Apartments to rent in Lower Roxbury, Boston

Lower Roxbury is a dense, transit-rich section of Roxbury just south of the Back Bay/South End corridor. Well served by Ruggles and the Orange Line, the neighborhood mixes older brick blocks and newer apartment buildings and is covered primarily by ZIPs 02118 and 02119.

Nearby Neighborhoods Comparison

NeighborhoodsCostSchoolsSafetyWalkability
Lower Roxbury Average Good Less Safe Excellent
South End High Excellent Safe Excellent
Back Bay High Good Safe Excellent
Fenway - Kenmore Average Good Safe Excellent
Mission Hill Average Good Less Safe Good
Excellent/Good
Average
Poor/Less Safe

Source: Zumper & Zillow (neighborhood & ZIP-level aggregates)

Lower Roxbury, Boston Rental Prices

Studio
$1,800 – $2,800
1 bedroom
$2,100 – $3,500
2 bedroom
$2,800 – $4,500
3 bedroom
$3,200 – $5,500

Source: Zumper & Zillow (neighborhood & ZIP-level aggregates)

Rentals available in Lower Roxbury, Boston

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Lower Roxbury, Boston Schools & Education

Top Public Schools

Top Private Schools

Paige Academy (K-8)

⭐ Not rated DESE school profile
28 Highland Ave, Roxbury, MA 02119
🧭 In/near Roxbury (~1.0 mi)

Source: Boston Public Schools, GreatSchools, school websites

Lower Roxbury, Boston Safety & Crime Overview

Less Safe

Lower Roxbury (Roxbury overall) records higher rates of violent and property crime than Boston’s citywide average historically, and crime is unevenly distributed by block. Local analyses and Boston Police reporting identify concentrations of violent incidents in parts of Roxbury; pockets near major corridors see more property crime. Many residents point to strong community policing efforts and neighborhood initiatives that have reduced some incidents, but standard precautions (avoid isolated blocks at night, secure bicycles and vehicles, be aware around transit hubs) are still recommended.

Source: NeighborhoodScout & academic spatial analysis of Boston shootings (public data)

Lower Roxbury, Boston Walkability, Transit & Bike Scores

Walk Score ~92
Walker's Paradise — most errands do not require a car.
Transit Score ~92
Rider's Paradise — world-class public transportation; Ruggles, Roxbury Crossing and multiple bus lines nearby.
Bike Score ~92
Biker’s Paradise — neighborhood is very bikeable for short trips.
<15 min
To Downtown Boston (Downtown Crossing/Back Bay) — 10–20 minutes by Orange Line/Commuter Rail from Ruggles; frequent buses to central hubs.

Source: WalkScore / Redfin transportation metrics (neighborhood page)

Lower Roxbury, Boston Summary

Overview

Lower Roxbury is a walkable, transit-focused part of Roxbury with a mix of historic brick buildings and newer apartment developments. It is convenient to major transit (Ruggles, Roxbury Crossing), Northeastern University, and the Southwest Corridor/Franklin Park green spaces. The neighborhood is diverse and culturally rich, though certain blocks face higher crime and affordability pressure compared with some nearby areas.

Key Features

  • Transit hub: Ruggles station and multiple bus lines put downtown and regional commuter rail within easy reach.
  • Cultural diversity: Vibrant Caribbean and Latinx food scene and long-standing community institutions.
  • Parks nearby: Roxbury Heritage State Park and nearby Franklin Park provide green space and recreation.
  • Housing mix: Range of older brick walk-ups and newer larger apartment buildings; lots of renter-occupied housing.

Housing Snapshot

  • Mostly rental-occupied buildings (studios to 3BR)
  • Competitive market for updated units; older stock remains more affordable
  • Rents vary widely by block and building amenities