Apartments to rent in Roslindale, Boston

Roslindale (commonly “Rozzie”) is a mostly residential, family-oriented neighborhood in southwest Boston centered on Roslindale Village and Adams Park. Six miles from downtown, it’s connected by the MBTA Needham commuter-rail line and a network of bus routes; the neighborhood blends small‑town main‑street retail, plentiful green space (part of the Arnold Arboretum borders Rozzie) and a growing rental market.

Nearby Neighborhoods Comparison

NeighborhoodsCostSchoolsSafetyWalkability
Roslindale Average Good Safe Excellent
Jamaica Plain High Good Safe Excellent
West Roxbury Average Good Very Safe Good
Hyde Park Average Fair Safe Fair
Mattapan Low Fair Less Safe Fair
Excellent/Good
Average
Poor/Less Safe

Source: RentCafe (neighborhood & ZIP listings)

Roslindale, Boston Rental Prices

Studio
$2,325 – $3,035
1 bedroom
$2,300 – $4,060
2 bedroom
$2,345 – $4,285
3 bedroom
$2,280 – $4,280

Source: RentCafe (neighborhood & ZIP listings)

Rentals available in Roslindale, Boston

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Roslindale, Boston Schools & Education

Top Public Schools

Washington Irving Middle School

⭐ Not rated Boston Public Schools
105 Cummins Hwy, Roslindale, MA 02131
🧭 ~0.5 mi — main assigned middle school for parts of Rozzie

Top Private Schools

Source: GreatSchools / Boston Public Schools

Roslindale, Boston Safety & Crime Overview

Safe

Roslindale is generally viewed as a relatively safe, residential Boston neighborhood with lower overall crime rates than many denser central neighborhoods. Property crimes (theft/vehicle break-ins) are the most common incidents reported, and policing is under Boston Police District E-5 (West Roxbury/Roslindale). Residents should use standard urban precautions—lock vehicles, secure ground-floor units, and remain aware around transit hubs—especially in higher‑traffic corridors like Washington Street and around Roslindale Village.

Source: AreaVibes (FBI-derived neighborhood estimates) and Boston Police District info

Roslindale, Boston Walkability, Transit & Bike Scores

Walk Score ~90
Walker's Paradise / Very Walkable (Roslindale Village core; scores vary by block).
Transit Score ~65
Good Transit — bus network + Needham Line commuter rail (Roslindale Village).
Bike Score ~42
Somewhat Bikeable — select bike lanes and connections to Emerald Necklace and Southwest corridors.
<25 min
Commuter rail from Roslindale Village to South Station typically runs ~15–25 min ride time (headways and route affect total door‑to‑door). Buses connect to Forest Hills (Orange Line) for alternative routes.

Source: WalkScore / RentCafe neighborhood transit summary

Roslindale, Boston Summary

Overview

Roslindale is a family-friendly, tree-lined Boston neighborhood centered on Roslindale Village and Adams Park. It blends neighborhood shopping and restaurants, strong community organizations (Roslindale Village Main Street), and easy access to green space via the Arnold Arboretum. Transit options include an MBTA commuter-rail stop and many bus routes; the area draws renters who want village vibes with relatively easy commutes to downtown Boston.

Key Features

  • Village center and dining: Roslindale Village offers a compact main‑street with cafés, bakeries, and independent restaurants.
  • Parks & green space: Adams Park and the nearby Arnold Arboretum give residents quick access to walking trails and seasonal foliage.
  • Transit connections: Roslindale Village commuter‑rail and multiple bus lines provide reliable alternatives to driving for downtown commuters.
  • Community feel: Active Main Street programs, farmers’ markets, and local events create a small‑town neighborhood atmosphere inside the city.

Housing Snapshot

  • Mix of Victorian-era two‑ and three‑family homes and newer small apartment buildings.
  • Rents are generally more affordable than many inner‑Boston neighborhoods but have risen with demand — expect market‑rate apartments in the $2,300–$4,000+ range depending on size and finishes.
  • Parking varies street-to-street; MBTA lots and some municipal lots are available near Roslindale Square.