Relocating to Boston-best neighborhoods to live (Cambridge, Somerville: transplants, apartment, to rent)

[jazzychik]

I am relocating to Boston and will be working in the downtown area. I'm a young professional looking to rent a place easily accessible to the T. I'm currently looking at the North End, Charlestown, Southie, Somerville, and Brookline neighborhoods. Any suggestions on good areas?

[495neighbor]

Originally Posted by jazzychik

I am relocating to Boston and will be working in the downtown area. I'm a young professional looking to rent a place easily accessible to the T. I'm currently looking at the North End, Charlestown, Southie, Somerville, and Brookline neighborhoods. Any suggestions on good areas?

all are good if you can afford them

[Verseau]

Do you have any budget limitations? Anything else you're looking for in a neighborhood?

Most of Southie relies on buses rather than the T; plus, the areas around Broadway and particularly Andrew stations are the less desirable parts of the neighborhood. Southie is quiet and has access to the ocean/beaches, but it's not exactly the most exciting neighborhood for a young professional, IMO.

Charlestown is beautiful, but, like Southie, some parts of the neighborhood can feel a little isolated. If you're close to the Community College stop then you'll have great T access. Parts of the neighborhood are also walkable to the North End. You'll have to evaluate the location of each apartment. Again, I love Charlestown but I don't think it's exactly a hotbed of excitement for a young person.

The North End is really in the heart of all the action. Your money won't get you a lot of space here, of course.

Where are you looking in Somerville? Currently, there is only one T stop in the city (Davis Square - Red Line), with another on the eastern edge of the city (Sullivan Square - Orange Line). More stations will be built as the Green Line extension starts wrapping up in 3-5 years, but for the moment most of the city relies on bus routes. Davis Square is a fantastic choice for a young professional. East Somerville is less desirable.

Coolidge Corner in Brookline is also a great neighborhood for young professionals.

I didn't see Cambridge on your list, but I would definitely look into the Central Square, Harvard Square, and Porter Square neighborhoods along the Red Line. These are all hotspots for young professionals.

If money isn't an object, then Beacon Hill, Back Bay, and the South End are all worth looking into. They are probably the most aesthetically beautiful neighborhoods in the city, and pretty much in the heart of everything. If you're looking for more breathing room and space for your money, look into Jamaica Plain, ideally between the Orange Line and Centre St. If money actually is a major concern, then check out East Boston, specifically Jeffries Point or the areas around the Maverick and Airport stops - this is an up-and-coming area that is attracting more young professionals due to the easy access to downtown Boston via the Blue Line.

[Cliff Clavin]

Originally Posted by Verseau

Most of Southie relies on buses rather than the T; plus, the areas around Broadway and particularly Andrew stations are the less desirable parts of the neighborhood. Southie is quiet and has access to the ocean/beaches, but it's not exactly the most exciting neighborhood for a young professional, IMO.

Actually the area around the Broadway T has become the most desirable, and as a result most expensive, part of Southie. Rents at 11 and 50 W Broadway are high 2ks and mid 3ks for 1 and 2 bedrooms. Studios in the new West Square are starting at $2,200. There's even a 14 story, 156 room boutique hotel w/roofdeck pool and lounge planned for the lot next to The Cornerstone.

Andrew Sq is still Andrew Sq.

[flowbe202]

Originally Posted by Cliff Clavin

Actually the area around the Broadway T has become the most desirable, and as a result most expensive, part of Southie. Rents at 11 and 50 W Broadway are high 2ks and mid 3ks for 1 and 2 bedrooms. Studios in the new West Square are starting at $2,200. There's even a 14 story, 156 room boutique hotel w/roofdeck pool and lounge planned for the lot next to The Cornerstone.

Andrew Sq is still Andrew Sq.

Ditto. Southie and adjacent Fort Point is the new South End. More new high end units and restaurants.

Fenway is also another good choice when budget is not an issue.

[snatale1]

Originally Posted by jazzychik

I am relocating to Boston and will be working in the downtown area. I'm a young professional looking to rent a place easily accessible to the T. I'm currently looking at the North End, Charlestown, Southie, Somerville, and Brookline neighborhoods. Any suggestions on good areas?

Out of that list I'd say Brookline, all of those places are overpriced but that's where I'd live if I were to pick one. Also, not sure that it matters to you (does to some people for some reason) but Brookline isn't a Boston neighborhood, it's an independent town.

[Gauss44]

Money aside, I would aim for: Downtown, West End, Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, South End, Southie (South Boston right across the footbridge from Downtown), maybe Chinatown, maybe Theater District, North End, Haymarket/Government Center, Cambridge, and Somerville.

[dapeaz]

I have to ask, why does Jamaica Plain get so few votes? Not that I've ever been there, but from my extensive research over the past month or two, it seems very attractive, especially for transplants who want amenities at their fingertips.

[timberline742]

Originally Posted by dapeaz

I have to ask, why does Jamaica Plain get so few votes? Not that I've ever been there, but from my extensive research over the past month or two, it seems very attractive, especially for transplants who want amenities at their fingertips.

Ok, I have nothing against JP, but something you have to get about the Boston area.

There is the JP/Roslindale side, and the Cambridge/Somerville side (and associated suburbs).

Rarely shall the twain meet.

There are lots of similarities, but very different circles.

I lived in Somerville for, oh, 10 years or so in my 30s and dated a ton, went to see bands (I was very involved in the music scene), hung out with loads of people, worked in Cambridge and Boston, and rarely went to JP. Just getting there and back is a pain, either driving or on the T. Dating someone over there was all but a dealbreaker.

There were parallel people in JP doing the same things, doing awesome bands, great art, being cool, etc... but it was over there, like another world.

I might be exaggerating a little, but from what I saw with me and my friends, not much.

I just think on here there are more people familiar with the Cambridge/Somerville/Western Suburbs scene than the JP scene. That's all. It's cool there, just not MY scene, if you feel me.

[dapeaz]

I think I know exactly what you mean and realize how that can be considering the lack of connection (geographically and T-wise) between the two areas. One of the drawbacks I've definitely noticed as I find myself attracted to JP is that Cambridge/Somerville will certainly not be my stomping grounds, even on the weekends. What I'm guessing is that when you have JP, JP/Boston proper is your neighborhood, whereas over in the other neck of the woods, you get Cambridge, Somerville, Medford, Arlington, etc. This is all why I feel I'm feeling the increasing importance of visiting before getting too excited about one area or the other, although it's likely I have a bad taste in my mouth from my exposure to the night life in Harvard Square the couple of nights I spent there.