Apartments to rent in Neponset, Boston

Neponset (sometimes shown as Neponset–Port Norfolk) is a south Dorchester neighborhood on the Neponset River with a mix of waterfront streets, older triple-deckers and small commercial nodes. Waterfront parks, the Neponset River Greenway and relatively easy Red Line/Mattapan access make it a practical choice for renters seeking quieter, more affordable Dorchester living. ZIP codes covering Neponset include 02122 and parts of 02124.

Nearby Neighborhoods Comparison

NeighborhoodsCostSchoolsSafetyWalkability
Neponset Average Fair Safe Good
Port Norfolk Average Good Safe Good
Lower Mills Average Good Safe Good
Ashmont Average Good Safe Good
Fields Corner Average Fair Safe Good
Excellent/Good
Average
Poor/Less Safe

Source: Zillow (ZIP-level combined)

Neponset, Boston Rental Prices

Studio
$900 – $2,500
1 bedroom
$1,200 – $3,500
2 bedroom
$1,800 – $4,000
3 bedroom
$2,500 – $5,000

Source: Zillow (ZIP-level combined)

Rentals available in Neponset, Boston

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Neponset, Boston Schools & Education

Top Public Schools

Murphy K-8 School

⭐ 6/10 GreatSchools
180 Endicott St, Dorchester, MA
🧭 In-neighborhood (serves parts of South Dorchester)

Top Private Schools

Compass School

⭐ Not rated Local listings
(local campus)
🧭 ~1.5 mi (near Lower Mills)

Source: GreatSchools / Trulia / Homes.com

Neponset, Boston Safety & Crime Overview

Safe

Neponset (south Dorchester) sits in Boston Police Area C (Dorchester). Crime in Dorchester varies by subarea: pockets near Blue Hill Avenue historically report higher incidents, while waterfront sections near Port Norfolk and Lower Mills tend to be quieter and have more daytime activity. Residents should follow standard urban precautions (lock cars, stay aware around commercial corridors) and consult Boston Police maps for block-level details.

Source: Boston Police / local reporting

Neponset, Boston Walkability, Transit & Bike Scores

Walk Score ~78
Very Walkable (most errands can be accomplished on foot)
Transit Score ~45
Some Transit (bus connections; Ashmont/Fields Corner Red Line within ~1 mile)
Bike Score ~69
Very Bikeable (bike infrastructure and Neponset Greenway access)
<25 min
To Downtown Boston by T (Red Line from Ashmont/Fields Corner) — typically under 25–30 minutes including short bus/shuttle connections.

Source: Walk Score / MBTA

Neponset, Boston Summary

Overview

Neponset is a south-Dorchester neighborhood hugging the Neponset River with a coastal feel inside Boston’s city limits. It mixes small commercial strips, older multi-family housing, and notable green spaces (Neponset Greenway, Pope John Paul II Park, Tenean Beach). Rent tends to be more affordable than central Boston while still offering direct access to the Red Line via nearby Ashmont/Shawmut/Fields Corner nodes.

Key Features

  • Waterfront access: Neponset River trails, Tenean Beach and scenic views make this one of Dorchester’s most accessible waterfront neighborhoods.
  • Greenway & trails: The Neponset River Greenway provides multi-use trails for walking and biking to nearby parks and Milton.
  • Practical transit links: Fields Corner and Ashmont Red Line stations and frequent bus service give straightforward commutes to downtown.
  • Tight-knit, residential feel: Port Norfolk and Lower Mills pockets have small commercial nodes and community-oriented services.

Housing Snapshot

  • Mixed housing stock: triple-deckers, small condo buildings and newer waterfront units
  • Rents generally below central Boston but rising with proximity to Red Line or waterfront views