Boston neighborhood for a young professional commuter via the T?? (Cambridge: 2014, leases)

[Tor_Nado]

I'm looking to spend anywhere from $1,000 - $1,300 per month for a studio or 1br, as close as possible to downtown Boston in a neighborhood that's safe with other professionals.

[timberline742]

So, are blue collar neighborhoods out with that last bit about "professionals"? I mean, there are lots of mixed neighborhoods (East Somerville, Quincy, parts of JP, etc) that might fit the bill, but they have a blue collar vibe (well, maybe not JP, ha).

[Urban Peasant]

Cambridge and Somerville are among the hippest places for professionals of all ages (given that Harvard, Tufts, MIT, and Lesley Universities are all nearby is no surprise). You might be able to get something for that price range though competition is getting incredibly fierce in past years. Jamaica Plain is another good choice. All are close to Downtown Boston and are safe for the most part.

Another possible choice is Quincy which is more affordable than the aforementioned places and is connected to Downtown Boston via Red Line rapid transit and commuter rail but is slightly further away. Same goes with Watertown and Waltham, both of which are connected to Downtown Boston via express bus but then again are further away.

[silverbelles]

I would suggest Mission Hill/Back of the Hill area. Your price range fits the studios in the area ($1200-$1300) and the neighborhood has a mix of students and med professionals. The E-branch of the Green Line takes maybe...15 mins into Copley, tops (unless it's rush hour). You would also be very close to Jamaica Plain should you want to interact more with more young professionals, albeit slightly more eclectic.

[t1986]

Given your price range, you should have some good options. For studios, at least. Anyway, I went to college there and lived there for a bit after. One thing I can tell you is to avoid anything on the B line. It was the worst area I have ever lived in. My roommates and I were 23, 24, & 25 at the time and we were the oldest people in the building. The whole area is young college students, and not ideal for anyone who has to work every day.

[d617]

Heard they are going to be placing a commuter rail stop in Brighton. So, maybe look there. Also, 501 bus would get you downtown very easily and quickly every morning as well. I would look more at Brighton Center and Oak Square.

[millerm277]

Originally Posted by d617

Heard they are going to be placing a commuter rail stop in Brighton. So, maybe look there.

Maybe if you were buying a property. Leases are usually a year and it isn't scheduled to open until at least 2014....and we know "ahead of schedule" isn't very likely with the MBTA.

So no, don't move there if you wanted that commuter rail service because it probably won't have even started before you leave.