Moving to Boston, Advice Needed!

[sharencare]

I don't know if I would call you a fool for commuting from Southie to Chestnut Hill. But your car insurance rates are going to be a lot more, and you're going to hate the parking situation. You also have to understand that drivers are more aggressive in the interior of Boston though I heard Chestnut Hill has it's share of uncivil drivers.

But as a longtime Southie resident of almost 30 years (I grew up there), I think the area is overrated. It's only convenient if you work in Downtown or the South End and are willing to ditch the car. I've done the Menton, Flour, and Drink scene near the Seaport, which is cool, but you can easily walk to those businesses from Downtown. The rest of the neighborhood is mostly residential, full of three deckers and warehouses. I lived in South Boston all through my 20s and there's not much to do, and my friends with cars hated visiting our apartment because the parking was so tough and they kept getting into accidents. I mostly met up with my friends in Fenway, Back Bay, Downtown, and the South End to absorb the culture (theaters, museums, games) and night scene (bars, restaurants). There's also dives and pubs in South Boston, but as a minority, I never really felt welcomed to just walk in with my diverse set of friends.

[greasechops]

Originally Posted by timberline742

What type of "nightlife" are you into? That makes a big difference. JP has an active underground music scene and loads of shows. If you're talking dance clubs or whatnot, JP isn't the place for that.

I'm definitely into alternative music and enjoy live shows. One of my favorite bars in Portland, Maine usually has a local band playing that I love. I like the occasional nightclub, too. JP definitely sounds fun, I'm on a waiting list for the new 225 Centre Apartments right off Jackson Square, but I've read some people say the area is a bit sketchy. Since I'll need my vehicle, it seems like a perfect commute to Chestnut Hill, while orange line would be great for getting into South End, Faneuil Hall, etc. on days off/some nights.

[sharencare]

Obviously, exercise caution because you are in a city. But for what it's worth, I have friends that live 5-10 blocks west of Jackson Square near the Angell MSPCA and Whole Foods, and I never felt unsafe driving through or visiting that area. I think the best thing to do is take a tour of the area and see how you feel. Also, check a BPD crime map and MBTA crime report by station. Most of Boston is very safe.

[greasechops]

Yeah, this is steps from the Jackson Square stop, so it might be a bit risky. The apartments themselves look quite safe, but it's definitely something to consider. Ideally, I'd like to ditch my car and get somewhere close to the Green Line, like in Fenway/Kenmore. I know it would take a while should I commute during rush hour on that line, but to me ditching the car is ideal.