Rooms in Boston

What’s it like living in Allston?

Allston is Boston’s classic student and young-renter neighborhood, between Boston University and Harvard’s Allston campus. Harvard Avenue and Brighton Avenue are packed with cheap eats, bars and music venues. Most housing is older triple-deckers and walk-up apartment buildings, often shared by roommates.

Is Allston a cheap place to rent in Boston?

It’s one of the more affordable neighborhoods close to central Boston, mainly because so many people rent rooms rather than whole apartments. A private room in a shared apartment is the most budget-friendly option. Use the Boston rent calculator to see what fits your budget, and our guide to Boston’s cheapest and most expensive neighborhoods to compare it with the rest of the city. For discounts, check our hot deals page, and if a friend is looking too, refer them to earn a reward when they sign a lease.

Can I rent a room in Allston, or only a whole apartment?

Both, depending on availability. Rooms in shared apartments are the most common setup, with furnished common areas and roommates who went through the same background and credit checks. Studios and larger apartments come up too, furnished or unfurnished. For the wider search, see our guide to finding a room for rent in Boston.

Do I have to sign a lease starting September 1?

No. Most Boston leases start on September 1 and are signed months ahead, which makes moving at any other time hard. June Homes leases start on the date you choose and run from 1 to 12 months, so you can move to Allston mid-semester or for a summer. Our guide to finding apartments in Boston explains the September 1 cycle in more detail.

How do I get around from Allston?

The Green Line B branch runs along Commonwealth Avenue to BU, Kenmore and downtown. Buses connect to Harvard Square, Longwood and Brookline. The Boston Landing commuter rail station, in neighboring Brighton, reaches South Station in about 15 minutes.

Who rents furnished housing in Allston?

• Students: Boston University borders the neighborhood, and Harvard’s business school and engineering campus are in Allston itself.
• Interns and summer researchers: short programs that don’t line up with the September 1 lease cycle.
• Young professionals: for the lower rent and the nightlife, with a direct Green Line ride downtown.
• International students: often start with a flexible lease here while they get settled.

Is Allston safe?

Safety varies block by block and shifts year to year, so we keep it in a dedicated guide to the safest neighborhoods in Boston.

For qualifying criteria, deposits, lease rules and how booking works, see the main Boston page.