Beethoven Elementary School
⭐ 4/10 PublicSchoolReview / Niche
5125 Washington St, West Roxbury, MA 02132
🧭 In-neighborhood (serves younger grades)
Apartments to rent in West Roxbury, Boston
West Roxbury is Boston's southwest, family-focused neighborhood (primarily ZIP 02132) known for Centre Street's small-business corridor, commuter-rail stops on the Needham line, roomy single-family homes and newer apartment complexes along the VFW Parkway. It’s popular with families who want city services with a suburban feel.
Nearby Neighborhoods Comparison
| Neighborhoods | Cost | Schools | Safety | Walkability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Roxbury | Average | Good | Very Safe | Good |
| Roslindale | Average | Good | Safe | Good |
| Jamaica Plain | High | Good | Safe | Excellent |
| Hyde Park | Low | Fair | Safe | Fair |
| Chestnut Hill | High | Excellent | Very Safe | Good |
Excellent/Good
Average
Poor/Less Safe
Source: Zumper / RentCafe (neighborhood inventory & market snapshots)
West Roxbury, Boston Rental Prices
Studio
$1,600 – $2,300
1 bedroom
$2,200 – $2,800
2 bedroom
$2,800 – $3,600
3 bedroom
$3,000 – $4,200
Source: Zumper / RentCafe (neighborhood inventory & market snapshots)
Rentals available in West Roxbury, Boston
West Roxbury, Boston Schools & Education
Top Public Schools
Kilmer K-8 School
⭐ 5/10 School profile / PublicSchoolReview
Lower campus: 35 Baker St; Upper: 140 Russett Rd, West Roxbury, MA 02132
🧭 In-neighborhood (K–8)
Lyndon K-8 School
⭐ 5/10 PublicSchoolReview
20 Mount Vernon St, West Roxbury, MA 02132
🧭 ~0.5–1.0 mi (neighborhood school)
William Ohrenberger School (Ohrenberger)
⭐ 4/10 PublicSchoolReview
175 W Boundary Rd, West Roxbury, MA 02132
🧭 In-neighborhood (grades 3–8)
Top Private Schools
Catholic Memorial School
⭐ Not rated (independent school) School website / Wikipedia
235 Baker St, West Roxbury, MA 02132
🧭 ~0.8 mi (local private high school)
Roxbury Latin School
⭐ Not rated (independent school) School website / Wikipedia
West Roxbury (campus area)
🧭 In/near neighborhood (historic private school)
Holy Name Parish School
⭐ Not rated Archdiocese listings
West Roxbury (local parish school)
🧭 In-neighborhood
West Roxbury, Boston Safety & Crime Overview
Very Safe
West Roxbury is consistently ranked among Boston’s lower-crime neighborhoods. Local policing is handled by Boston Police District E-5 (West Roxbury/Roslindale); property crimes are lower here than in many central neighborhoods and residents and local analyses describe the area as family-oriented and low-risk. As with any neighborhood, most incidents are property-related; normal precautions (locking vehicles, securing bikes) are advised.
West Roxbury, Boston Walkability, Transit & Bike Scores
Walk Score ~57
Some blocks in West Roxbury are very walkable (Centre Street/park-adjacent) while many residential streets are more car-dependent; Walk Score varies by block.
Transit Score ~47
Some Transit — commuter-rail stops (West Roxbury, Bellevue) and several bus routes give reasonable access to downtown.
Bike Score ~51
Some bike infrastructure; mixed terrain (hilly in Bellevue Hill areas).
<30 min
Commuter-rail (Needham Line) from Bellevue/West Roxbury to South Station is roughly 20–25 minutes; buses to Forest Hills + Orange Line to downtown take ~35–45 minutes depending on connections.
Source: WalkScore.com & MBTA schedules
West Roxbury, Boston Summary
Overview
West Roxbury is a tree-lined, family-oriented Boston neighborhood with a suburban feel inside city limits. Centre Street anchors local retail and dining, commuter‑rail stops give a straightforward downtown connection, and nearby large green spaces (Stony Brook Reservation, Brook Farm) offer outdoor recreation. Housing is a mix of single-family homes, low-rise multi-family buildings, and newer apartment developments on VFW Parkway.
Key Features
- Suburban feel within Boston: Roomy streets, yarded homes, and family services make West Roxbury attractive to families and those seeking quieter city living.
- Commuter rail access: Needham Line stops (West Roxbury, Bellevue) provide a ~20–25 minute rail ride into South Station.
- Parks & outdoor options: Stony Brook Reservation, Brook Farm, and local fields give easy access to trails, sports fields and historic sites.
- Local retail and groceries: Centre Street and VFW Parkway host long-running local businesses, Roche Bros. supermarket, and neighborhood restaurants.
Housing Snapshot
- More single-family homes and duplexes than central Boston neighborhoods; competitive market for well-priced units.
- Range of rentals from suburban-style condos to modern VFW Parkway apartments with amenities.
- Rents often lower than downtown neighborhoods but above some outer suburbs; inventory fluctuates seasonally.