Allston/Brighton recommendations (Boston, Brookline, Boylston: health insurance, living, club)

[wmassjb]

Hi everyone.
I am moving into Allston/Brighton this weekend.

Can anyone tell me how long it takes to get to work in downtown, specifically Copley for work in the morning via the T from Allston, near Packard's corner?

Also what are the hot spots in the area to hit in the evenings that are gay friendly?

How noisy do you think this area will be at night?
I will be living close to Packard's corner, but on a side street?

I am not a student, I work Full Time in the health insurance industry.

Thanks for your help.

[HenryAlan]

Google Maps says 23 minutes by B-Line from Packard's Corner to Copley. That sounds about right to me. As far as gay friendly, I think you'll find that most places are gay friendly. If you are looking for specifically gay oriented options, I recommend Club Cafe on Columbus St. (between Berkeley and Clarendon). It is quite close to Copley Sq. and a fun place. You'll get a mixed crowd, but it is definitely a gay bar. I know there is quite a bit more, but that's a good one to start off with.

[shiver]

25-30 minutes sounds about right, give yourself extra time the first week to get a feel for it. Also depends how far from the T you have to walk, do you need to wait for an elevator in your building, etc.

Look for newspaper bins on major corners and look for the Improper Bostonian, the Phoenix newspaper, and Stuff at Night. (I think there are bins in front of the Shaw's supermarket in Packards Corner, if not, there are definitely some in the Copley area). They are all free, weekly or biweekly and they're the entertainment and arts heavy periodicals in Boston. They should all have a section somewhere about GBLT activities and gay nights at clubs/bars. I know the Improper magazine definitely does.

You're in a student heavy area right by BU so it has the potential to get loud. Just depends on your neighbors.

[bostonguy1960]

I lived in that area but on the Brooklineside of Comm Ave. from '93-'04. I work night,so not much experience with regular shifts, but you may have trouble on the B branch of the green line around 8 a.m. inbound as students and workers all battle to even board the train.
You may be denied access, and need to wait for one or two trains to finally board.

Make your way to Clear Flour Bread in Brookline, one block in off 1100 block of
Comm. Ave. Dedicated foodie following for artisan breads and baked goods. Love their Scharfenberger chocolate chocolate chip cookie (sometimes still warm!).

Stuff @ Night this week has what seems a newcomers issue (titled "Hi!").

Machine seems popular downstairs at the Ramrod (on weekends only?). Estate is popular on Thursday nights, just outside the Boylston subway. But not many gay bars in Boston (Providence seems to have more, believe it not).

Flour Bakery Cafe (2 locales) and Francesca's in the South End seem gay friendly to me. I love Flour.

As mentioned most areas downtown would seem to be (or need to be gay friendly).

[wmassjb]

Thanks to everyone who has so far answered my questions.
I was there last night to sign papers etc, and the area seemed to be more lively than the last time I went. I can only imagine when all the parties get going..lol

I suppose if I am invited to one it would make it easier to digest..hahaha