Young married couple from chicago to boston (Newton, Brookline: apartment, for rent)

[rtx2]

My wife and I may be relocating to Boston in the near future for work. We're both 25 with a medium sized dog-no kids. I checked out a ton of threads but figured I'd give this a go.

If anyone is familiar with Lincoln park here in Chicago, we're looking for something similar in Boston.

-Parks
-Close access to coffee shops/restaurants/museums
-Mass transit lines

We're past the night life, looking to have kids in a few years. 3k/mo rent, would be ideal. 2-3 beds/ 2 bath

I appreciate any suggestions!

[gf2020]

I don't know Chicago, but $3000 per month will give you plenty of options. Back Bay and South End in Boston, Brookline Village or Newton Center, just outside of town.

[NotAPrincess]

Coolidge Corner Brookline would be my top recommendation. There are a couple of good dog parks there. It's a great place for people in their late 20's and young families. The main problem with it is that it's expensive, but you should be able to find a nice 2 or 3BR apartment for 3K/mo. It might be a challlenge finding a dog-friendly place, but no more so in Brookline than anywhere else.

[Cold Up North]

Don't go too far out into the suburbs. Enjoy the city life before kids. Back Bay, Beacon Hill, South End, North End, Charlestown. Even if you are not into a crazy night life, you will enjoy great restaurants, cultural things and awesome walks around the city and the Charles River. You can always go out to Brookline, Newtown, or further when you decide to have a family. I enjoyed Boston, in so many ways, when my hubby and I were first married. And after having a family we moved 15 miles out to the burbs and still bring our kids into Boston all the time...you'll never regret it! You shouldn't have a problem on your budget either.

[Lefleur]

Just a heads up (I recently was looking for a 2-bedroom, dog-friendly apartment in Coolidge Corner) - the going rate around here for that right now, with 1 parking space [Brookline has no overnight street parking allowed], is about $3200-$3500.

Having a dog is the big problem around here.....more so than any other city I have ever lived in (NY, etc.). It's really silly....anyways, best of luck to you. Try Craigslist.

[Bruins_Fan]

$3,200 - 3,500 for rent? In this market you're better off buying. Why pad the landlords pockets?!

[NotAPrincess]

Originally Posted by Bruins_Fan

$3,200 - 3,500 for rent? In this market you're better off buying. Why pad the landlords pockets?!

With a dog, this may be worth looking into, if you're at all interested in staying in the Boston area for a while.

[chaxey]

You might consider Charlestown (navy yard or gaslight neighborhood), there are a few parks to run your dogs in, and your money will go pretty far there. For evenings you want a more 'urban' night out than C-Town, you are a 15 minute walk away from the North End, or a 5 minute bus ride.

Southie may also be an option, but this is much more suburban in feel, and downtown is less walkable (generally).

[rtx2]

Thank you everyone for all of the information/recommendations. We're digging deep trying to get a feel for each area, which is pretty tough from my computer desk

[rtx2]

On a side note we just watched "the town" with Ben Affleck. I'm sure it's pretty safe to say Charlestown isn't like that at all, save for a few rough spots?