Bringing a Car to Boston: 3 Things You Should Know

If you're planning on bringing a car to the city, here's what you should know.

1. Finding an off-street spot is expensive. Does your apartment have a spot? If not, finding an off-street spot can run you about $300/month. Some apartment complexes include parking in the rent, so make sure to ask about it when you're apartment hunting. Some parking garages or lots offer discounted rates for monthly parking. Do some research and see if there are any options in your area that could save you some money. Also, consider using public transportation.
2. Overnight parking is not guaranteed. There are many towns and cities surrounding Boston that regulate overnight street parking. In some towns, certain months are off-limits for overnight street parking (Newton) and in some towns is it not allowed at all (Brookline). Make sure they allow overnight parking if you plan on street parking in a certain town by visiting the town's website.
3. If you're coming from out of state, you will need to register your car in Massachusetts before getting a parking permit. It's important to note that the process of registering your car in Massachusetts may vary depending on your specific situation, so it's always a good idea to check with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles for the most up-to-date information and requirements.

Pro Tip: Always read signs to make sure you can park easily. There are also signs that designate street cleaning times and snow protocols. Look for painted curbs or markings on the pavement indicating parking restrictions, such as red curbs for no parking zones or yellow lines for loading zones. Check for any temporary parking restrictions due to construction, events, or moving permits.

By following these tips and reading signs carefully, you can avoid parking tickets and keep your vehicle safe while parked on the street (or in a designated off-street spot). When you're searching for an apartment with parking on Spot Easy, simply type in your area in Search and choose More filters, then select Parking:

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