Work near South Station. Where do I live? (Boston, Cambridge: 2013, rentals)

[abhartiya]

I am moving to Boston in Aug 2013.
My work place is going to be near the south station.
I am looking for places to stay.

I have the following 3 criteria:
1. Should be on/near the T so that I dont have to drive. I can just take the T to work.
2. Should not be too far from the city because I am young and I want to enjoy the nightlife as much as I can.
3. I am looking for either a studio or 1b/1b with rent not exceeding 1400$ pm.

I have been suggested places like Cambridge, Somerville, Quincy.

What would you recommend? Any other places to look into?

[xS☺B☺s]

Anyplace on the red line but not Dorchester - too complicated for a newbie. All the southbound lines on the commuter rail end at south station too so take your pick. Cambridge and Somerville are fun if you're young. Somerville more affordable - scrappier - but still very safe. Quincy is quiet suburban more familyish. Or you could do walking distance in any direction - it's wonderful down there. That would be my choice. The North End would be a great place to start. You could walk to work through the Rose Kennedy Park or take a quick silver line. Life will never be better.

[495neighbor]

Somerville or Cambridge if you can find anything in your range would be the most fun for a young professional. If you look at Quincy, look at Marina Bay first. I hear there are some decent clubs there. Savin Hill near UMass or South Boston could be other possibilities. You can check out many recent threads on these areas. Braintree and Ashmont, I believe are older singles and families, too far from the action.

[bostonguy1960]

As mentioned, Marina Bay in Quincy. Newer rentals and condos, but pricey for Quincy, and further from stores, but nice to retreat home to. But, but lots of plane noise, like Southie.

Maybe Wollaston section of Quincy or North Quincy. They're close to services and shops. A mile from the city beach.

South End is within a 20-30 minute walk.

[kharing]

Love the Davis Square area in Somerville...it's on the Red Line. In the opposite direction, listen to previous posters about Quincy.

[abhartiya]

Everybody - I really appreciate all the feedback. I will start looking into these areas:
Cambridge, Somerville (Davis Square), Quincy (Marina Bay / Wollaston) , North End, Savin Hill

Btw, there is a studio available in Cleveland Park in the North End for 1350$ pm (utilities not included, washer/dryer shared, street resident parking). Nothing too fancy. Is this what I should be expecting as far as the rent is concerned? Worth it?

[495neighbor]

Originally Posted by abhartiya

Btw, there is a studio available in Cleveland Park in the North End for 1350$ pm (utilities not included, washer/dryer shared, street resident parking). Nothing too fancy. Is this what I should be expecting as far as the rent is concerned? Worth it?

If it's clean and you like the North End best, I say scoop it up.

[Space_League]

Originally Posted by 495neighbor

If it's clean and you like the North End best, I say scoop it up.

agreed. at the end of the day (rent+ utilities), $1500 a month is about what it takes to live comfortably by yourself in the nice downtown neighborhoods. North End, beacon hill, the fort point waterfront, back bay, and the south end all fall into this catagory

[xS☺B☺s]

Originally Posted by abhartiya

Everybody - I really appreciate all the feedback. I will start looking into these areas:
Cambridge, Somerville (Davis Square), Quincy (Marina Bay / Wollaston) , North End, Savin Hill

Btw, there is a studio available in Cleveland Park in the North End for 1350$ pm (utilities not included, washer/dryer shared, street resident parking). Nothing too fancy. Is this what I should be expecting as far as the rent is concerned? Worth it?

Yes. Nice place to start. I wish I was at Pizzeria Regina right now!