Cambridge Rents Among Highest in US

If you’re looking to rent a place in Cambridge, MA, you’re not alone. Boston rent prices have been climbing higher and higher every year for some time, and this neighboring city is largely keeping pace. In fact, if you are thinking about moving to this city in the hopes of saving money on rent, you should probably think again. With all of that being said, however, people rent apartments here every day. You can too, but you will have a much easier time by being as knowledgeable about the market as possible. Boston City Properties is here to help with that.

For years now, Boston City Properties has been the name to trust for reliable information and resources regarding real estate and rentals across the Boston region. We are proud to offer one of the most comprehensive online databases of searchable MA real estate listings around, which includes listings for rental properties throughout the area and state. You can sign up for free, immediate access to these listings to kick-start your search for a place to rent in this bustling university city. Later, we are happy to connect you with an experienced and knowledgeable agent in the neighborhood where you are looking who can take you to check out properties and more.

Cambridge Rents Among Highest in U.S. for Smaller Cities

Rent prices have continued to rise across the greater Boston region, and that trend seems to have intensified in this vibrant, densely populated university city. Home to MIT, Harvard and many other illustrious institutes of higher learning, the city has been in the news lately due to how high rents have become. Indeed, recent newspaper articles highlight the fact that this city is nearly the most expensive in the nation in terms of rent—at least among similarly sized cities.

According to the latest information, the average rent for an apartment in this city was right around $3,000 per month as of May 2019. Only one other similarly sized city in the country, San Mateo, is experiencing average monthly rents that exceed $3,000. Like this city, San Mateo’s proximity to major population centers—in particular, San Francisco and Silicon Valley—has played a huge role in the current state of its rental market. Many people assume that the cutthroat bidding wars and other issues are unique to major cities on the West Coast, but they clearly haven’t been to Boston lately.

The most recently available data shows that the average cost to rent a place in this city, which is across the Charles River from Boston and had an estimated population of around 118,977 in 2018, is $3,042. This figure represents a year-over-year increase of 123 percent, and it reflects the cost to rent an average-sized apartment. In this city, the average size of a rental unit is around 850 square feet.

Here’s a breakdown of the percentage of rentals that can be found in various monthly price ranges:

$1,001 to $1,500 per month – 1 percent
$1,501 to $2,000 per month – 5 percent
$2,001 or more per month – 94 percent

As is the case in any decently sized city, this one is broken up into several neighborhoods. Many of these neighborhoods are organized around various squares that stretch across the city. Rent prices are higher in some neighborhoods than in others, as you can see:

West Cambridge, Strawberry Hill, Cambridge Highlands – Average monthly rent is $2,628, which is 14 percent lower than average
Peabody and Agassiz – Average monthly rent is $2,776, which is 9 percent lower than average
Riverside and Mid-Cambridge – Average monthly rent is $2,893
Cambridgeport – Average monthly rent is $2,992
Inman/Harrington – Average monthly rent is $3,181
MIT – Average monthly rent is $3,205, which is 5 percent higher than average
East Cambridge – Average monthly rent is $3,412, which is 12 percent higher than average

Regional Aspects of Rent Prices in the Area

Typically, when rents are too high in one area, renters push their search area out wider to find more affordable options. However, this strategy is pretty much off of the table in metro Boston in general and in this neighboring city in particular. That’s mostly because many much larger, overarching factors are at play across the region, causing rent prices to rise—and to keep rising, in many cases.

Some of the best examples of regional factors that affect rent prices here include:

