Apartments to rent in Lower Mills, Boston

Lower Mills is a historic Dorchester neighborhood along the Neponset River (primarily ZIP 02124). It mixes well‑kept triple‑deckers and converted mill lofts, has a compact commercial strip on Dorchester Avenue, easy access to parks and the Fairmount/Mattapan transit corridors, and a growing local dining scene.

Nearby Neighborhoods Comparison

NeighborhoodsCostSchoolsSafetyWalkability
Lower Mills Average Good Safe Good
Ashmont Average Good Safe Good
Codman Square Average Fair Safe Good
Dorchester Center Average Good Safe Good
Mattapan Low Fair Less Safe Fair
Excellent/Good
Average
Poor/Less Safe

Source: Prop-Metrics (zip 02124 proxy for Lower Mills)

Lower Mills, Boston Rental Prices

Studio
$1,800 – $2,600
1 bedroom
$2,000 – $3,200
2 bedroom
$2,400 – $3,600
3 bedroom
$2,800 – $4,000

Source: Prop-Metrics (zip 02124 proxy for Lower Mills)

Rentals available in Lower Mills, Boston

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Lower Mills, Boston Schools & Education

Top Public Schools

Joseph Lee K-8 School

⭐ 3/10 Local school data aggregators
155 Talbot Ave, Dorchester, MA 02124
🧭 ~0.6 mi (serves Lower Mills area)

Top Private Schools

Epiphany School

⭐ Not rated Local directories
154 Centre St, Dorchester, MA 02124
🧭 ~0.6 mi

Source: GreatSchools / local school directories

Lower Mills, Boston Safety & Crime Overview

Safe

Lower Mills generally reports lower crime scores than some other Dorchester sections; property crime and nuisance incidents occur mainly along busier commercial corridors (Dorchester Ave) while interior residential blocks and riverfront parks are seen as comparatively calm. Residents and agents highlight typical urban safety precautions at night and around major intersections.

Source: Homes.com neighborhood overview / WhatIsMyCrimeRisk neighborhood score

Lower Mills, Boston Walkability, Transit & Bike Scores

Walk Score ~80
Very Walkable
Transit Score ~52
Good Transit
Bike Score ~56
Somewhat Bikeable
<30 min
Fairmount Line (Talbot Ave) to South Station ~19 min train time; Mattapan/Ashmont routes connect to Red Line via Ashmont (longer).

Source: WalkScore proxies reported on local listings / Fairmount Line station access study

Lower Mills, Boston Summary

Overview

Lower Mills is a historic, riverfront pocket of Dorchester centered on Dorchester Avenue and the Neponset River. It pairs a village‑like main street (restaurants, taverns, bakeries) with tree‑lined residential blocks and converted mill loft housing. The neighborhood attracts families and commuters who value green space and a shorter, more affordable commute to downtown than many inner‑city neighborhoods.

Key Features

  • Riverfront access & trails: Lower Neponset River Trail and Pope John Paul II Park offer walking, biking and wildlife viewing minutes from the main commercial strip.
  • Historic mill buildings: Baker Chocolate mill conversions provide distinctive loft living and local history.
  • Local dining & village feel: A concentrated set of neighborhood restaurants, taverns and bakeries create an active community hub.

Housing Snapshot

  • Mix of well‑kept single‑family homes, triple‑deckers and converted mill lofts.
  • Rental median ranges align with Dorchester/02124 figures (see rental_prices section).
  • Street parking can be limited; some buildings include off‑street parking or reserved garage spaces.