Best bang for your buck in Boston (studio/1BR)

[Pear Martini]

You can find a studio in Cleveland circle off the green line Reservoir D/Cleveland Circle C for $1,100 per month and keep the car.

They also have very small studios all around the St.Marys T stop off the C-line (10 minute walk to Kenmore) for around $1100-$1300. You could possibly even keep the car still.


Thats my 2 cents.

[Pear Martini]

Waltham is expensive (surprisingly). I guess given its proximity to many offices and towns like Newton and Wellesley. I hear the schools there suck.

I thought about moving out to Waltham to save money but the prices are almost as bad as Newton and Brookline. Seriously, for what? To live in a bleak suburb with several office parks?

[Cliff Clavin]

Originally Posted by Pear Martini

I thought about moving out to Waltham to save money but the prices are almost as bad as Newton and Brookline. Seriously, for what? To live in a bleak suburb with several office parks?

Don't forget Bentley and Brandies Universities. I think BU has a campus in Watham as well. I'm sure these schools add $100s per month to the cost of rentals.

[Pear Martini]

Originally Posted by Cliff Clavin

Don't forget Bentley and Brandies Universities. I think BU has a campus in Watham as well. I'm sure these schools add $100s per month to the cost of rentals.

This is true. Waltham still does not seem worth it for the high rent unless you work or study in Waltham.

[mchan1]

Originally Posted by Bench Warmer

As it stand now, I live in Waltham in a 3BR/2.5 BA with 3 room mates. My portion of the rent is $800 + utilities. All in all is cost about $1000 to live here. Then I have my car payment, auto ins, gas, and parking, which add up to nearly $1000 a month.

I want to get rid of the car and all the expenses that come with it and move into the city. I also want to be able to save money in the process. I'd like to live in the city for around $1300 + utilities..


If I can't make Back Bay area work, where could I live in the boston area with out a car on that budget? Living really close to a T line would be crucial.

I'd like to simplfy my live a little and get the city experience for a few years. But maybe I can't afford it..........

Back Bay is considered one of the most expensive areas to live in.

Try places like JP, Allston/Brighton (Oak Square), Watertown, Somerville, parts of Cambridge but away from MIT/Harvard... that's a wide area to search from. Parts of Newton are good also. But regardless where you look, remember to find a place that's close to a T stop.

For ~$1,300, it should be enough for at least a studio, if not a 1BD, apartment but you won't know the size of it or the condition until you check out the place.

It's admirable to ditch the car, but, what if you need it for whatever reason? You'll need to consider shopping as part of your routine activity. Renting a car is relatively expensive. Also, you'll need to consider the cost of the monthly commuting cost (i.e. T pass).

You could still share an apartment in town so that's another possibility to save expenses unless you want your privacy and want your own place.

Good luck!

[jbub22]

2405 South Main St, South Walpole, Ma is a nice place. No rent, rooms are furnished along with daily meals. Also, I am pretty sure that you will find some "bang for your buck."