Consider Boston, Massachusetts if you’re looking for a rental in the United States. It’s ranked as the fourth-best city for renters in a recent report by Apartment List. This ranking considers affordability, safety, quality of life, and job opportunities.
Reasons Why Boston is Perfect for Renters
Boston, the capital of Massachusetts, holds great historical importance as the spiritual capital of the New England states and the birthplace of the American Revolution. Boston is a popular destination for both travelers and residents, blending history, culture, innovation, and tradition.
What makes Boston a standout choice for renters are
Cost: Boston offers more affordable housing compared to major cities such as New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, with a median rent of $1,800 for a one-bedroom apartment. The city offers a range of rental assistance programs and tenant protections for low-income and vulnerable renters.
When it comes to safety, Boston has a lower crime rate compared to other big cities. In 2020, the violent crime rate was 7.1 per 1,000 residents, and the property crime rate was 16.5 per 1,000 residents. The city provides a strong public health system, including excellent hospitals and medical schools.
Boston has a high livability score of 77 out of 100 due to its excellent public transportation system, diverse neighborhoods, rich cultural offerings, and four distinct seasons.
Job Opportunities: Boston is a center of innovation and education, home to industries like high-tech, biotech, finance, and healthcare, as well as renowned universities like MIT and Harvard. The city has a low unemployment rate of 3.8% as of November 2023 and a high median household income.
Also Read: This Arizona City Becomes One of the Best Places to Live in
Discovering Your Perfect Rental in Boston:
If Boston is the ideal choice for you, here are some helpful tips for navigating the competitive rental market:
- Begin your search at least two months before your preferred move-in date, especially during busy times.
- Establish a Budget: Dedicate a maximum of 30% of your income to rent and factor in other costs such as utilities, transportation, and groceries.
- Simplify Preferences: Select neighborhoods based on factors such as distance to work or school, access to public transportation, walkability, and available amenities.
- Utilize a variety of sources: Check out online platforms like Apartment List, Zillow, Trulia, and Craigslist, as well as traditional sources such as newspapers and word-of-mouth.
- Get ready: Make sure you have all the required documents such as proof of income, credit report, references, and identification.
- Prepare to cover the initial costs such as the first month’s rent, last month’s rent, security deposit, and potentially a broker fee.
In conclusion
Boston is considered one of the top cities in the country for renters due to its affordability, safety, quality of life, and job opportunities. Although the rental market in Boston can be tough, these tips will guide renters in finding their ideal home and making the most of the city’s perks.
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