Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Suffolk County, Massachusetts, with a population of around 800,000, could be the perfect place for singles on a budget to seek a rental apartment. The county incorporates the vibrant cities of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop and is known for its diverse, liberal demographic.

 

While city center apartments remain expensive to rent, many neighborhoods and areas in Suffolk County offer affordable one-bedroom apartment rentals. Further, the exceptional public transport links in Boston mean that if you choose to rent here, you may be able to save on the costs associated with running a car.

Affordable Places to Live in Suffolk County

To find an affordable apartment in Suffolk County, check out the following areas:

 

• Oak Hill Park
• West Roxbury
• South Dorchester
• Readville
• Hubbardston
• Leicester
• East Boston
• Charlestown
• Fenway
• Mattapan
• Roslindale
• Topsfield
• Hyde Park

 

To give you a better idea of affordability, the rent you’ll pay for a property in Hyde Park could be around 39% lower than you’ll pay in the rest of Boston, making it an extremely popular area for those on a tight budget. Expect to shell out around $840 for an apartment here.

 

In general, higher rental prices are found in the north of the county, with relatively lower rents in the south.

Job Opportunities

Young singles are heading to Suffolk County, Massachusetts, for the job opportunities on offer. The county enjoys a high employment rate of nearly 93%, and employees receive some of the highest weekly wages, on average, of all the counties in the US. The county’s largest employers, by sector, are health care and social assistance, educational services, and professional, scientific, and technical services. The annual median earnings in Suffolk are between $46,000 and $54,000.

 

Massachusetts deploys a flat income tax rate – it’s one of just nine states that does so. This means that, even if you get a pay rise and your budget becomes a little less tight, you’ll still pay the same rate of tax. The income tax rate levied by the state is 5.05%.

What to Consider When Renting in Suffolk County

If you’re ready to make the move to Suffolk County, there are a few important things to consider before signing on the dotted line of a lease.

You’ll Get to Experience All the Seasons Here

Depending on where you’re currently located, you’ll need to be prepared to experience all four seasons in this county. Warm, humid summers and chilly winters – with occasional snowfalls and storms – are the norm.

Public Transport

If you’re on a budget, you’ll likely want to know what the public transport options are like in Suffolk County; great links can save you money on the costs associated with running a car. In general, the county’s cities offer very impressive public transport options, which run regularly, reliably, and are cost-effective.

Diverse and Vibrant Community

Young, single professionals are flocking to Suffolk County for its vibrant communities and plentiful bars, coffee shops, restaurants, and parks. The population is diverse, and residents typically hold liberal views. The county was recently ranked first out of the thirteen counties in Massachusetts as best for young professionals and most diverse. It ranked number three in the list of healthiest counties in the state.

Safety First

In terms of national averages, Suffolk County has relatively low levels of property crime. Burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft rates are all significantly lower here than in other parts of the USA.

Spacious Apartments

You may be surprised at just how spacious apartments typically are in the cities of Suffolk County. This is because, rather than modern apartment blocks, most rental properties are owned by private landlords, with rental properties often two or three-unit homes that are owner-occupied. The result? You’ll be able to enjoy a lot more square footage for your monthly rental cost as compared to many other cities in the US.

Don’t Forget Renters Insurance

As part of planning your move to Suffolk County, don’t forget to get the essentials in place, such as renters insurance. As well as protecting your possessions, a policy will provide vital peace of mind. Plus, renters insurance in Boston covers more than just your personal property by providing, for example, protection in the event that someone is injured in your apartment or if an item like your phone or laptop is stolen while you’re out of the house.

Final Thoughts

For singles, renting in Suffolk County, MA, could be the perfect solution to make the most of your income. With many areas throughout the county offering affordable monthly rents, along with the area’s thriving job market, diverse, liberal communities, and great health rates among its residents, a move to Suffolk County could be your route to better living on a budget.