Apartments to rent in Port Norfolk, Boston

Port Norfolk (often grouped with Neponset) is a small waterside pocket of Dorchester at the mouth of the Neponset River. The area mixes historic Greek‑revival and Italianate homes, small multi‑family buildings and newer infill, and gives residents easy access to waterfront parks, Tenean Beach and the Neponset River Reservation. ZIP code coverage is primarily 02122.

Nearby Neighborhoods Comparison

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

Source: Zumper

Port Norfolk, Boston Rental Prices

Studio
$2,000 – $2,800
1 bedroom
$1,800 – $3,000
2 bedroom
$2,400 – $3,500
3 bedroom
$3,000 – $4,500

Source: Zumper

Rentals available in Port Norfolk, Boston

Port Norfolk, Boston Schools & Education

Top Public Schools

Mather Elementary School

Not rated Boston Public Schools
1 Parish St, Dorchester, MA 02122
🧭 ~1.0 mi (northwest of Port Norfolk)

Top Private Schools

Boston College High School

Not rated Private school listings
150 William T. Morrissey Blvd, Dorchester, MA 02125
🧭 ~2.8 mi (south Dorchester/BC High campus)

Source: Boston Public Schools / NCES

Port Norfolk, Boston Safety & Crime Overview

Safe

Port Norfolk is generally considered one of the quieter, lower‑crime pockets of southern Dorchester — especially the peninsula areas near the Neponset River and Tenean Beach. Crime reports for Dorchester vary block‑by‑block; most offenses in the area are property and quality‑of‑life incidents, while violent crime is less common than in some inland Dorchester corridors. Usual precautions apply (well‑lit routes at night, secure bike locking, typical city awareness).

Source: NeighborhoodScout

Port Norfolk, Boston Walkability, Transit & Bike Scores

Walk Score ~78
Very Walkable — most errands can be accomplished on foot
Transit Score ~64
Good Transit — Red Line access (Fields Corner, Savin Hill) and multiple bus routes
Bike Score ~70
Very Bikeable — local bike routes and mixed-use river trails
<35 min
Transit to Downtown Boston typically ~30–35 min (Red Line from Fields Corner/Savin Hill + short bus connection). Drive to downtown ~15–25 min depending on traffic; bike ~25–30 min.

Source: WalkScore.com

Port Norfolk, Boston Summary

Overview

Port Norfolk is a small, historic waterfront pocket at the southeast edge of Dorchester. Its peninsula streets, Victorian and Italianate architecture, and access to river parks and beaches make it appealing to renters seeking a quieter, community‑oriented part of Boston with reasonably direct Red Line access via Fields Corner or Savin Hill.

Key Features

  • Waterfront access: Tenean Beach, Finnegan Park and the Neponset River Reservation provide miles of waterfront paths and open space.
  • Historic architecture: Distinctive Greek Revival and Italianate homes and tight-knit residential blocks.
  • Community amenities: Local bakeries, neighborhood pubs, and small restaurants anchor daily life.
  • Transit links: Good access to the MBTA Red Line via Fields Corner and Savin Hill, plus multiple bus routes.

Housing Snapshot

  • Predominantly small multi‑family and single‑family homes with some newer infill
  • Rents typically below core downtown neighborhoods but above many outer suburbs
  • Attractive for renters seeking waterfront and community feel within Boston