Do you feel like your apartment search is just not going as smoothly as planned? Maybe you found an apartment you adored, but hesitated to apply, and it was taken by another applicant. Been there, done that! If you’re looking for an apartment, especially a one-bedroom apartment in a major metropolis like Boston, then you need to act fast. If you find “the one,” why chance losing it? I’m not saying to make an impulse decision, but hey – if you know, you know, right?
How To Find a One-Bedroom Apartment in Boston
Yes, my fellow renters, it’s true what you’ve heard. Rent in Boston can be a bit pricey – it’s not necessarily skyrocketing, but it’s on par with San Francisco and New York City. So if you’re new to the city, prepare your checkbooks (are these still a thing?) before you make the move official!
As of April 2024, according to CoStar data, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Boston, Massachusetts is $3,325. Just remember that central Boston (or the heart of any city for that matter) will always be more costly than the suburbs. So if you want to be in the center of it all, it will cost you, but moving a little further out could save you quite a bit! For instance, as one of the most popular suburbs of Boston, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Brookline is currently $2,752, a few hundred less compared to central Boston.
But if you’re going to pay a decent chunk of change to live in the heart of this bayfront beauty, you might as well find your perfect place. And where better to do that than right here at Apartments.com? Join me, if you will, as we dive into the perks, downsides, and overall experience of renting a one-bedroom apartment in Boston.
What Are the Perks of Renting a One-Bedroom Apartment?
If you’ve ever rented a studio apartment before, then you’re well aware that a one-bedroom offers you more square footage and separate rooms (versus one large, multi-purpose room). And when you rent a one-bedroom apartment, you’ll often find perks that weren’t available (or there was no space for) in a studio apartment.
In-unit laundry
Don’t you just love lugging your full laundry basket two blocks from your apartment to the nearest laundromat? I know I don’t. Even though Boston has quite a few quality laundromats around the city, it’s so convenient to be able to do laundry in your own home. Which is why I chose to rent an apartment with an in-unit washer and dryer! But even if the apartment doesn’t come with laundry appliances or an on-site laundry center, it can still come with an empty closet space with washer and dryer hookups. And it’s the space that counts! You can find a pretty cheap washer and dryer set from a previous owner – it’s an easy find. And man oh man, is it a perk!
No roommates
Roomies are fun (or they can be), but sometimes it’s nice to have an entire space to call your own. No more loud music coming from their adjoining bedroom or dirty dishes left in the sink that aren’t yours to clean up. You finally have your own home! And what’s better than a one-bedroom apartment to yourself? Well, a one-bedroom apartment in Boston, of course! With nearly 50,000 apartments in the Boston area, you’re sure the find the perfect, spacious one-bedroom you’ve been searching for.
Decorating rights
When you rent a one-bedroom apartment, you no longer have to pretend to like that eye-sore of a couch your previous roommate called “vintage.” You can decorate and furnish the place as you see fit. You’re your own interior decorator at this point, and lucky for you, Boston is a wonderfully artistic, innovative place to get some inspiration for your new apartment decorating style! Whether you’re looking for your personal style, some new furniture pieces, or maybe a work of art or two to make your apartment feel like home, Boston has you covered. Check out the home décor options at South Bay Center, get some inspo from the Museum of Fine Arts, or buy a few chic pieces at Massachusetts-based stores like Circle Furniture!
What Are the Downsides of Renting a One-Bedroom Apartment?
You have your freedom! You’re an I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T renter – but wait. Are there any downsides to living alone in a one-bedroom apartment? Well, my friend, when there are perks, there are usually downsides to accompany them. Sad, but true, so be aware of these potential disadvantages when it comes to renting a one-bedroom apartment in Boston.
No one to split costs with
Rent in Boston is pretty competitive, so if you’re renting a one-bedroom apartment by yourself, then you won’t have a roommate to split costs with. The rent, utilities, and additional monthly expenses are yours and yours only. Don’t like taking out the trash? Well, you won’t have a roommate to pawn that off on, so be prepared! However, if you plan to live with a significant other in your one-bedroom apartment, then splitting the costs will likely be beneficial for you both.
Higher rent
Rent for a one-bedroom is often higher than that of a studio apartment, which is why many individual renters choose to rent out studios when looking for an apartment in Boston. Currently, the average rent for a studio apartment in Boston is $2,776, while a one-bedroom averages at $3,325. However, if you’re hoping for more space, then just be aware that higher rent is going to accompany that space. And since you don’t have a roommate to split the cost (unless you’re renting with a significant other), then you need to make sure you budget and save for this wisely before signing a lease. No one wants to be rent poor, especially when there are so many exciting destinations to treat yourself to in the city of Boston – from Fenway Park to Quincy Market!
Difficulty meeting people
If you’re moving to Boston alone, it can be a little harder to make friends. A one-bedroom apartment can be a bit lonely if you don’t have a roommate to share the space with, and a roommate can often be a built-in friend or source of support if you’re moving to a new city. However, if you’re already a resident of Boston or you’re more of a lone wolf (I don’t blame you), then a one-bedroom apartment is probably a viable choice for you. And after all, with the millions of people living in Boston, you’re sure to find where you belong! By exploring the city, you’re sure to make some friends along the way. Stroll through the green campus at Boston University, walk the Freedom Trail, or enjoy the beauty of Boston Common!
But overall, finding a one-bedroom apartment in Boston will likely give you the homey feeling you’ve been searching for. After all, you don’t want this to be a missed connection – your perfect one-bedroom apartment is out there, and with Apartments.com, you’re sure to find the domestic bliss you so desire.
