary

Overview

02121 is a central Dorchester zip that mixes dense residential blocks, active retail streets and proximity to major green space (Franklin Park). It is a diverse, transit-connected area favored by renters who want relatively quick downtown access via the Fairmount Line or bus corridors. Housing stock is primarily multi-family triple-deckers and small apartment buildings; affordability and choice vary block by block.

Key Features

  • Transit-connected: Four Corners / Geneva (Fairmount Line) plus bus corridors provide practical commute options to South Station and downtown.
  • Parks nearby: Franklin Park and several small local playgrounds and athletic fields are within reach.
  • Diverse retail: Dorchester’s commercial strips include Caribbean, Vietnamese and Latin American food and small businesses.
  • Value opportunity: Compared with central Boston neighborhoods, 02121 offers lower or comparable rents for larger units — but watch for building condition and neighborhood variability.

Housing Snapshot

  • Stock dominated by older multi-family buildings and triple-deckers.
  • Rents have fluctuated but 1BR units commonly list between $1,100–$2,200.
  • Investor and rehab activity increasing in select corridors; expect some renovation-driven price pressure.

History

  • Long-standing Dorchester neighborhood Dorchester is one of Boston’s oldest settlements; 02121 covers parts of the historic Mount Bowdoin / Grove Hall area.
  • Community & cultural mix Dorchester has long been home to large Caribbean, African, Irish and more recently Asian and Latinx communities — reflected in local businesses and festivals.

Demographics and Lifestyle

  • Population A large, diverse population with a younger median age than many Boston suburbs; many households are renter-occupied.
  • Lifestyle Neighborhood is practical and community-oriented: corner stores, faith institutions, family restaurants and community centers are common.
  • Affordability Costs are above national averages but generally more affordable than Boston’s core neighborhoods; utilities and transit costs align with Boston averages.