Housing Crisis – Across the state of Massachusetts, a housing crisis has been underway for several years. After rebounding from the recession of 2008 and the resulting crash, the housing market roared back with a vengeance across the region. In 2018, Governor Charlie Barker explicitly stated that a housing crisis is happening now—and it’s largely occurring due to seemingly positive factors like rising home values and a booming economy. This crisis means that people who traditionally could buy homes can’t and are therefore forced to rent. In turn, the number of people seeking rental homes is much higher than in years past. Even homelessness is up across the area—it increased by 20.6 percent in Boston since 2010 and by 18.5 percent in Cambridge during that same period.
Lack of Inventory – Another aspect of the ongoing housing crisis, an ongoing lack of inventory, is exacerbating the issue across the region. In addition to boasting a large year-round population, this city’s population swells by more than 100,000 each year as students flock in to attend its many local colleges and universities. Although many of these students enjoy on-campus housing, a considerable percentage do not—and they compete with everyone else for the same limited inventory of rental homes.
Median Incomes Fall Short – Although looking at median incomes for permanent residents of this city is a bit misleading because of the influx and outflux of students, it is helpful to note that median incomes in the area also play a role in the ongoing problem. In 2010, the median income for people aged 25 and up was nearly $68,000 per year. If relying only on this income, a person would have to spend nearly half of it to afford an average-sized rental in this city. The rule of thumb is that housing costs shouldn’t exceed 30 percent of income, so this is a big problem.
College Students’ Impact – As mentioned several times, the region’s housing and rental markets are dramatically impacted by the constant coming and going of a large, transient student population. From MIT to Boston College to Harvard, students ranging from undergrads to graduate students pour into the area in an unabated stream. Many of them stay in the area after landing jobs or research opportunities in the region. It is estimated that around 11 percent of local rentals go to students, and that says nothing about the impact of the faculty and staff of these institutions too.
Affordable Housing – In this college city, less than 15 percent of available housing stock—both in real estate for sale and in rental properties—is classified as being affordable. This term typically refers to properties that tenants can afford by paying no more than 30 percent of their annual income on housing costs, and it is adjusted to reflect income levels around the area. Over the last 10 years, the city has succeeded in adding more than 1,000 affordable housing units to the area—but those efforts have hardly made a dent in the ongoing and ever-increasing demand.
New Jobs and Stagnant Median Wages – Another reason that the rental market here is so expensive and competitive relates to the influx of new jobs that has hit the area lately. Indeed, between 2010 and 2017, 245,000 new jobs were added to the market—an increase of 14 percent. The region is also on track to add tens of thousands more through the year 2030. At the same time, though, median wages for MA workers has hardly grown at all. From 1979 to 2014, the median wage when adjusted for inflation only rose by 0.5 percent. Until wages rise along with new jobs, the ability of most people to easily find and afford rental housing in this city will remain limited.

The Role of Zoning Regulations in the Rental Market

Since a dearth of available rentals—particularly affordable ones—plays such a pivotal role in the city’s ongoing rent-price issues, it makes sense for the city to push hard for the development and construction of new developments and buildings. Like so many areas across metro Boston, however, this city’s outdated and restrictive zoning regulations place a huge damper on how effective new development can be. In other words, even when developers have the means to construct a large, new development with hundreds of units—including affordable ones—finding land that is suitably zoned for the enterprise is easier said than done.

Because of the ongoing impact of restrictive zoning, which often includes stipulations like two parking spaces per unit per building, the city has been in discussions about overhauling its zoning policies for some time. In particular, the city is thinking about implementing a new citywide zoning ordinance—but it would only apply to residential projects that will be earmarked as 100-percent affordable housing. The proposal would allow qualified projects to be built denser and taller than is typically allowed.

Why Are Rents So High?

Knowing what you do now about the regional factors that cause rent prices to go up around Boston and in this city in particular, you should clearly understand that there is no way to move “farther out” to find cheap places to live. In fact, for many renters, price is not even the top concern; securing a suitable place is.

You are in the same boat as everyone else who has to rent here, but that doesn’t make the sticker shock hurt any less. So, what’s the deal with rent prices in this area? Some of the top reasons for high rents across the city include:

