Top 5 Best Places to Live Near Northeastern University

Zachary Parker
4 min readMar 22, 2021
off campus housing near Northeastern University

If you are a Northeastern student looking for an authentic Boston experience, you’re probably one of the many looking for off-campus housing near Northeastern University. Lucky for you, Northeastern University is situated in the heart of Boston about 1 mile from Downtown, so there is no shortage of local entertainment.

So if you’re looking for a place that is trendy, hip, and full of restaurants and coffee shops, there’s a place for you. Or maybe you just want to live in a place surrounded by beautiful parks. Whatever your fancy, check out our top 5 best places to live near Northeastern University:

1) Fenway/Kenmore

Want to blow off some steam after cramming for exams? Then living in Fenway can be a great choice for any student. The neighborhood is located just 1 mile from campus, and you are surrounded by students as Boston University and other small schools are located in Fenway.

Fenway apartments aren’t the cheapest in Boston, but are certainly more affordable than other neighborhoods on this list. A one bedroom apartment in Fenway will cost you $2,154 on average, the 8th highest average compared to all 26 neighborhoods in Boston. A 2 bedroom Fenway rental averages $2,778 per month, the 9th highest rent price for 2 beds in Boston.

2) South End

Want to live in one of Boston’s most vibrant art and cultural scenes? How about a neighborhood known for having the best restaurants in the city? If that fits your taste, then living in the South End may be perfect for you. Located just a half mile from campus, you can’t beat the proximity, and with all the cultural offerings you’ll find it hard to come up with a reason to leave.

While prices for apartments have come down recently, South End apartments still do not come cheap. The average rent price for a 1 bedroom apartment in South End is $2,345, while a 2 bedroom apartment will cost $3,054 on average. That is the 3rd highest and 4th highest average rent prices of all neighborhoods in Boston respectively.

3) Boston Downtown

If the thrill of city living is what you crave, consider living in Downtown Boston near the theatre district and the financial district. Just like the Fenway/Kenmore area, it’s conveniently located just about 1 mile from campus.

Prices for apartments in Downtown Boston have come down considerably since the pandemic caused a massive spike in vacancies. One bedroom apartments Downtown are averaging $2,214 per month, while 2 bedrooms are priced at $2,851.

4) Back Bay

Whatever it is you enjoy during your spare time, life in Back Bay Boston has something to offer you. Loaded with nightlife and entertainment options, this is widely considered Boston’s premier neighborhood, and it’s conveniently located just a few miles from Northeastern University’s campus. If you prefer fashion and all things retail, this is also the right place for you as it is home to some of the nicest and trendiest shopping locations in the city!

As you’d expect, Back Bay apartments come at a premium. It has consistently been the most expensive neighborhood in the city to rent an apartment over the past few years, and that is still true today. A one bedroom apartment in Back Bay costs $2,379 on average, while a 2 bedroom will run you $3,312 on average.

5) Jamaica Plain

Jamaica Plain is located just 2–3 miles from campus or about a 20-minute bus ride. This area of the city is extremely diverse which the residents will proudly tell you about at all available opportunities. If you want to live in a place with tons of cultural diversity then living in Jamaica Plain is for you. It is home to the famous Jamaica Pond which feeds both the Muddy River and Charles River. Not surprisingly, this neighborhood has lots of green space.

Living in Jamaica Plain is one of the more affordable options for Northeastern students on a budget. One bedroom apartments in Jamaica Plain typically cost around $1,822 on average, while 2 bedroom apartments average $2,328.

All of these neighborhoods feature a diverse mix of amenities, restaurants, nature, art and culture. So if you’re looking to live off campus at NU, be sure to check out the neighborhoods on this list!

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Zachary Parker

Husband, Dad, Marketing Pro, SEO Gun for Hire, and Creator of Killer Content. Owner of ProSource Media.