With most of the heavy lifting of a 2007-2009 systems renovation project completed, Harbor Towers has become a haven for Boston Waterfront rental apartments. Whether it was the cost of the special condo fee assessments, the state of the real estate market, or a mixture of both, there is no doubt that more condos are available for rent at Harbor Towers now than ever before.
According to MLS PIN only 7 condos were rented in 2006, in 2007 that number was pushed up to 19, and in 2008 to 25. While these numbers are imperfect -not all rentals are listed on or trade through the MLS – they are indicative of a trend that has followed the most extensive HVAC renovation any Boston condo development has seen.
Currently, there are 25 rental apartments on the market at Harbor Towers. Apart from the two large penthouse units available for $10,000 and $11,000 per month – most units are 1 or 2 bedrooms and range between $1,700 and $4,500. The units are most closely comparable to those at Emerson and Longfellow Place at the West End Apartments in that they generally offer parquet floors, galley kitchens and lots of space. However, at Harbor Towers every unit has its own personal touches added to it by unit owners – some have granite counters or an open kitchen. What brings most renters and buyers to Harbor Towers are the panoramic views of the Harbor and the city from two of Boston’s tallest residential buildings. The Harbor-side pool certainly adds to the appeal for renters, and with the additional supply of available units, the prices have become more affordable.
Keith Munsell 