Pricey Sales Market – The rental market is strongly impacted by the real estate sales market. As home values rise, would-be buyers become priced out of contention and decide to rent instead. With the median asking price for homes across Boston hovering around $500,000 and the average price per square foot in many neighborhoods averaging at least $1,000, it is easy to see why many folks opt to rent instead—not that they often have a choice. It’s a double-edged sword too because if home values drop, landlords lose equity—and that can result in increased rent prices.
Expensive Outlying Areas – Depressing though it may be, there is no such thing as an “affordable area” in metro Boston; the same thing can be said about this university city, where rents are among the highest in the country for similarly sized cities. Therefore, moving outward from, say, Kendall Square isn’t going to do you any good. In this city, Brookline and Somerville, rent prices are the same or even more expensive than in many Boston neighborhoods. When it comes to finding truly “cheap rent,” there’s nowhere to run to—so alternative strategies are required.
Lack of Inventory – If it feels like construction has been going on nonstop around Boston, you are not imagining things. Even in this city, cranes can be seen all over the place as new residential developments come up. Despite this ongoing construction boom, however, the area continues to suffer from a severe lack of housing and rental inventory. In a single summer, more than 7,200 new units came up recently; even so, a dearth of availability continues to plague buyers and renters alike.
Well-To-Do Tenants – Some of the best things about this college city and Boston in general include its high concentration of prestigious colleges and universities and its large number of innovative, high-tech companies and research facilities. These factors attract educated, successful people—and many of them don’t bat an eyelash about paying $2,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Although rents are high, there are plenty of tenants out there who can easily afford them. Naturally, apartment developments and buildings know this, so they see no reason to stop raising the rent or to lower it—something that hasn’t happened around here for many, many years.
Perennially High Demand – Over the last decade or so, the population of the Boston area has continued to trend upward in a big way. The economy has been growing at a rapid clip too, with new tech companies in particular bringing new jobs to the area in droves. Local universities and colleges have seen admissions rise, if anything, so even more students and faculty have been flooding to the area. It is little wonder, then, that demand for everything from lavish luxury rentals to simple studio units has been and continues to be quite high.
Lack of New Construction – Many factors have been stymying developers’ efforts to develop new residential buildings for renters. Despite ongoing strong demand for everything from affordable studios to lavish, three-to-four-bedroom penthouse homes, developers can’t keep up. In addition to restrictive zoning practices, which have been touched on above, land prices pose a major problem. Simply put, many projects never get off the ground because there is no affordable land available. Another issue involves NIMBY-ism, or not-in-my-backyard activism. This refers to local residents banding together to prevent new buildings from being built. The costs associated with construction are also often a huge impediment, and local communities enforce ordinances and force developers to contend with copious amounts of red tape. It is a miracle that anything gets built at all in this city or in Boston in general.
Lack of Non-Luxury New Construction – Another issue is that developers naturally want to make as much money from their projects as possible. Many times, the easiest way to get there is by developing luxury buildings with high-end amenities and much larger units. However, this city--and the region in general--is in dire need of more large, multi-family developments. These aren’t as appealing to developers and investors, but adding thousands more of them would work wonders for the current rental situation in Cambridge and across the area.
Excessive Commute Times – Only a few decades ago, you could reasonably live in an outlying community far from the city and still be able to get to and from work within a reasonable length of time. That’s changed dramatically. Today, the average commute for a Boston-area resident is around 90 minutes, which represents an increase of more than 50 percent between 2005 and 2016. Since commute times have essentially doubled, it makes sense for people to seek housing that is closer to where they work. Unfortunately, such housing is usually in places like this thriving college city—and it is few and far between.
Colleges and Universities – With more than 30 colleges and universities across the Boston region, more than 150,000 students call the area home every year during the school year. Of course, all of those institutes of higher learning have large faculties and staffs that number into the thousands, and all of those folks need housing too. Since there are so many innovative tech companies popping up across the area, many newcomers opt to stay—and this leaves even less room for new arrivals. Several colleges and universities—particularly MIT and Harvard—have taken steps to address the issue, but results have been so-so at best.
Poor Long-Term Planning – Perhaps the biggest culprit of all in the current rental crisis that’s happening in Harvard Square and other neighborhoods around the city is a simple lack of effective long-term planning. Because this city was founded in 1630, however—like so many communities in the area, it was first settled before the Revolutionary War and founding of the country—it didn’t start out with a cohesive city plan. Over the years, changes have been made to address various issues caused by the city’s ongoing growth, but no one could have predicted how difficult the housing situation would become. This is why many people propose going “back to the drawing board,” which isn’t really a practical option.

What to Expect with Apartment Rentals in the City

When seeking a place to rent in this city, it definitely helps to be aware of current rental rates and what you can expect to get for your money. One thing that people often fail to consider is the impact that various services and amenities can have on the cost of rent. In Boston and in this city, certain attributes will make your rent go up—and a lack of certain attributes will make it more affordable.

