Apartments to rent in South End, Boston

The South End is a highly walkable, architecturally distinctive Boston neighborhood (Victorian brownstones, parks and a lively dining scene) located just south of Back Bay. This guide covers local rental prices, transit, schools, safety, amenities and ZIP codes covering the area (02118 and 02116).

Nearby Neighborhoods Comparison

NeighborhoodsCostSchoolsSafetyWalkability
South End High Good Safe Excellent
Back Bay High Good Safe Excellent
Bay Village High Good Safe Excellent
Leather District Average Fair Safe Excellent
Lower Roxbury Average Fair Less Safe Good
Excellent/Good
Average
Poor/Less Safe

Source: Zumper

South End, Boston Rental Prices

Studio
$2,200 – $3,200
1 bedroom
$2,900 – $3,600
2 bedroom
$3,800 – $5,200
3 bedroom
$4,800 – $7,000

Source: Zumper

Rentals available in South End, Boston

Get Listings with Nmbr AI Rent Agent

South End, Boston Schools & Education

Top Public Schools

Top Private Schools

Kingsley Montessori School

⭐ Not rated Kingsley.org
26 Exeter St / 30 Fairfield St, Boston, MA 02116
🧭 ~0.6–0.8 mi (Back Bay; popular with South End families)

Source: Boston Public Schools / GreatSchools

South End, Boston Safety & Crime Overview

Safe

Overall violent crime in the South End is close to the Boston city average while property crime (thefts, package and bike thefts) is the more common complaint; risk varies block-by-block. The neighborhood benefits from active foot traffic, regular MBTA and Silver Line service, and a visible Boston Police D-4 presence, but residents are advised to lock bikes, secure packages, and be aware around nightlife corridors. Local analyses note that South End's property-crime rate is lower than some nearby neighborhoods (e.g., parts of Roxbury) but higher than quieter Boston enclaves.

Source: CrimeGrade / local reporting

South End, Boston Walkability, Transit & Bike Scores

Walk Score ~97
Walker's Paradise (daily errands do not require a car)
Transit Score ~92
Excellent transit (multiple nearby T lines, Silver Line and commuter rail access)
Bike Score ~76
Very bikeable
<15 min
To Downtown (Downtown Crossing / South Station) by SL4/SL5 or short transfer to Red/Orange lines; Back Bay and Mass Ave Orange Line stops are within a short walk or bus ride.

Source: WalkScore.com

South End, Boston Summary

Overview

The South End mixes historic Victorian architecture, tightly packed brownstones and a strong dining and arts scene. It’s highly walkable, well-served by transit (Silver Line, Orange Line nearby, Back Bay commuter rail) and popular with young professionals, families and creatives. Housing is costly compared with Boston overall, but the neighborhood’s parks, community gardens and SoWa market make it attractive for renters who value location and urban amenities.

Key Features

  • Dining destination: SoWa and Tremont/Columbus corridors offer award‑winning restaurants, bakeries and cafés.
  • Historic architecture: Large Victorian brownstone blocks and eleven residential parks give the area strong character.
  • Transit & walkability: Very high Walk Score with multiple transit options into Back Bay, Downtown and medical campuses.

Housing Snapshot

  • High demand; rents above Boston median.
  • Brownstone conversions, lofts and modern condos compose the mix.
  • More rental inventory around mid-to-late spring and early summer.