Black/Puerto Rican Lesbian Couple - Accepted in Boston & Surrounding Areas? (Cambridge: house)

[desilina]

I've been lurking these boards, and decided to join.

Me and my partner are both in our mid-20's, both of us are mixed (black and puerto rican), and as already stated, we are lesbians. We are trying to find our place in the world, and would enjoy a city atmosphere (where places stay open past 2AM!!) mixed with a bit of suburbia (where we can enjoy the quiet times). And most important - a place where our racial/ethnic background doesn't cause stares and constant questions (what are you mixed with?). Additionally, we want to be able to walk down the street as a couple, and not as 'friends' - because we are engaged and preparing for marriage.

Here's the situation as of now: I'm a Queens native. I miss it so much, but the $$$ needed just to keep a residence is not worth it. My family is all over NYC, so we would like to stay on the east coast. My partner is from New Jersey, but also has family in Killadelphia (Philly), and we currently live near there. WE HATE IT HERE. Never have I been more aware of my race than in Pennsylvania. Anyway... we want to get married, live a normal life (not boring, but normal if that makes any sense), not have ignorant people stare, etc.

What areas are decent, with less crime than Killadelphia, diverse enough where we are not questioned about our backgrounds, and OK with lesbian couples?? Oh - and affordable but not ghetto (under $1000 per month for rent). If we like the area, we would consider buying a home. Renting first however...

Thank you

ETA: forgot to mention that we will be looking to move in 2009 (just renewed our current lease to save up - rent is cheap.), and we should have a car by then. Currently using SEPTA (HORRIBLE in every sense of the word - don't get me started), and would like the option of using public transportation in combination with a car. :-)

[eevee]

the first place that popped out in my mind was Jamaica Plain (JP). it's pretty diverse (mostly a Hispanic neighborhood but lots of blacks and whites live there as well) and accepting of gays. however, parts of JP are sketchy (mostly the areas near the Forest Hills and Jackson Sq. T stops), I can't recall any places that will be opened past 2am (in JP or in Boston in general- Boston bars and clubs tend to close early and public transportation ends by 1am), it isn't really surburban, and finding anything larger than a 1bed or renovated studio for under $1000 will be difficult. nevertheless, I'd still recommend JP. check out the areas near Centre St. right in the heart of JP, which will be fairly vibrant w/ good public trans options (walking distance to the orange line or take the #39). it will also be easier to find parking in JP if you decide to keep the car

also check out Cambridge. Central, Davis, Porter, Inman, and Union Sqs are all good choices, though apartment prices will vary and parking may be harder to find

[holden125]

By law bars, etc. are closed at 2 AM if not at 1. It was last call at midnight until about 1994. The Boston area in general closes down early, but as you move outside of the immediate area (i.e. Boston, Cambridge, Brookline, Somerville, etc.) it gets very sleepy very fast. 95% of places in Newton Center are closed by 9 or 10. If you're used to NY hours, it's not here.

JP seems like a good place to start, as are the other places eevee listed. JP is not totally suburban but it's not urban like other, more central parts of Boston. It is not that different from many parts of Queens. As eevee says, parts of JP are less safe, and those tend to be the parts where you'll find something under $1000. In the parts of Cambridge and Somerville cited it will be tough to find anything nice under $1000. The whole Boston area is more expensive than Philly, no question.

[redpanda]

JP is totally the place for you, you will feel very welcomed there. I used to live a block "up" from the Forest hills T stop, and never felt terribly unsafe as a young single woman, even getting back from the very last train of the evening. Sure, you have to keep your wits about you, but don't you anywhere?

Jackson Square area at night I can't vouch for.

You will likely have trouble finding anywhere in the Boston area for less than $1000/month. I paid almost that to share with 2 other roommates.

Good luck, I think you will be very happy in Boston.

[willdufauve]

I hope you can come to Massachusetts. The more, the merrier, and you can get legally married here. I would suggest Central Square, Cambridge because my spouse and I met and married there and we're an uncommon configuration.

Also, Northampton. You would get more house for your $1,000 in Noho, be about half way in between Boston and New York, and closer to Philly.

[desilina]

Thank you for the responses! And sorry for replying super late!!

We are currently considering NJ first, since it would be between both of our families (Queens, and Philly). BUT - we are certainly considering Boston, or Mass in general, as an option for marriage and a home purchase once we are financially prepared. :-)

You are all great - and thanks again. :-)

D

[Bostonian08]

Jp is the Lesbian center of Boston, but the South End is the largest Gay Population. You'd be comfortable in either, though JP is more suburbanish than the South End.

Pride Festival here is a blast. You all don't happen to ride motorcycles, do you?

Boston Pride : Home

[desilina]

Great pics!!! Reminds us of NYC Pride!

[bb49]

You might want to give Vancouver a try - decent climate, both in terms of weather and ...........