Apartments to rent in 02163, Boston

Crime patterns in 02163 (Allston) skew toward higher property-theft rates and a younger, dense population with active nightlife and student housing; several data services and local crime maps show property crime above state averages while violent crime generally tracks below or near city averages. Residents should use usual urban precautions (secure bikes, lock cars, avoid leaving valuables visible) and check block-level crime maps for hotspots around commercial corridors and transit hubs.

Overview

02163 (Allston / Lower Allston) is a young, transit-oriented ZIP with heavy university influence (Boston University and Harvard Allston activities nearby), an active dining and bar corridor along Harvard Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue, and short commutes into downtown via the Green Line. The housing stock is rental-heavy and skewed to studios and 1BRs sized for students and young professionals.

Key Features

• Transit access: Multiple Green Line B branch stops (Allston Street, Harvard Ave, Packards Corner) make downtown and Cambridge accessible.
• University presence: Proximity to BU and Harvard Allston research/athletic facilities influences rental demand and local services.
• Active retail corridor: Harvard Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue host many restaurants, cafes and neighborhood shops.
• Parks & river access: Soldiers Field Park and Charles River pathways are a short walk for riverside recreation.

Housing Snapshot

• High share of rental units (many large apartment buildings and student housing).
• Supply dominated by studios and one-bedrooms; family-sized 3+ bedroom units are less common and command a premium.
• Rents generally mix average-to-high for Boston’s submarkets — more affordable than Back Bay or Fenway for comparable unit sizes, but pricier than some outer neighborhoods.

History

• Rail and streetcar roots: Allston grew with late-19th / early-20th-century streetcar and rail connections linking it to downtown Boston and adjacent Cambridge.
• University expansion: Recent decades saw Boston University and Harvard expand operations into the Allston area, changing the rental and development landscape.

Demographics and Lifestyle

• Young population: Median age in the ZIP is in the low-to-mid 20s, driven by student residents and young professionals.
• High renter share: A majority of housing units are rented; large buildings and student housing are common.
• Active nightlife & dining: Dense restaurant and bar options make 02163 a social magnet for students and young workers.