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Northeastern University

Northeastern University: Off-Campus Housing Guide

Boston, home to Northeastern University, is a vibrant city with a rich history and a thriving student community. The demand for housing in the area is high, leading to a competitive market. As Northeastern students search for off-campus housing, they often face challenges such as limited availability, rising rents, and the need to act quickly to secure a place.

Price Range for Apartments Near Northeastern University

The cost of off-campus housing near Northeastern University varies depending on the type of accommodation, location, and amenities offered. Here’s a general breakdown of what you might expect:

  • Studios: $1,700 - $2,400 per month

  • One-bedroom apartments: $2,000 - $3,000 per month

  • Two-bedroom apartments: $3,000 - $4,200 per month

  • Three-bedroom apartments: $4,000 - $5,500 per month

Proximity to campus and access to amenities like gyms, laundry facilities, and modern appliances can significantly increase rental prices. Historic buildings with modern updates are also in high demand, often commanding higher rents.

Comparison with Housing Near Other Boston Universities

When comparing housing prices near Northeastern University to other university areas in Boston:

  • MIT: Housing near MIT, located in Cambridge, tends to be on the higher end, with studios starting at $2,200 and one-bedroom apartments ranging from $2,500 to $3,800. The tech-driven environment contributes to the higher cost of living.

  • Harvard University: Harvard, also in Cambridge, has similar housing costs to MIT. Expect to pay between $2,300 and $3,600 for a one-bedroom apartment, with rents increasing closer to Harvard Square.

  • Boston University: While still expensive, housing near Boston University can be slightly more affordable than near Northeastern. Studios range from $1,800 to $2,500, and one-bedroom apartments typically cost between $2,200 and $3,200.

Overall, while Northeastern University’s housing costs are high, they tend to be more affordable than those near MIT and Harvard, but comparable to those near Boston University.

Neighborhoods Around Northeastern University: Safety, Crime Rates, and Rental Costs

Choosing the right neighborhood for off-campus housing involves considering not only the rental costs but also the safety and crime rates of the area. Here’s a detailed look at the neighborhoods surrounding Northeastern University, along with their average rental prices and an overview of safety considerations.

1. Fenway

Fenway - Kenmore Square Citgo Sign Over The Charles River Photograph by Gregory Ballos - Pixels

Fenway is a lively neighborhood with a strong student presence due to its proximity to Northeastern University and other nearby colleges. The area is known for Fenway Park, cultural institutions, and vibrant nightlife.

  • Crime Rate: Moderate; the area is generally safe but busy, with some incidents of petty theft and occasional muggings near Fenway Park.

  • Safety Tips: Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas, and avoid isolated spots late at night.

  • Average Rental Costs:

    • Studios: $1,800 - $2,500 per month

    • One-bedroom apartments: $2,200 - $3,200 per month

    • Two-bedroom apartments: $3,200 - $4,500 per month

2. Mission Hill

File:The entrance to the Mission Hill neighborhood of Boston, on Tremont Street at its intersection with Huntington Avenue and Francis Street. 6.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Mission Hill offers more affordable housing options compared to other neighborhoods near Northeastern. It’s popular with students for its proximity to campus and the Longwood Medical Area.

  • Crime Rate: Moderate; most incidents are non-violent and involve property crimes.

  • Safety Tips: Avoid walking alone late at night, and keep valuable items secured. Getting to know your neighbors can also enhance your sense of security.

  • Average Rental Costs:

    • Studios: $1,700 - $2,300 per month

    • One-bedroom apartments: $2,000 - $3,000 per month

    • Two-bedroom apartments: $3,000 - $4,200 per month

3. Back Bay

Back Bay, Boston, Massachusetts, Usa Stock Photo - Alamy

Back Bay is one of Boston's most prestigious neighborhoods, offering a mix of historic charm and modern amenities. It’s a desirable location for students who can afford the higher rent.

  • Crime Rate: Low; Back Bay is well-policed and generally very safe, with occasional minor thefts and property-related crimes.

  • Safety Tips: Maintain vigilance, especially in busy areas like Newbury Street, but overall, it’s a very safe neighborhood.

  • Average Rental Costs:

    • Studios: $2,200 - $3,000 per month

    • One-bedroom apartments: $2,800 - $3,800 per month

    • Two-bedroom apartments: $3,800 - $5,200 per month

4. South End

Boston South End stock photo. Image of states, tourism - 149638782 (dreamstime.com)

South End is known for its historic brownstones, cultural diversity, and a strong sense of community. It’s a popular choice for students and young professionals alike.

  • Crime Rate: Moderate; the area is generally safe, but there are occasional reports of property crime.

  • Safety Tips: Be cautious when walking alone at night and stick to well-lit streets. South End has a strong community presence, which enhances safety.

