Boston Move??? (Newton, Brookline, Canton: real estate, rentals, condos)

[SeaMove]

Hello All...I am considering a move to the Boston area in Spring of 08. I am originally from the East coast and now living in MI. I am mid 30's, single, female, consultant who is looking for some suggestions on areas to check out.

Here are some items I am taking into consideration for my move:

1. Condo
2. Relatively easy commute to airport
3. Close to downtown but also in an area easy to get out of the city to head out to do some outdoorsy activities - hiking, winter skiing, boating on a lake, etc.

Is it possible to find that kind of balance in the area? If so, what areas should I consider.

Thanks in advance for your input!

[smarty]

As I always told my boss... any or every thing is possible... it is just a matter of time and money.

You can live downtown, back bay, Jamaica Plain, Chestnut hill, Newton or Brookline... all fairly easy to the airport

Charles river for sailing and canoe...
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Charles River Canoe & Kayak :: Sales, Rentals, Trips, Instruction, and Gear in Massachusetts
Community Boating - Boston, MA

Arboretum for outdoor activites
Arnold Arboretum

[SeaMove]

Thanks for the info...where do most people take off to ski in the winter..New Hampshire??

[smarty]

Depend on time and budget and weather...
- The best ski, snowboard, and mountain resort guide since 1994!

Within MA... all within 1hr
Blue Hills in Canton
Nashoba Valley in Westford
Wachusett Mountain Ski Area in Princeton

Then.. NH, ME or VT... 1hr-3hrs

Before the US$$$ went down... people actually find it cheaper to ski in Canada... 5hr drive to Montreal/Quebec.

For the real good skiing... Utah or Colorado.

[beachlady58]

I can tell you first hand it is great - so much to do and so many educated people who never leave after college (me too). You can be on the beach or on the ski slope in a matter of time - I usually ski at waterville Valley NH for cheap rates and convenience - VT is more NY priced. The south shore has many nice beaches (many are private in the summer months) and there is even a train that will take you to Manchester and Singing Beach - and that is worth it. Living is cheaper than NYC and there is something for everyone. Go fo it!

[smarty]

I found this useless statistics.... as the pretty ones... never have problem finding guys...

Moderator cut: link removed

http://www.census.gov/population/pop...mic/AgeSex.pdf

Oops.. I forget to mention there are more younger men than women in US (Age below 29)...

[SeaMove]

Thanks BeachLady58...that is interesting insight! Right now I am basically trying to decide if I will head to Boston or go PacNW like Portland or Seattle. My family is still on the East Coast so I am sure they would love for me to move back. I have done some searching on the real estate side...Back Bay area seems cool..is Dorchester OK?

Is it fairly easy to meet people there and make some friends?

[adambos]

I currently live in the back bay myself, and I can tell you first hand, especially after living in other areas of the city, that it is by far my favorite. Everything is VERY convienent (anything I want is basically within 2 blocks) From organic grocieries, to any shopping to subway, EVERYTHING is literally steps from my door. Although expensive, I wouldnt wantto be anywhere else in Boston. As far as Dorchester goes, there will be people here who will tell you its fine, however you should know that while some parts are ok, as a whole it is the msot dangerous section of the city. Homicides in Boston are almost always in Dorchester, and while most are gang related, if you are like me, you dont really want to be around that. Plus its just not centrally located. Anyway, hope this helps, let me know if you have any back bay questions. :-)

[SeaMove]

Very good input...thanks. So if I am doing some real estate searching what areas should I be including? I am just not that familiar with the breakdown of areas.

[haberstroh]

Check out South Boston...this is a changing neighborhood. Still a little run down but developing fast. Gentrification is what they call it :-). There will be a lot more stores, restaurants, pubs in the future. I think it is a cool place for young people and very centrally located. Condos might still be affordable there, for Boston standards. Or if you have more money you can live right by the new Green Way, the former Central Artery Area. Very nice neighborhood between the water and downtown......Ah if I did not have kids we would so live in the City. Boston is great! Keep us posted where you end up!