The primary factors that affect the cost of renting a place in this part of the region are total square footage and total bedrooms. In 2018, for example, the median rent for a studio near Kendall Square, a central neighborhood in this city, was around $2,200 per month. The cost for a one-bedroom unit was around $2,500 per month, and a two-bedroom place averaged around $2,900 per month. If you need a three-bedroom apartment, expect to pay around $3,500. Keep in mind that these are merely average prices and don’t reflect things like extra amenities.

If a development offers certain amenities, you can safely assume that the rent is going to be higher than what is average for the area. For example, buildings that have doormen tend to command higher rents than those that do not. Many luxury developments have been constructed in the area lately, and they tend to include pricey extras that allow these places to charge premium rents. For example, you are likely to find many developments that have 24-hour concierge service. This means that there is always a designated person available to tenants to assist them with a variety of needs.

In some cases, optional extras can cost you a lot more, making the rent that much higher. For example, many developments in this city allow pets; on average, they tend to allow a maximum of two, and many have restrictions regarding size and breed. Either way, you can expect to pay some sort of “pet rent” for the ability to keep your furry friend at home. Developments that have extras like car-sharing services; bike storage and repair areas; pet grooming and play areas; package delivery management services; rooftop common areas; in-unit washers and dryers; elevators; and private outdoor areas tend to command among the highest rents, so be prepared for that.

Tips for Finding Apartments in the City

Now that you are getting up to speed regarding the average cost of renting a place in this city, you may be feeling pretty discouraged about your odds of securing one that you can actually afford. Affordable apartments are truly rare, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t exist. The trick to finding a place that you like and can afford basically boils down to your approach. Those who are willing to take the time and effort that are required are far more likely to secure what they need. More so, people who arm themselves with the right resources and help tend to fare far better than those who try to go it alone.

Boston City Properties knows all about the ins and outs of renting in this city’s competitive market, and we’ve rounded up some tips to help you to find what you need:

