Apartments to rent in Bowdoin-Geneva, Boston

Bowdoin-Geneva (often shortened to Bowdoin or Four Corners/Geneva) is a South Dorchester neighborhood with a busy commercial strip along Bowdoin St and Geneva Ave, strong community organizations, and convenient Fairmount Line and bus connections to downtown. The area is primarily covered by ZIP 02122 and mixes multi-family housing, small businesses, and pocket parks.

Nearby Neighborhoods Comparison

NeighborhoodsCostSchoolsSafetyWalkability
Bowdoin-Geneva Average Fair Less Safe Good
Fields Corner Average Fair Less Safe Excellent
Four Corners Average Fair Less Safe Good
Mount Bowdoin Average Fair Less Safe Good
Uphams Corner Average Fair Less Safe Good
Codman Square Average Fair Less Safe Good
Excellent/Good
Average
Poor/Less Safe

Source: Prop-metrics / local listings

Bowdoin-Geneva, Boston Rental Prices

Studio
$1,400 – $2,400
1 bedroom
$1,700 – $2,900
2 bedroom
$2,200 – $3,500
3 bedroom
$2,800 – $4,500

Source: Prop-metrics / local listings

Rentals available in Bowdoin-Geneva, Boston

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Bowdoin-Geneva, Boston Schools & Education

Top Public Schools

UP Academy Dorchester

⭐ 4/10 GreatSchools
35 Westville St, Boston, MA 02124
🧭 In-neighborhood / ~0.2–0.7 mi depending on address

Top Private Schools

Source: GreatSchools, Boston Public Schools, local listings

Bowdoin-Geneva, Boston Safety & Crime Overview

Less Safe

Bowdoin-Geneva has been the focus of city safety and street-design initiatives due to higher-than-city-average violent incidents on some blocks. The City of Boston has an active Bowdoin/Geneva Transportation Action Plan and safety-improvement work focused on speeding and pedestrian safety; local reporting has noted continued concerns about shootings and community safety. Residents should exercise normal city precautions, be aware of hotspots on certain commercial corridors at night, and consult community resources for real-time safety updates.

Source: City of Boston / local reporting

Bowdoin-Geneva, Boston Walkability, Transit & Bike Scores

Walk Score ~75
Very Walkable
Transit Score ~70
Excellent Transit
Bike Score ~55
Bikeable
<20 min
Fairmount Line (Four Corners/Geneva) to South Station ~15 min; Red Line connections (Fields Corner/Ashmont) reach downtown in ~20–30 min depending on transfers.

Source: Walk Score / local listings

Bowdoin-Geneva, Boston Summary

Overview

Bowdoin-Geneva is a working-class Dorchester neighborhood centered on the Bowdoin St / Geneva Ave commercial strip and the Four Corners/Fairmount Line station. It combines small businesses, community organizations (Bowdoin Geneva Main Streets), affordable multi-family housing, and strong neighborhood identity. The area has active civic engagement and recent City transportation work aimed at improving pedestrian safety.

Key Features

  • Community-led commercial strip: Local Main Streets programs and weekly farmers market support small businesses on Bowdoin St and Geneva Ave.
  • Transit-connected: Four Corners / Geneva (Fairmount Line) and Fields Corner (Red Line) nearby give reliable links to South Station and downtown.
  • Near green pockets: Geneva Cliffs and several small parks provide outdoor space within walking distance.
  • Active safety & street-improvement work: The City has an ongoing Bowdoin-Geneva Transportation Action Plan focused on pedestrian and traffic safety.

Housing Snapshot

  • Predominantly multi-family triple-deckers and small apartment buildings.
  • Rents are around Dorchester averages — typically lower than central Boston but variable block-to-block.
  • Mix of long-term residents and newer rental activity near transit hubs.