Best area to live in 32 year old female (Boston, Cambridge: apartments, lease)

[yaeger07]

I disagree that Boston is just behind the Bay area in terms of cost. It's certainly not cheap, and I think OPs budget won't get much here. But my best friend lives in a 1 bedroom apartment in SF with no dining room and pays $3,500/month. It's in a decent area but not amazing (far from the commuter train). It's in a two-family condo building, so no high rise amenities or anything like that. I think a comparable place in Boston would be $500-$1000 less.

[bjimmy24]

Originally Posted by yaeger07

I disagree that Boston is just behind the Bay area in terms of cost. It's certainly not cheap, and I think OPs budget won't get much here. But my best friend lives in a 1 bedroom apartment in SF with no dining room and pays $3,500/month. It's in a decent area but not amazing (far from the commuter train). It's in a two-family condo building, so no high rise amenities or anything like that. I think a comparable place in Boston would be $500-$1000 less.

For the life of me, I don't understand why anybody lives in San Francisco. Sure, pretty place. But overall, completely not worth the cost (Boston barely is) unless you're very wealthy (or on the dole), overrated entertainment and cultural amenities, will eventually be destroyed by earthquakes, etc.

[timberline742]

Originally Posted by bjimmy24

For the life of me, I don't understand why anybody lives in San Francisco. Sure, pretty place. But overall, completely not worth the cost (Boston barely is) unless you're very wealthy (or on the dole), overrated entertainment and cultural amenities, will eventually be destroyed by earthquakes, etc.

Well, I lived there, in Inner Richmond. It wasn't for me, but the weather can't be beat. And there are some great vibes in parts. But it didn't work well with my persona.

Great place to visit though.

[porterhouse]

Originally Posted by timberline742

Well, I lived there, in Inner Richmond. It wasn't for me, but the weather can't be beat.

I lived in SF as well. The weather is good and preferable to the extremes here (for some), but I disagree that it can't be beat. I'd be more partial to Southern Cal or even the Peninsula for weather.

You've got a few beautiful months right now, Sep & Oct are absolutely stunning in SF. After this comes rain season which can last through April (though not the last several years). it's nice not to have humidity in the summer, but the trade off is frequent windy, cold, foggy.

[timberline742]

Originally Posted by porterhouse

I lived in SF as well. The weather is good and preferable to the extremes here (for some), but I disagree that it can't be beat. I'd be more partial to Southern Cal or even the Peninsula for weather.

You've got a few beautiful months right now, Sep & Oct are absolutely stunning in SF. After this comes rain season which can last through April (though not the last several years). it's nice not to have humidity in the summer, but the trade off is frequent windy, cold, foggy.

Oh, I'll take SF over say, San Diego, any day of the week. I never found SF cold. I never, ever, needed more than a sweatshirt or lightest of jackets. I could run outside every single day. But SoCal is just too hot. But each to their own!

[bjimmy24]

Originally Posted by timberline742

Oh, I'll take SF over say, San Diego, any day of the week. I never found SF cold. I never, ever, needed more than a sweatshirt or lightest of jackets. I could run outside every single day. But SoCal is just too hot. But each to their own!

Boston in late September to mid-November is the greatest thing ever, for me personally.

[timberline742]

Originally Posted by bjimmy24

Boston in late September to mid-November is the greatest thing ever, for me personally.

Sure, love that too, but with SF it was effectively year round great weather.

[uclabruins]

Originally Posted by GeePee

[I don't think you will be in much of a different situation here. At your price range it will be tough to find what you are looking for. Especially in walking distance to trader joe's. (Cambridgeport, Brookline, Back Bay)
Maybee something closer to the Newton Location?

I'm open to roommates. Also, I have an icky commute in California. I'd love to cut this in half. It would be great to have a 45 minute or less commute.

[uclabruins]

Originally Posted by tysmith95

Will you have a car?

Yes, my prius.

[uclabruins]

Originally Posted by yaeger07

I disagree that Boston is just behind the Bay area in terms of cost. It's certainly not cheap, and I think OPs budget won't get much here. But my best friend lives in a 1 bedroom apartment in SF with no dining room and pays $3,500/month. It's in a decent area but not amazing (far from the commuter train). It's in a two-family condo building, so no high rise amenities or anything like that. I think a comparable place in Boston would be $500-$1000 less.

I'm thinking the same thing. ALSO, I have friends with great jobs whose landlords keep increasing their rent. It's almost to the point people are getting forced out even if they are great renters. It seems like everything keeps increasing in the bay area and won't stop.