Apartments to rent in 02125, Boston
02125 covers central sections of Dorchester — including Upham’s Corner, Savin Hill and Columbia Point. The area mixes older triple-deckers and newer apartment projects, offers strong Red Line access (Savin Hill / Fields Corner / JFK‑UMass nearby), and presents an active, evolving rental market with more affordable options than inner‑city neighborhoods while remaining within easy reach of Downtown Boston.
Nearby ZIPs Comparison
| ZIPs | Cost | Schools | Safety | Walkability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02125 — Dorchester (Upham's Corner / Columbia Point) | Average | Fair | Less Safe | Excellent |
| 02124 — Dorchester Center | Average | Fair | Safe | Good |
| 02122 — Fields Corner / Lower Mills | Average | Fair | Less Safe | Good |
| 02121 — Roxbury / Columbia Point fringe | Low | Fair | Less Safe | Good |
| 02127 — South Boston | High | Good | Safe | Excellent |
Source: RentCafe
ZIP 02125 Rental Prices
Source: RentCafe
Rentals available in 02125
02125 Schools & Education
Top Public Schools
John Winthrop Elementary School
Everett Elementary School
McCormack Middle School (Boston Community Leadership Academy)
Top Private Schools
Boston College High School
Pope John Paul II Catholic Academy (Columbia Campus)
Conservatory Lab Charter School (nearby)
Source: GreatSchools / Realtor / Redfin
02125 Safety & Crime Overview
ZIP 02125 (Dorchester) records higher-than-average rates for both violent and property crime compared with national averages; incidents vary block-by-block, with parts of Columbia Point and the southeast sections generally reporting lower incident counts. Residents should use usual urban safety precautions (secure common areas, lock cars, avoid poorly lit streets at night). Community policing, business corridor investments and ongoing city safety programs are active in the area.
Source: CrimeGrade (ZIP-level analysis)
02125 Walkability, Transit & Bike Scores
Source: WalkScore.com / RentCafe
02125, Boston Summary
Overview
02125 covers a large, diverse swath of Dorchester — Upham’s Corner commercial streets, Savin Hill and the Columbia Point peninsula (UMass Boston / HarborPoint area). The ZIP combines dense, walkable retail corridors with pockets of quieter residential streets and offers direct Red Line access that makes downtown reachable without a car. The rental market mixes older, value‑oriented housing with newer developments that command higher rents near transit hubs.
Key Features
- Transit access: Multiple Red Line stations (Savin Hill, Fields Corner, JFK/UMass within or near the ZIP) make 02125 a practical choice for commuters.
- Neighborhood variety: From Upham’s Corner small‑business corridors to waterfront Columbia Point, 02125 has distinct sub‑areas for different lifestyles.
- Active market: A mix of affordable rentals and newer apartment projects means choices for renters on different budgets.
- Community services: Strong community anchors — Kroc Center, neighborhood health centers and active civic groups — support local life.
Housing Snapshot
- High renter share with many small multifamily buildings and a growing number of mid‑rise developments
- Rents generally below premium Boston neighborhoods but rising near transit nodes
- Short‑term rental rules and building code enforcement are active — landlords should verify compliance
History
- Early settlement: Dorchester was settled in 1630 and later annexed to Boston in 1870; the area has long working‑class roots.
- Columbia Point redevelopment: The Columbia Point public housing redevelopment (HarborPoint) transformed a once‑troubled site into mixed‑income housing and institutional uses (UMass Boston, museums).
Demographics and Lifestyle
- Diverse population: ZIP 02125 is ethnically and economically diverse with a large mix of renters, families and students (UMass Boston nearby).
- Younger median age: Median age in the ZIP is in the low‑30s, with a mix of young professionals and long‑term residents.
- Local commerce: Active small businesses along Dorchester Ave and Columbia Rd provide ethnic groceries, restaurants and services.