Moving from Chicago to Boston (Cambridge, Quincy: best neighborhood, apartments, for rent)

[rastatang23]

I recently received a job offer in Boston and I have to move there within the next month. I have a few questions about my move.

1. What would be the best neighborhood for me to live in? I am a 29 year old male, single with no kids, social drinker, and very active in sports. I like to get out a lot so I would like to live fairly close to some nightlife and restaurants. A gym in the neighborhood would be nice but not necessary because I will be working downtown and I can probably use a gym in that area. Also I would like to live close to the T because I will not have a car out there, at least at first. I am not generally interested in suburban or bedroom communities. I am looking for a one bedroom apartment that doesn’t necessarily have to be huge but I would like it to fairly nice (I don’t want a run down apartment). My budget for rent is $1000-$1300.

2. How is the cost of living on items such as groceries in Boston?

3. Even though I’ve been to Boston twice I do not know hardly anyone in Boston. Are people generally friendly? Is easy to meet people in Boston?

Thanks in advance for your advice!!

[mmyk72]

For under 1300 you won't find an apt that fits your description. Sounds like what you want are apts in Allston, Brighton, or somewhere near the student population close to Boston. A shared apt might be possible for 1000.

[MassVt]

If your budget is 1000-1300, then it won't be easy to find something appropriate. Not impossible, but just with some limitations. If you want T-access, you could try Cambridge ( more pricey) or Somerville ( less so) for the Red Line, or Newton ( could be expensive, but if you look hard, it's possible) for the Green Line. More affordable options include Allston-Brighton on the Green, Malden on the Orange , and Quincy on the lower Red Line. The Blue Line has East Boston, but ( to me ) that's not really very desirable. Stay away from Roxbury, Dorchester and Mattapan( not quite comparable to Chicago's South Side, but still not pleasant)..

Groceries, etc aren't a real concern for you--housing is.

[rastatang23]

Wow. Is boston really that expensive. I was thinking that I could definitely find something decent for $1300. I currently stay in hide park in chicago (obamas neighborhood, not a cheap area) and I am paying $900 a month for a nice large (about 800 sf) 1bedroom apartment. I am 29 and have lived by myself for the last few years so im really am not trying to do the roommate thing. I might be able to afford a little more than $1300 because I will not have to pay for transit when I get out there (I will be getting a free transit pass from my company). How much do apartments that typically fit my criteria run in boston?

[mmyk72]

It comes down to giving up on any of these:
- Size (you may have to settle for a 350 sq ft studio)
- How nice it is (basement apts are cheaper, as well as ones in the attic with all walls sloping in)
- Convenience (being close to T, restaurants, bars, etc. has a price tag)

[Cantabridgienne]

It depends what you mean by "nice" and it definitely depends on the neighborhood. It costs more to live close to the subway (as opposed to a bus-to-subway commute). It costs less to live in a less hip, more working class neighborhood (but you may not have the nightlife/restaurant scene you seek). $1300 is low, but possible (but again, what is "nice"). Boston is definitely more expensive than Chicago.

My suggestion is always to have a look on CraigsList to get a sense of what the housing stock looks like. Based on your input, take a look at Central Square, Jamaica Plain, South End, South Boston North End, Davis Square and Inman Square. If nothing else, you can get a sense of what X amount of dollars gets you here.

[MassVt]

Originally Posted by rastatang23

Wow. Is boston really that expensive. I was thinking that I could definitely find something decent for $1300. I currently stay in hide park in chicago (obamas neighborhood, not a cheap area) and I am paying $900 a month for a nice large (about 800 sf) 1bedroom apartment. I am 29 and have lived by myself for the last few years so im really am not trying to do the roommate thing. I might be able to afford a little more than $1300 because I will not have to pay for transit when I get out there (I will be getting a free transit pass from my company). How much do apartments that typically fit my criteria run in boston?

Not trying to paint an overly bleak picture for you, as there are certainly communities where you could find a decent apt for $1300; for $1000, there are very limited choices, with studios being a common choice. You'll find your best deals in such afore-mentioned places such Allston-Brighton ( although that tends to be an 18-25 yo group), Malden, Quincy, Somerville ( def look here), Watertown ( take a bus to the Red Line), etc.

Use the "www.Boston.com" website, and look under "Reat Estate-Renting", and select in your desired town/price. You should be able to find something suitable...

[MassVt]

BTW, in reading Catabridgienne's post, I should mention that Inman Square, Davis Square and Central Square all straddle the Cambridge/Somerville border, and are all on/near the Red Line.

Also, there have been apts available even in leafy places like Newton ( on mult Green Lines) for 1100 and less very recently, so finding a decent, affordable place is still very possible...

[rastatang23]

Thank you all for your input. Its seems like housing costs is a major problem in boston. I may have to reconsider the offer or maybe ask for more time to find a place. My company needs me to start in three weeks which is seeming very unrealistic. My definition of nice would be no infestations from rodents or bedbugs and a decently put together apt. An old or vintage apt is acceptable as long as its maintained fairly well. I just don't want to get out there and have to live in a small studio that is the size of my college dorm 10 years ago. I would prefer a 1bedroom even if its very small

[Cliff Clavin]

In addition to the above suggestions, I'll add the Andrew Sq neighborhood of South Boston. Not much to look at, but it has a stop on the Red Line and would probably work on your budget.