  • Average Rental Costs:

    • Studios: $2,000 - $2,800 per month

    • One-bedroom apartments: $2,500 - $3,500 per month

    • Two-bedroom apartments: $3,500 - $4,800 per month

5. Symphony

Green Line Transformation Weekly Progress Update: April 1 – 7 | Updates | MBTA

Symphony is located right next to Northeastern University, making it one of the most convenient neighborhoods for students. The area is vibrant with student housing, eateries, and cultural venues.

  • Crime Rate: Moderate; due to its student population, the area sees some incidents of theft and noise complaints.

  • Safety Tips: Stay alert, especially during late-night walks, and avoid leaving valuables unattended.

  • Average Rental Costs:

    • Studios: $1,900 - $2,500 per month

    • One-bedroom apartments: $2,200 - $3,200 per month

    • Two-bedroom apartments: $3,200 - $4,500 per month

Realtors in Neighborhoods Near Northeastern University

Navigating the housing market in Boston can be challenging, but with the help of experienced realtors, you can find the perfect off-campus housing. Below is a list of top realtors in each neighborhood around Northeastern University, including their contact details and website links.

1. Fenway

  • Kenmore Properties

    • Address: 474 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215

    • Phone: (617) 236-8550

    • Overview: Kenmore Properties specializes in providing top-notch service to clients looking for housing in the Fenway area. Their agents are dedicated to finding the perfect rental or sales property for each client.

    • Website: Kenmore Properties

  • Boston Off Campus Apartments

2. Mission Hill

  • Boston Realty Online

    • Address: 172 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA 02446

    • Phone: (617) 383-7501

    • Overview: Boston Realty Online provides thousands of premiere apartment listings in Mission Hill, Fenway, and other areas. Their long-term relationships with property owners and deep market knowledge make them a trusted resource.

    • Website: Boston Realty Online

  • Marc Roos Realty

    • Address: 484 Commonwealth Avenue, Suite 1, Boston, MA 02215

    • Phone: (617) 236-8600

    • Overview: Marc Roos Realty has been serving the Boston real estate market for over 18 years, offering exclusive listings and focusing on customer satisfaction.

    • Website: Marc Roos Realty

3. Back Bay

  • Beacon Realty

    • Address: 248 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116

    • Phone: (617) 266-7142

    • Overview: With over 50 years of experience, Beacon Realty provides affordable housing options in Back Bay and other Boston neighborhoods. They never charge a broker fee, making them a cost-effective choice for students.

    • Website: Beacon Realty

  • Jacob Realty

    • Address: 279 Newbury St. #2, Boston, MA 02116

    • Phone: (617) 946-6688

    • Overview: Jacob Realty has been a leader in the Boston real estate market for nearly two decades. They offer deep insights into market trends and a wide selection of rental options in Back Bay.

    • Website: Jacob Realty

4. South End

  • Concept Properties

    • Address: 661 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02118

    • Phone: (617) 514-1904

    • Overview: Concept Properties is known for helping clients navigate the Boston real estate market. With a focus on the South End, they offer expert advice on finding the best properties.

    • Website: Concept Properties

  • Boston Brokerage Group

    • Address: 58 Gainsborough Street, Boston, MA 02115

    • Phone: (617) 437-8801

    • Overview: Boston Brokerage Group is founded on a tradition of client satisfaction, offering services in rentals and sales with a focus on South End and nearby areas.

    • Website: Boston Brokerage Group

5. Symphony

  • Symphony Properties

    • Address: 224 Clarendon St #52, Boston, MA 02116

    • Phone: (617) 536-1400

    • Overview: Symphony Properties specializes in matching people with properties in the Symphony, Fenway, and Back Bay areas. They focus on long-term client relationships and offer a wide range of rental options.

    • Website: https://www.yougotlistings.com/client/idx?agency_id=42&page=1&per_page=10&view=list

  • A.F. Doyle & Co. Real Estate

    • Address: 1 Gloucester Street #1, Boston, MA 02115

    • Phone: (617) 262-1020

    • Overview: A.F. Doyle & Co. Real Estate offers a wide selection of apartment rentals in Back Bay and Symphony areas. Their listings often include essential amenities, making them a great choice for students.

    • Website: A.F. Doyle & Co. Real Estate

6. Additional Realtors Serving Multiple Neighborhoods

  • Metropol Real Estate

    • Phone: (617) 309-9982

    • Overview: METROPOL Real Estate specializes in renting, selling, and buying properties in the Boston metropolitan area. Their dedicated and knowledgeable team is committed to providing top-notch service from start to finish, ensuring clients find their perfect home.

