Apartments to rent in 02122, Boston

02122 sits inside Boston Police District C-11 (Dorchester). Like much of Dorchester, safety varies block-to-block: commercial corridors and areas close to transit (Fields Corner, Meetinghouse Hill) see regular foot traffic and policing, while other sections west of Columbia Road historically show higher violent-crime reports. Residents should use normal urban precautions (well-lit routes at night, lock cars, secure ground-floor windows). Community policing efforts and neighborhood organizations in Dorchester have been active in recent years.

Overview

02122 is a core Dorchester ZIP that blends long-established neighborhood retail (Fields Corner), strong transit links (Red Line stops and bus corridors), and a dense stock of multi-family housing. Rents are competitive with other Dorchester ZIPs, and the area appeals to commuters who want relatively direct subway access to Downtown without the higher prices of central Boston neighborhoods. The ZIP includes commercial nodes, small parks, and a mix of community services and schools.

Key Features

• Transit-connected: Fields Corner and Shawmut Red Line stations plus multiple bus routes make 02122 convenient for downtown commutes.
• Neighborhood retail: Active commercial strips with restaurants, markets and services along Dorchester Ave and Adams St.
• Affordable relative to central Boston: Rents in 02122 are lower than Back Bay or South End but higher than some outlying suburbs — a middle option for city commuters.
• Strong community identity: Longtime Dorchester institutions, local reporting and active neighborhood groups anchor the area.

Housing Snapshot

• Mix of owner-occupied triples and renter-occupied multi-family buildings — many older brick and wood-frame units.
• Typical rents (2025 medians): 1BR ~$2,300–2,400; 2BR ~$2,800; 3BR ~$3,200 (market listings vary).
• Rental supply fluctuates seasonally; spring/summer shows more inventory.

History

• Early settlement: Dorchester is one of Boston’s oldest neighborhoods (settled 1630); the area that is now 02122 grew with 19th/20th-century urban housing and local industry.
• Transportation shaped growth: Red Line expansion and local trolley/rail lines anchored commercial nodes like Fields Corner and Ashmont.
• Community turnaround: Dorchester has seen active local economic development and community-led projects, including parks along the Neponset River and neighborhood revitalization efforts.

Demographics and Lifestyle

• Diverse population: 02122 is ethnically diverse with a broad mix of family types and long-time residents alongside newer arrivals.
• Transit-oriented lifestyle: Many residents rely on the Red Line and local buses; walking is common for errands in commercial strips.
• Neighborhood services: Community health centers, local schools, and faith-based organizations provide social infrastructure.