Halp! NC student trying to transfer to UMass Boston. Where to live cheaply?

[missionhill]

I would not ignore Dorchester. That's where UMass Boston is, and there are nice-to-ok neighborhoods along the red line near the campus at Columbia and Savin Hill. Shawmut and Ashmont are pretty good and all the stops on the Mattapan line that connects with Ashmont are good. Lots of park and path areas along Dorchester Bay and the Neponset River to walk Rover.

[snatale1]

Originally Posted by slightlyfrazzled

I'm a college student trying to transfer to UMass Boston for the '12-'13 year. I'm trying to get a head start on apartment searching so I don't stress over it so much later. My boyfriend and I will be moving together, and we are looking for a 2BR that allows dogs (we have two). We aren't opposed to living outside the city as long as there is somewhat easy transport access. I have a car, but I think it would probably be a pain in the arse to use in the city. I'm looking for something that is about 850 maximum, preferably with heat included. Also, I'd like to be somewhere that is moderately safe.

Any ideas where I might be able to find anything kind of like this?

Thanks
Andrea

Even out in the sticks your gonna pay more than $850, forget about heat included. The only places that do that are old apt bldgs. Dogs are going to be an issue. Even if you find a place that allows them, expect weight and breed restrictions. PLUS even if you are luck enough to sneak in under that, you'll either pay a much bigger security dep, OR pet rent.


Welcome to the People's Republic of MA.......A great place to move out of!
Why do you think NC and VA are loaded up with New Englanders?

[lovelife11]

I just moved here from SC maybe i can help u a little bit. Number one..you and your bf will not be able to afford a 2 bedroom here. You're looking at like 1,000 a month for just some studios here. I was easy for me moving here because I moved alone...moving here with another person can be a hassle because most likely you will have ot get a room share. Meaning you will live in a house with someone else..share a bathroom and kitchen but you have your own room. However....most landlords dont want to rent a room share to couples. Im not trying to discourage you at all believe me. I love it here, but I researched and saved a lot before I moved here. Im in grad school at Northeastern, and i plan on staying here after that because Im crazy about this place. But for 850 bucks you may be lucky to get a studio further out like in stoneham or something, but thats nowhere umass. Remember, in the city the less u pay...can mean a bad neighborhood.

[dorazine]

First of all, I am very familiar with UMass Boston. Although I never attended I have many friends that do and used to live in a DORM at UMass. UMass does not own its own dorms but sets up leases for students at Harbor Point(n the bay). For about 850 you will get a shared 2BR (Entire room) through UMass Boston (I paid 404 for a split room). Heat, AC and hot water are included (as well as water, state law)

If you go through the school they ask if you want a room or a split room. Pick room and then talk to the roommate or roommates they give you (they are non binding and will provide contact information for them) about your boyfriend. However you can not have ANY PETS outside of a cage and cage pets are also limited.

The dorms are set up as non coed. However once its set up the school has no say. As long as you add you boyfriend to the lease your all set. I actually moved into a female form making it coed.

I love Harbor Point. It gets a bad rap from students since its strict on some issues like parking and visitors. The buildings and apartments themselves are very nice and well kept. There is a pool and fitness center. Its situated right across the street from The Peninsula (Another, more expensive UMass Boston privatized dorm) and UMass Boston, walking distance from JFK\UMass.

If you really really want your pets, your best bet is to live in Worcester or Providence on that budget.

[unit731]

None of this will work with dogs.

[chaxey]

With the dogs, your only option is going to be Dorchester or Quincy with a private landlord that will allow the pets (you should have started calling around 3 months ago). Minimum, you're looking at 1100 for a 1 bedroom, and it probably won't be nice - IF you can find one (unless you are in one of dorchester's less appealing (read ghetto) neighborhoods. People will tell you Dorchester is unsafe, which is not true. PARTS of dorchester are not safe, not all.

[lz1982]

I live in Quincy and there are many one bedrooms in the $1000-$1100 range with heat included. For a two-bedroom, I'd think $1200 or more. However, not too many places around here allow pets.

For $850, you'd probably be looking at a studio even in a less expensive neighborhood.