Apartments to rent in Beacon Hill, Boston

Beacon Hill is Boston’s historic, highly walkable neighborhood perched above the Boston Common and Charles River Esplanade. Known for Federal‑style rowhomes, narrow brick streets and easy access to the State House, Beacon Hill spans primarily ZIPs 02108 and 02114 and offers transit-rich, small‑neighborhood living steps from downtown.

Nearby Neighborhoods Comparison

NeighborhoodsCostSchoolsSafetyWalkability
Beacon Hill High Good Safe Excellent
Back Bay High Good Very Safe Excellent
North End High Good Safe Excellent
West End High Good Safe Excellent
Downtown High Fair Less Safe Excellent
Excellent/Good
Average
Poor/Less Safe

Source: Zumper

Beacon Hill, Boston Rental Prices

Studio
$1,800 – $3,200
1 bedroom
$2,200 – $3,400
2 bedroom
$2,800 – $4,200
3 bedroom
$3,800 – $6,500

Source: Zumper

Rentals available in Beacon Hill, Boston

Beacon Hill, Boston Schools & Education

Top Public Schools

Eliot K-8 Innovation School

8/10 GreatSchools / local reporting
Multiple buildings; primary Upper School 585 Commercial St (North End)
🧭 ~0.7 mi

Top Private Schools

Advent School

A (Niche/historical) Homes.com / Niche
15 Brimmer St, Boston, MA
🧭 In‑neighborhood (Charles St / Brimmer St)

Commonwealth School

A+ Homes.com / Niche
151 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA (Back Bay)
🧭 ~0.5–1.0 mi

Source: GreatSchools / Homes.com / BHNS

Beacon Hill, Boston Safety & Crime Overview

Safe

Beacon Hill is generally perceived as one of Boston’s safer, higher‑income neighborhoods with a strong community presence and frequent foot traffic that deters violent crime. That said, property crime and theft (bicycle and pick‑pocketing in busy tourist corridors such as Charles Street and the Public Garden) do occur and are the most common issues reported. Residents typically report lower violent‑crime rates than many parts of the city, but standard urban precautions (lock bikes, be aware at night, secure packages) are advised.

Source: Niche / local reporting

Beacon Hill, Boston Walkability, Transit & Bike Scores

Walk Score ~99
Walker's Paradise
Transit Score ~100
Rider's Paradise
Bike Score ~72
Very Bikeable
<20 min
Typical transit to downtown (Government Center / Downtown Crossing) is around 15–20 min; bike 5–10 min; driving shorter but often slower in rush hour.

Source: Walk Score

Beacon Hill, Boston Summary

Overview

Beacon Hill is a compact, historic neighborhood directly adjacent to Boston Common and the Charles River Esplanade. It features brick sidewalks, Federal‑style rowhouses, narrow streets and a mix of longtime residents, professionals who work in nearby hospitals and state government, and some student populations tied to nearby universities. The neighborhood is prized for walkability, transit access and iconic streetscapes.

Key Features

  • Historic Architecture: Well‑preserved Federal and Greek Revival rowhouses, gas lamps and narrow streets give Beacon Hill a distinct historic character.
  • Transit & Walkability: One of Boston’s most walkable and transit‑rich neighborhoods with easy Red/Green Line access at Park Street and Charles/MGH.
  • Near Major Institutions: Immediate access to Massachusetts General Hospital, the State House, and downtown employers.
  • Dining & Local Shops: Charles Street offers bakeries, cafes and boutiques; larger supermarkets and specialty shops are a short walk into Back Bay or Charles River Plaza.

Housing Snapshot

  • Predominantly historic brownstones, rowhouses, and converted condos/co‑ops.
  • Rents and sale prices are above city average; many units are smaller floorplans with historic layouts.
  • Strong demand from professionals working in healthcare, law, and state government; limited new supply inside the historic district.