Looking for somewhere to live in Boston? Worried about which neighborhood is best for you? Today we’re touring Savin Hill, a lovely, small neighborhood of Boston.
Housing in Savin Hill
Technically a subsection of Dorchester, Boston’s largest neighborhood, Savin Hill is known for its beautiful historic houses. A 3-bedroom apartment here is typically around $4,000 per month, which is a pretty average price for Boston and more affordable than other parts of Dorchester.
The area boasts a variety of 2, 3, and 4 bedroom apartments, so there’s something for everyone. It’s also common for apartments to have private balconies and patios, which is a rare find in the city!
This neighborhood is also popular among younger renters. If you’re looking for an area with more students around, this is the place for you.
Transportation
Savin Hill is close to several of Boston’s subway stops! Hop on the MBTA’s Red Line at the Savin Hill, JFK/UMASS, or Andrew stations, and you’re only a 20-30 minute ride away from Emerson and downtown Boston. Andrew and JFK/UMASS stations both have bus connections that reach all over the greater Boston area, plus JFK/UMASS connects to the Commuter Rail.
Not only is there close public transit, but Savin Hill is also a great area to have a car. I-93 runs right through this neighborhood, making it easy to hop on the highway and see what the rest of the Greater Boston Area has to offer.
Or, if you’re looking for somewhere you can easily walk from place to place, Savin Hill is a great option. Ranked one of the most walkable areas of the U.S., this neighborhood is very pedestrian friendly.
Food
In addition to reasonable rent and easy access to transportation, Savin Hill has some great restaurants!
If you’re in a rush to get to class, Ba Le has great Vietnamese cuisine to go. Located on Dorchester Avenue, Ba Le is known for their banh mi, which are sandwiches served with homemade mayo, fish sauce, your choice of meat, and a variety of delicious toppings!
Another great local Vietnamese restaurant is Ban Toi. They’ve got an extensive menu which includes seafood, noodle soups, specialty dishes, smoothies, and more! With something for everyone, Ban Toi is great for takeout or dining in.
If you’re looking for coffee and breakfast, a local favorite is Honeycomb Cafe. Founded by a previous neighborhood resident, Honeycomb offers delicious breakfast and lunch sandwich options, great pastries from Iggy’s, and coffee.
Another quaint breakfast spot is McKenna’s Cafe. Founded by longtime locals, McKenna’s has a truly homey feel. Plus, they’ve got an extensive breakfast and lunch menu with something for everyone. If you’re an early riser, McKenna’s opens at 5:30am every day!
If you’re looking for somewhere to get a beer and relax with friends, the neighborhood has many options! Harp & Bard is a relaxed bar with American food and plenty of large screen TVs if you’re trying to catch the game. JJ’s Irish Pub and Grille is another local favorite with a cozy atmosphere. If you’re looking for nightlife, stop by dbar, a fun local gay bar with lots of cocktail options.
Beaches and Parks
Savin Hill is home to a number of great outdoor activities! One popular spot is the Savin Hill and Malibu Beach, where you can swim, walk a trail, or play a pickup game in one of the fields.
The area is also part of the Emerald Necklace, a series of interconnected parks that span over 1,000 acres in Massachusetts. Franklin Park, a 450-acre park in the Emerald Necklace, runs right through Savin Hill and is a great perk of the area.
Between the affordable rent, great food options, and outdoor activities, Savin Hill is a great neighborhood to settle into. For more tips on where to live in Boston, check out our blog series or take our quiz to find which neighborhood is best for you!
Linda Karam
Good article, thanks. One comment: Savin Hill does not border Franklin Park.