    • Website: Metropol Real Estate

  • Boston Union Realty

    • Address: 79 Westland Ave, Boston, MA 02115

    • Phone: (617) 421-9111

    • Overview: Boston Union Realty has over 25 years of experience specializing in rentals, sales, and investment properties. Their office, located near many colleges, offers exclusive listings in Fenway, Symphony, and other nearby neighborhoods.

    • Website: Boston Union Realty

  • Centre Realty Group

    • Address: 1280 Centre St, Newton Centre, MA 02459

    • Phone: (617) 332-0077

    • Overview: With over 25 years in the Greater Boston Area, Centre Realty Group provides honest and thoughtful real estate expertise, focusing on sales, leasing, and property management. Their extensive experience and commitment to client satisfaction make them a trusted name in the market.

    • Website: Centre Realty Group

  • Cornerstone Real Estate

    • Address: 1451 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02120

    • Phone: (617) 238-7400

    • Overview: Cornerstone Real Estate offers a wide range of exclusive rentals across Boston, with a focus on providing high-quality service. Their industry veterans bring extensive knowledge of both sales and leasing, ensuring clients find the best options.

    • Website: Cornerstone Real Estate

  • Better Place Realty

    • Address: 1051 Beacon Street, #203, Brookline, MA

    • Phone: (617) 713-4404

    • Overview: Better Place Realty is a family-owned business with a focus on long-term client relationships. Located in Brookline, they pride themselves on hiring the best agents and providing exceptional service.

    • Website: Better Place Realty

  • Red Tree Real Estate

    • Address: 193 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA 02446

    • Phone: (617) 487-8015

    • Overview: Red Tree Real Estate has deep roots in the Boston area, providing expert guidance through the complex real estate market. Their agents specialize in finding the best properties for clients, tailored to meet their needs and budget.

    • Website: Red Tree Real Estate

Conclusion

Finding the right realtor can make your search for off-campus housing near Northeastern University much easier. Whether you’re looking for a studio in Fenway or a spacious apartment in Back Bay, these realtors offer a wide range of options to meet your needs. Their extensive local knowledge and experience ensure that you’ll find a place that feels like home during your time at Northeastern.

Third-Party Platforms for Apartment Listings Near Northeastern University

In addition to working directly with realtors, many students and professionals turn to third-party platforms to find apartment listings. These platforms aggregate listings from various sources, making it easier to compare options and find the perfect off-campus housing. Here are some popular third-party vendors where you can browse apartment listings near Northeastern University:

1. Zillow

  • Website: Zillow

  • Overview: Zillow offers a comprehensive range of apartment listings. You can filter your search by price, number of bedrooms, and proximity to Northeastern University. Zillow also provides tools like rent calculators and neighborhood guides.

2. Apartments.com

  • Website: Apartments.com

  • Overview: Apartments.com is a go-to resource for finding apartments across Boston. The platform offers detailed listings with photos, floor plans, and tenant reviews.

3. Trulia

  • Website: Trulia

  • Overview: Trulia offers additional insights into neighborhoods, including crime rates, school ratings, and commute times. It’s a great resource for students who want to ensure they’re moving into a safe and convenient area.

4. Realtor.com

  • Website: Realtor.com

  • Overview: Realtor.com offers a user-friendly interface where you can search for rentals by location, price, and amenities. The site also provides valuable market data.

5. HotPads

  • Website: HotPads

  • Overview: HotPads specializes in rental listings and is popular among students and young professionals. It allows you to search for apartments based on proximity to universities, including Northeastern.

6. Rent.com

  • Website: Rent.com

  • Overview: Rent.com offers a wide selection of apartments, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury rentals. The platform provides detailed descriptions, photos, and tenant reviews.

7. Craigslist Boston

  • Website: Craigslist Boston

  • Overview: Craigslist is a popular choice for finding affordable rental options, though it requires more caution. It’s a good platform for finding sublets or short-term rentals.

8. PadMapper

  • Website: PadMapper

  • Overview: PadMapper aggregates listings from various sources, including Craigslist and Apartments.com. It offers a map-based search that allows you to visualize where each apartment is located relative to Northeastern University.

9. Boston Pads

  • Website: Boston Pads

  • Overview: Boston Pads is a local platform dedicated to the Boston rental market. It offers extensive listings and resources specifically tailored to students and professionals.

10. RentHop

  • Website: RentHop

  • Overview: RentHop uses a unique “HopScore” to rank apartment listings based on quality and accuracy. This score helps you quickly identify the best listings and avoid potential scams.

Conclusion

Utilizing third-party platforms can greatly expand your search for off-campus housing near Northeastern University. These platforms offer a wide range of listings, from budget-friendly apartments to luxury rentals, along with valuable tools and insights to help you make the best choice. Whether you’re looking for something close to campus or a bit further out, these resources can help you find the perfect home during your time at Northeastern.