New to Boston (Cambridge, Newton, Brookline: apartments, rent, condo)

[NYCRN]

Hello Everyone:

I will be moving to Boston in the next 2 years and would appreciate any advice given. I am a 38 year-old female, single, and an RN. I will be traveling to Boston in October to look around and start making plans for this move. Here are my current needs:

1. Will first rent and can afford up to $1,500.00 a month. I will most likely work in a hospital in Boston, so what areas should I consider?

2. I do not have a car and don't really want to buy one. Is it feasible to live in Boston without a car? I'm from NYC, so I am used to public transportation.

3. I'm single but looking to meet people, so what are good areas given my age.

4. Do most apartments have elevators or are they walk-ups?

5. Can anyone tell me what the salary is like for an RN with 3 years of experience? It has been difficult trying to get info. from hospitals.

Thanks for any help!

[NewEnglandGal]

HI there, You really don't need a car in Boston, but if you ever want to get out of town, you sure do! The T (subway) service drops you off in a walking range of just about everything. It's considering a walking city - you can do the whole thing in a day and I have. I have a car, I use it if to leave the city and to go shopping. The commuter rails is decent for getting out of town as well.

There are many hospitals downtown - all accessible by the T. There are also a few hospitals that are off the T-line, but not to farl Newton Wellesly, etc. You can take the commuter rail to these.

Many of the buildings are older/renovated building and often do not have elvators. If you live in downtown or rent in a new condo complex, your more likely to have an elecator.

I would think that areas that may be good for your lifestyle/age if you want to stay in the city would be Brookline (bus & some parts near the T),The North End (T and walking) , South Boston (Bus and T), parts of cambridge (Bus and T).

Your budget is really going to make the difference 1Brs run from 900-$2K+.

Best of luck!

[MagicTouch]

NYCRN - Apt's can be pricey, I just rented a 2bdr/2bath in Beford for about 2k a month. The 1 bdrs are around 1500 a month. I'm moving in 6 weeks from CA, it's been my understanding that you don't really need a car, but being from CA I will be bringing my truck with me.

Best wishes to you on your move !!

[slang75]

Cambridge would be another option. There are a couple hospitals - Youville, Mt. Auburn and Cambridge Hospital come to mind. All are near Harvard Sq. You could easily afford a nice apt in Cambridge and walk to work. Cambridge has the young college crowd, but also an older professional crowd. There are lots of bars and restaurants in the area.