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
| Neighborhoods | Cost | Schools | Safety | Walkability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Source: Zumper
Beacon Hill, Boston Rental Prices
Source: Zumper
Rentals available in Beacon Hill, Boston
Beacon Hill, Boston Schools & Education
Top Public Schools
Josiah Quincy Elementary School
Quincy Upper School (Quincy Upper)
Top Private Schools
Beacon Hill Nursery School
Advent School
Commonwealth School
Source: GreatSchools / Homes.com / BHNS
Beacon Hill, Boston Safety & Crime Overview
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
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.