Living in or staying in Roxbury, Boston

Scores

Safety and quiet come from researched sources about the whole neighborhood; walkability, transport and nightlife from the address reports here.

About Roxbury

Roxbury is a varied, urban neighborhood with historic houses, dense residential streets, local businesses, community institutions, and active transit corridors. The area has a strong cultural identity and a mix of long-established homes, rental buildings, and ongoing investment.

Good for

• culture lovers
• public transport users
• long stays
• budget travelers

Less suited to

• quiet seekers
• first-time visitors
• luxury travelers

Watch out for

• Check the immediate block and walking route before booking, as conditions vary within Roxbury.
• After dark, use well-lit streets and busier routes, especially near transit stops.
• Keep phones and valuables out of sight in crowded areas and on public transit.

Sources

• Roxbury Data Profile
• Roxbury

Local picks

Food & drink

• Fasika Cafe

  African · Enjoy Ethiopian and East African dishes at this Roxbury restaurant, open daily according to its current listing.

• Darryl's Corner Bar & Kitchen

  American · A neighborhood favorite for Southern-inspired food, cocktails, and live entertainment near Roxbury.

• Fort Hill Bar & Grill

  Latin American · Try Caribbean flavors, seafood, and jerk dishes in a lively Roxbury setting.

• Merengue Restaurant

  Latin American · Traditional Dominican cooking includes mofongo, seafood, grilled dishes, and flan.

• Slade's Bar & Grill

  American · This historic neighborhood institution combines barbecue, drinks, and live music.

Sights & things to do

• Shirley Eustis House

  See the only surviving country house built by a British royal colonial governor in the United States.

• Franklin Park Zoo

  Explore a major urban zoo surrounded by the green spaces of Franklin Park.

• Roxbury Heritage State Park

  Learn about Roxbury's history and enjoy views from this historic hilltop park.

• Roxbury Cultural District

  Discover local Black history, public art, cultural venues, and community events across Roxbury.

• Explore Fort Hill

  Walk the historic hill, earthworks, and surrounding trails in one of Roxbury's most distinctive landscapes.

• Walk Franklin Park

  Hike wooded paths, open lawns, and scenic areas in Boston's largest park.

• Take a Roxbury history walk

  Trace the neighborhood's colonial, African American, and cultural history through its historic sites.

• Attend a Roxbury community event

  Check the city's neighborhood information for local programs, news, and upcoming activities.