Moving from Chicago to Boston with a 1 year old- where to live?

[thehescher]

Originally Posted by porterhouse

We lived in the Back Bay and now in Cambridge. While I loved the Back Bay and do miss it from time to time, Cambridge is much more conducive to children IMO. MANY more parks and playgrounds, more living space for your $, easier parking, less expensive baby sitters, more down to earth parents, etc. It's still urban, but with some space to breathe. I think it will remind you of some of the near in Chicago neighborhoods. We are less than 10 min to the Back Bay and the commute to the Seaport is fairly quick via T or car. Mid-Cambridge, Riverside. and Agassiz are the places I'd look. The Port is also an up and coming area. (http://www.cambridgema.gov/~/media/F...ndex.pdf?la=en)

How long of a commute is it from Cambridge to Seaport?

[porterhouse]

Originally Posted by thehescher

How long of a commute is it from Cambridge to Seaport?

For me it takes less than 25 min front door to South Station (and that includes a 1/2 mile walk to the Harvard or Central Red line stop from my house). Figure another 10 minutes via foot or Silver line depending on where you are going in the Seaport. I had a 9a meeting at the Vertex building in the Seaport last week and left my house a bit after 8a. Taking public transportation, I still had time to grab a coffee and check messages before my meeting.

If driving it takes 10-20 min even at peak times. However if you are in the farther reaches of Cambridge, anywhere beyond Harvard Square (e.g. Huron Village, Porter Square, West Cambridge) the commute by car can take considerably longer at peak times.

[emm74]

I would look at the North End too, it's becoming more family oriented and is a fun place itself, and close to everything downtown Boston offers and could even be a walkable commute for your husband.

[Partial Observer]

Originally Posted by arumwati

Chicago is nice place why u moving

I've heard tell of mid- to high-level executives being forced to relocate at gunpoint. Sometimes they even threaten to throw in a company car, stock options, and a mistress.

[sawyer2]

Originally Posted by thehescher

We've also lived in Bucktown, Old Town, River West, and Lincoln Park, with the latter being my favorite place to live with kids.

Back Bay and upper South End are probably the most similar to the nicer streets in lincoln park/lake view .... but are more expensive.

[SalamanderSmile]

I would imagine that being relo'd at the $250-300k/yr price point comes with a relo realtor and concierge, you should really lean on those services to find you the right fit.

[sharencare]

Originally Posted by thehescher

Thank you for your help! Being new to the city I'd like easy accessibility to the city so I can explore as well. Would it be easy to get to the city with my son from Jamaica Plain? I would definitely be looking to meet people, set up playdates, have kid friendly activities close by, etc. Does Back Bay, Beacon Hill, or the South End make it easy to do those things? I have a feeling my husband may want to be closer to downtown, although space may be a problem.

Jamaica Plain is part of the City of Boston, so it has an Orange Line subway line that directly connects to Ruggles (e.g. museums, hospitals, Fenway Park), Back Bay (shopping, restaurants), Chinatown (restaurants), Downtown Crossing (movie theater, public garden), and the North End (restaurants and bakeries). But it would take your husband 45-50 minutes to commute by subway/bus to the Seaport. But there are more families in Jamaica Plain because the parks are beautiful and you get more space for your money. There's also a strong sense of community, which you might not get in Back Bay. I think people are just a little bit more open and friendly in the western neighborhoods of Boston. When I first moved to Roslindale, our neighbors walked up to us to introduce themselves and gave us welcome gifts. We were immediately invited to a block party. I don't know if you'll get that kind of red carpet treatment in the denser parts of Boston. When I was in South Boston, I never used the local businesses (which were mostly pizza shops, pubs, or liquor stores) or venture into the Seaport (ok, there are a couple of new, trendy restaurants and the Children's Museum). Most of the places we went to were in Cambridge or the South End. Now that we're in the Roslindale and Jamaica Plain area though, we've found the local business selection to be more varied and interesting. I actually like buying all my meat, fish, bread, and cheese from individual specialty stores (quality as good or better than Whole Foods, but more affordable) and getting advice and information from the local business owners. I feel more comfortable hanging out at the local cafe with a stroller and wouldn't feel weird about striking up a conversation with another mother there--because I know she'll likely be living nearby.

I still think South End is probably your best bet because it balances family friendly and urban density with a decent commute for your partner. It would especially fit your criteria if you are looking for an urban living experience before moving to the suburbs. There aren't as many cutesy parades and family activities, but at least there are craft fairs, farmer's markets, and playgrounds

As for playdates and meeting other parents, you can try joining GardenMoms on Bigtent. There's also JPMoms, but you have to have an address in Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, West Roxbury, or Mission Hill. Sometimes there are neighborhood Facebook groups too.