Apartments to rent in Roxbury, Boston

Roxbury records higher rates of violent and property crime than the Boston city average; armed incidents and shootings have received significant local attention in recent years. Crime is unevenly distributed: many blocks and commercial corridors (Nubian Square, parts of Blue Hill Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard) are well-patrolled and busy, while other stretches experience more safety incidents after dark. Residents and community organizations have also pushed safety initiatives, youth programs, and hotspot interventions that have shown promise.

Overview

Roxbury is a historic, culturally rich Boston neighborhood anchored by Nubian Square and dotted with parks, long-standing community institutions, and growing housing investment. The area offers strong walkability and transit access but faces neighborhood-level safety challenges and uneven block conditions — making block-level research essential for renters.

Key Features

• Cultural center: Nubian Square and Roxbury’s arts and cultural institutions make the neighborhood a hub for music, history, and community events.
• Transit-connected: Multiple MBTA hubs (Nubian bus/Silver Line, Roxbury Crossing and Jackson Square Orange Line access, nearby Ruggles) make downtown commutes straightforward.
• Parks & green space: Franklin Park and Roxbury Heritage State Park provide large and small green spaces for recreation.
• Active redevelopment: Recent housing projects and neighborhood investments are adding new apartments and commercial activity while raising concerns about affordability and displacement.

Housing Snapshot

• Mix of market-rate apartments and substantial affordable/mission-driven housing projects.
• Rents below city premium neighborhoods but rising, with strong demand for renovated units near transit.
• Multi-family and walk-up brownstones are common — parking can be limited.

History

• Early settlement Roxbury was one of the earliest settlements of the Massachusetts Bay Colony (founded 1630) and later annexed by Boston in 1868.
• Cultural evolution Over the 20th century Roxbury became a center of African American life and culture in Boston; recent decades have seen both investment and efforts focused on equitable development.

Demographics and Lifestyle

• Diverse community Roxbury is ethnically and culturally diverse, with a historically large Black population alongside Latino and immigrant communities.
• Transit-oriented residents High share of residents rely on transit; walkability and proximity to institutions like Roxbury Community College and local hospitals attract students and healthcare workers.
• Active neighborhood life Local markets, churches, cultural events and community groups are central to neighborhood lifestyle.