Possibly moving to Boston. Help! (Cambridge, Somerville: apartment complex, how much, neighborhoods)

[lithphox]

I currently live right outside of Chicago. And There's a doctor in Cambridge that I really would like to continue seeing to get my problem handled. My boyfriend lives on the cape and always says Boston is very "businessy" And not much goes on like Chicago has. He says its nothing like it. What I'm looking for are places in Boston like Chicago's Clark and Belmont etc and the night life here.

What I'm asking is - what are the most artsy and "funky" areas to live in Boston or around the Cambridge/Boston area. Or possibly anything remotely near these places in MA. I'm looking for something safe, but interesting with alot of restaurants and shops and general indie culture. Possibly a big music scene to help it along. I'm an artist myself and I sure as hell don't want to be living in an apartment complex with a bunch of uptight business men. Lol.

-Lith

PS: Since I hear Boston living is expensive, What about burbs/areas close but not downtown that are interesting too, but not super expensive. (I'm gonna keep comparing Chicago and Boston lol, like the Northwest Burbs are to Chicago.) I'd like ANYTHING in Eastern MA thats just...FUN to be in.

[redpanda]

I'd say that the cape has nothing going on, especially off-season; but I can't imagine anyone saying that about Boston. Boston's a vibrant, intellectual, artistic, culturally-and-historically rich city. If you head to the Financial District during the workday, I'm sure you'll have the impression that Boston is "business-y", but otherwise...not any more than any other city.

As far as "funky" areas to live, I think I'd take a look around Central Square in Cambridge, Jamaica Plain, Union Square in Somerville, Inman Square in Cambridge, Davis Square in Somerville. These are all vibrant areas where independent businesses and artsy coffeehouse culture still thrive. I'm sure you'll find many others, but that should give you a start. You'll find a ton of fellow artists in these and other areas.

[Cantabridgienne]

Redpanda is correct, and I'd also add Allston to that list.I'm curious how much time your boyfriend has actually spent in Boston, and in which neighborhoods? His assessment is pretty far off base.

[lithphox]

Thanks! Yeah I assumed his opinion was jaded. Living really close to Chicago I go to the city all the time and know the fun spots. He never can go so I assumed there HAD to be some awesome nooks and crannies :3