Know what you need versus what you want – When initially searching for a place to rent in this college city, many folks jot down a laundry list of the features and amenities that they “can’t live without.” By understanding from the start how tricky this search will be, however, you’re more likely to have more realistic expectations. Sit down and write down the true must-haves for your new place. These may include number of bedrooms and proximity to public transportation. In a separate column, make a list of your “nice-to-haves,” which may include things like an on-site fitness center or a rooftop lounge.
Explore the neighborhood – Since this city is split into many neighborhoods, it helps to zero in on a specific one for your search. Whether you have your eye on Riverside, Agassiz, Cambridgeport or elsewhere, don’t assume that the area will work for you just because it does on paper. Spend part of a day on foot exploring the area. Ask yourself how easy or difficult it will be to handle your daily business from that part of town. Take in the overall ambiance to decide if you can actually see yourself living there. The last thing that you need is to focus your efforts on a neighborhood that won’t really serve your interests in the long run.
Enlist some help – Given the complexity and fast-paced nature of the local rental market, it is crucial to get as much qualified help as you can for the endeavor. It helps to line it up as soon as possible, and you can’t go wrong with Boston City Properties. Our site is loaded with resources to help you to find the right place quickly. It is also home to our vast, constantly updated database of searchable MA real estate listings, including rental listings for properties across greater Boston and the state. Best of all, we have experienced real estate agents in every neighborhood in this university town, and we can connect you with one whenever you are ready to proceed. From showing you rentals to helping you through the leasing process, your agent is sure to make a huge difference for you.
Check out places in person – At first, you will learn about rentals primarily through online listings. As mentioned before, our huge online database is continually updated to reflect the latest availability for apartment rentals across the city. Even if a place looks perfect online, however, it could turn out to be a bad fit in person. That’s why it’s so crucial to go and see an available place as quickly as possible. Every time that you do, do so knowing that you may have to jump and make an offer on the spot.
Be prepared to act quickly – No matter what kind of apartment you are looking for, you can be sure that at least a handful of other people are looking for something similar at the same time. As you browse listings and check out rentals, then, do so knowing that several other folks are zeroing in on the same place too. Whenever you go to look at a rental, have your paperwork with you in case you need to jump right in. If you visit a place, it ticks all of the boxes and you love it in person, be prepared to apply for it on the spot.
Be flexible – You won’t get very far with your search if you have a strict list of requirements that must be met. Remember that you are dealing with a rental market that is among the most competitive in the entire world. All kinds of factors have converged to make it very difficult to secure a good place to rent in this city, so beggars truly can’t be choosers here. Instead of starting out with a very specific and restrictive list, then, start with one that only includes the absolute must-haves. You’re sure to come up with a short list of viable options a lot more quickly.
Speak to current tenants – Whenever possible, speak to a current tenant of any development that you are considering before pulling the trigger and signing a lease. Online reviews can be helpful, but they can also be misleading because people are more likely to go online to complain than they are to say positive things. By speaking to a current tenant in person, you are more likely to get an unbiased answer—and it will be that much more useful to you in your search.
Read the fine print and protect yourself legally – Since so many people are so desperate to snag a place from such a limited pool of options, it is all too easy for landlords to pull fast ones. It is also easy to simply become confused due to all of the different places that you look at over the course of several weeks. When you have zeroed in on a place and are seriously considering it, then, always read the fine print on the lease and other documents. An even better option is to hire an attorney to assist you through the process. At the very least, have a skilled and knowledgeable real estate expert by your side. Boston City Properties can refer you to one who specializes in the specific neighborhood where you are looking to rent.
Be aware of the true cost of renting – As you search for a place to rent in this densely populated city, remember that the monthly rent is usually just one aspect of the total cost of living somewhere. Most rentals in this city and in metro Boston include heat and hot water, but tenants are usually responsible for other utilities. If you have pets, you can expect to pay pet rent on top of regular rent. If you need a dedicated parking space, you can expect to pay a couple of hundred dollars more per month to secure it. Therefore, get all of the details about all of the costs before signing on that dotted line.
Check rental price activity – Because rent control was abolished in Massachusetts during the 1990s, landlords are permitted to increase the rent however they wish. That means that a place that is affordable with the initial lease may become far less so with subsequent ones. Indeed, it is not unheard of for developments to increase the rent dramatically if similar places are doing so, so it helps to try to see what you’re in for before signing a lease. The right agent can help you to investigate rental price activity for a given property to see how likely you are to end up with way higher rent later. You can find a suitable agent by getting a referral through Boston City Properties.

Be Prepared to Rent a Place Quickly

If you are serious about renting a place in Cambridge soon, you should always be ready to apply for one on the spot. Therefore, before your search actually begins, you should make sure that you have everything in order. In particular, keep these points in mind so that you are ready to pounce when the right apartment comes along:

