Eliot K-8 Innovation School
⭐ 8/10 GreatSchools
16 Charter St, Boston, MA
🧭 ~0.6 mi (walkable from Waterfront)
Apartments to rent in Waterfront, Boston
Waterfront (Downtown Waterfront) sits between the Financial District and the North End with harbor views, Long Wharf/Rowes Wharf access and easy walkability to downtown. The area covers parts of ZIPs 02110, 02109 and 02113 and combines historic wharves, high-rise residences and tourist destinations like the New England Aquarium.
Nearby Neighborhoods Comparison
| Neighborhoods | Cost | Schools | Safety | Walkability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waterfront | High | Good | Safe | Excellent |
| North End | High | Good | Safe | Excellent |
| Wharf District | High | Good | Safe | Excellent |
| Beacon Hill | High | Excellent | Very Safe | Excellent |
| Seaport | High | Good | Safe | Good |
Excellent/Good
Average
Poor/Less Safe
Source: Zillow / HotPads / Prop-Metrics (market listing medians)
Waterfront, Boston Rental Prices
Studio
$2,000 – $3,200
1 bedroom
$3,200 – $4,500
2 bedroom
$4,500 – $7,500
3 bedroom
$6,500 – $10,000
Source: Zillow / HotPads / Prop-Metrics (market listing medians)
Rentals available in Waterfront, Boston
Waterfront, Boston Schools & Education
Top Public Schools
Josiah Quincy Elementary School
⭐ 6/10 GreatSchools
885 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111
🧭 ~0.8–1.0 mi
Quincy Upper School
⭐ 6/10 GreatSchools
152 Arlington St / nearby
🧭 ~0.8 mi
Top Private Schools
St. John School
⭐ Not rated (community-reported strong local reputation) GreatSchools / Homes.com
9 Moon St, Boston, MA 02113
🧭 In-neighborhood (North End)
Park Street School
⭐ Not rated (private) PrivateSchoolReview
67 Brimmer St, Boston, MA 02108
🧭 ~0.4 mi (Beacon Hill)
The Advent School
⭐ Not rated PrivateSchoolReview
15 Brimmer St, Boston, MA
🧭 ~0.5 mi
Waterfront, Boston Safety & Crime Overview
Safe
The Waterfront and Wharf District are generally considered safer than many Boston neighborhoods for violent crime, with most incidents concentrated in tourist corridors and commercial areas (pickpocketing, opportunistic theft). Nighttime activity around Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market and some bars can raise incidents of disorderly conduct. Residents report regular police patrols in the Wharf/Downtown waterfront, but expect higher property-crime rates during peak tourist season; typical precautions (avoid leaving valuables visible, lock bikes) are recommended.
Source: City of Boston crime incident open data / neighborhood summaries
Waterfront, Boston Walkability, Transit & Bike Scores
Walk Score ~88
Very Walkable
Transit Score ~85
Excellent Transit
Bike Score ~71
Very Bikeable
<15 min
Transit to downtown (core) ~15–20 min; WalkScore travel-time sample shows transit ~17 min, drive ~4 min, bike ~8 min to downtown.
Waterfront, Boston Summary
Overview
The Waterfront (Downtown Waterfront / Wharf District) is a compact, highly walkable harborfront neighborhood that blends historic wharves and modern high-rises. It’s ideal for renters who prioritize views, walkability and immediate access to downtown amenities, cultural attractions (New England Aquarium, Harborwalk) and ferry/MBTA connections. Expect premium rents, strong tourist foot traffic and a mixture of long-term residents and short-term visitors.
Key Features
- Harbor access & views: Long Wharf, Rowes Wharf and the Harborwalk provide waterfront promenades and easy ferry access.
- Walkable downtown location: Minutes to Financial District, Faneuil Hall, and the Greenway — easy errands and transit.
- Dining & attractions: Quincy Market, New England Aquarium and a large cluster of seafood and tourist dining options.
Housing Snapshot
- Predominantly condos and high-rise rentals plus a few historic wharf conversions.
- Rents are above Boston average — 1BR medians typically in the $3k–$4.5k range (market-dependent).
- Limited street parking; many tenants rely on public transit, ferries and walking.