Affordability – You should know going into the process how much you can reasonably afford to pay for rent. This is not the time for guesses or wishful thinking. In fact, it is best to rely on the same calculations that most landlords use to determine whether a tenant qualifies to rent a given unit. In that case, the 36 Rule is a good one. Divide your annual income by 36; whatever the total is should be the maximum that you pay per month for housing, including rent. It is normal in Boston to spend around one-third of one’s income on housing costs, and the 36 rule is widely used to determine eligibility.
Application – Be prepared to complete an application for leasing a place at any moment. Typically, you must also pay an application fee when submitting the paperwork. The price can vary widely, so be sure to ask about it upfront. For your application, you will need basic information like your full name, your current address and past addresses. Make sure to also have things like your social security number and driver’s license or state ID number handy.
Background Check – To rent an apartment in this city, you can be sure that you will be required to pass a background check first. For the safety of all tenants, developments are required to run these kinds of checks. More than anyone else, you should be aware of your criminal history, if any. In other words, there should be no risk of an unpleasant surprise. If something in your past could preclude you from renting a place, consult with an attorney to see what your options may be.
Credit Score – You are going to want to know your current credit score before applying for a rental in the city. Without a decent one, you can forget about being approved for a place—even if you can afford the rent easily. Landlords use this information to determine how likely you are to make good on your lease and to pay your rent in a timely manner. If you haven’t seen your credit report for a while, visit www.annualcreditreport.com for a free copy of each of your three credit reports, which you are entitled to by law every year. If your score is below 700, be prepared to potentially face some issues. Either way, it is better to know where you stand than to be surprised with negative information later. Also, if you see any mistakes on your reports, you can clear them up prior to applying.
Deposit – You should also be ready to fork over a decent amount of cash when looking for a place to rent in this Boston-area university city. It is standard practice for most landlords and property management companies to charge a security deposit that is equal to one month’s rent, so you can expect to pay that up front at the very least. However, many places also require tenants to pay first and last month’s rent before proceeding, so you will likely have to pay the equivalent of three months’ worth of rent right from the get-go. Note also that if you will have pets, you will probably have to pay a separate security deposit for them along with additional monthly rent.
Broker’s Fee – Boston City Properties can connect you with an experienced and talented real estate agent in Kendall Square or any other neighborhood in this thriving city. In turn, you can be connected with a broker who will make your search for a place to rent that much easier. In Boston, you can’t really expect to rent a place without paying a broker. Typically, the fee is equal to one month’s rent, so you should be prepared to part with that. All told, then, you will likely need the equivalent of four months’ worth of rent to get into a place. Therefore, moving into a one-bedroom apartment that costs around $2,100 per month can cost you up to $8,400 up front.
Employment History – Not surprisingly, you can’t rent an apartment in this city or anywhere in metro Boston without providing proof of income. Of course, with so many students in the area, landlords are familiar with dealing with people who have no proper income to speak of. In such cases, cosigners and proof of stipend awards are usually needed. As for proof of income, paystubs and W-2s usually work. If you are starting a new job, you will likely need a letter from your new employer outlining the terms of your employment, including salary and bonuses.
Cosigner – Finally, many people who rent places in this city and elsewhere in the area rely on cosigners to seal the deal. Like with any type of loan or lease, the lender or leaser must be satisfied that you can comfortably afford the rent and other expenses. If you can’t, you aren’t necessarily immediately out of luck. Students and others with limited incomes or no income at all often bring on cosigners who guarantee that the rent will be paid. Any cosigner that you choose will have to undergo a credit check, and they will be responsible in the event that you fail to adhere to the terms of your lease.

Popular Rental Developments in the Area

The rental market of this area is dynamic and fast paced, so availability changes constantly. As you will see later, new developments are also in the works and may become available in time to meet your needs. At any rate, here is Boston City Properties’ list of the most popular places to rent in Cambridgeport and other neighborhoods throughout this city:

Kendall Crossing Apartments – Located at 157 Sixth Street in Kendall Square, this development was built in 2003, stands seven stories tall and has 37 rental units. One parking space is included with each lease, and pets are not allowed. You can upgrade to a garage space for an additional $250 per month. Currently, a one bedroom, one-bath unit offers around 615 square feet of space and rents out for around $2,600 per month.
The Cantabrigia – Situated at 1010 Massachusetts Avenue, this development was constructed in 1900 and offers 56 units across its six stories. Since it is a smaller development, availability doesn’t tend to be great. However, one-bedroom, one-bathroom units offer around 600 square feet of space, which is fairly generous. Meanwhile, two-bedroom, one-bath units offer 875 square feet and currently rent out for around $2,500 per month. Pets are not allowed, but a parking space is included.
Atmark Cambridge – Located in Cambridge Highlands at 80 Fawcett Street, Atmark Cambridge was built in 2014, stands five stories tall and has 428 rental units. Therefore, it is a fairly large development, so vacancies pop up often enough. A one bedroom, one-bath unit here offers around 600 square feet and currently rents for around $2,700 per month. Two-bedroom, two-bath units here offer around 1,300 square feet and cost around $3,700 per month. Homes here have features like 10-foot ceilings, granite counters, hardwood floors and stainless-steel appliances. The grounds include a Skydeck lounge, a pool, courtyards, a fitness center and a dog park.
Chroma – Located in Cambridgeport at 240 Sidney Street, Chroma offers upscale units with features like high ceilings and in-unit washers and dryers. Furnished units are available, and there is a fitness center, a rooftop lounge and electric charging ports for electric vehicles. Parking in the garage will set you back by $250 per month. A two-bedroom, two-bath unit here offers around 900 square feet of space and currently rents for around $4,150 per month.
The University – With its location at 1039 Massachusetts Avenue, this development is close to pretty much everything. If you have a cat or a dog, though, you are out of luck because pets are not allowed. Heat and hot water are included, and units boast hardwood floors, walk-in closets and other nice touches. Studio units offer around 375 square feet of space, and rent prices are a bit lower than average because the development doesn’t offer a ton of upscale amenities.
CHR Apartments – Located in Neighborhood Nine at 1 Langdon Street, CHR is located in a building that was constructed in 1900. The four-story development is home to 276 rental units ranging from studios to three-bedroom apartments. Pets are not allowed, so you will have to look elsewhere if you have any. A one-bedroom, one-bath unit here offers between 400 0and 600 square feet of space and currently rents for around $2,600 per month. Units have patios or balconies, and many have fireplaces. There is also an onsite fitness center.
John Harvard Apartments – Located at 1-3 Langdon Square in Neighborhood Nine, this development was constructed in 1900, stands three stories tall and offers 31 rental units. Due to its smaller size, then, availability tends to be very limited. One-bedroom, one-bath units offer around 480 square feet of space. Two-bedroom, one-bath units, which offer around 750 square feet, rent for between $2,600 and $3,000 per month.
Forest Court – Situated in Agassiz at 16 Forest Street, this development is located in finely maintained pre-war buildings that feature two lovely courtyards with picnic areas. In terms of pets, only cats are allowed. Built in 1920, the building stands five stories and contains 123 units. One-bedroom, one-bath units offer between 550 and 700 square feet of space and currently rent for around $2,700 to $3,000 per month. A two-bedroom, one-bath unit offers around 870 square feet and costs around $3,800 per month to rent.
Chauncy Court – If you have zeroed in on Neighborhood Nine during your search, you should consider this nice development that is located at 18 Chauncy Street. Built in 1890, the building was extensively renovated in 2010 and is much more modern now. It stands four stories tall and offers 98 units, so it is a mid-sized development for this part of the region. Units boast nice touches like walk-in closets and hardwood floors, and there is a nice courtyard. Studio units here cost around $2,000 per month and offer around 365 square feet of space. One-bedroom, one-bath units offer around 550 square feet and cost around $2,600 per month. You will also find two-bedroom, one-bathroom units offering around 650 square feet that cost around $3,100 per month.
Watermark Kendall East – Since Kendall Square is such a popular neighborhood, you will most likely end up at least considering a few places there. If so, this development, which is located at 250 Kendall Street. Built in 2013, it is among the newer buildings in this part of the city. Cats and dogs are allowed, but pet rent is charged. Standing 17 stories tall, the development offers 144 rental units ranging from 450-square-foot studios to 1,125-square-foot two-bedroom units. The latter costs an average of $5,200 per month while studios cost around $2,800 per month. Units include washers and dryers, floor-to-ceiling windows and walk-in closets, and a 24/7 concierge is also available.

New Developments

Although construction isn’t happening nearly as quickly as it should, a few new developments are in the works in this city. Cambridge Crossing, which is situated on 43 acres in the east part of the city and will sprawl over 4.5 million square feet, is slated to open in late 2021. It is expected to include shops and homes. Market Central, which will include three buildings at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Main in Central Square, will offer 308 residential units.

In Kendall Square, four new properties are in the works. One of them will be a 34-story residential tower, and it will be the tallest in the city upon completion. Located at 135 Broadway, it will stand 350 feet tall and will offer 355 residential units. Around 20 percent of them will be affordable housing, and around 5 percent of them will be middle-income housing.

How Boston City Properties Can Help

The rental situation in this city is already difficult, and that is unlikely to change any time soon. Even with new developments in the works, including a $19.5-million development at Porter Square including six different properties, availability remains limited. It pays enormously to have as much help as possible when apartment hunting in greater Boston, and you can’t go wrong by connecting with Boston City Properties. Sign up this instant for immediate, free access to our listings to check current availability for the neighborhood of your choice. Later, contact us for a referral to a local agent who can give you the insider knowledge that you need to fly through the leasing process like a pro. For more information, contact Boston City Properties.