Finding a job in Boston... (apartment, rent, to buy)

[JSizzle]

I am considering moving to Boston from Northern California (Sonoma County), but I have concerns about finding a decent paying job in the finance industry. I have a college degree and 3 years experience in the field. In order to maintain my same lifestyle I will need to make a minimum of $50K/year.
I visited Boston in January & fell in love with the city. Can I afford to live there?

[MagicTouch]

I would say that depends on what you have in the way of current debit. I moved from SoCal in Oct. '07' and have found that the cost of rent is about the same as SoCal, but the cost of groceries is higher. As a simple example, in CA I had two lemon trees and two orange trees so fruit and such isn't really expensive, but here two small lemons will cost you almost $2. So there will be some sticker shock. The cost of gas is a little cheaper. Oh and you can't buy liquor in a grocery store (not even wine or beer), you have to go to a liquor store (better known as a Packie)to buy alcohol.

So I would say it depends on what you are looking for and where you want to live. Boston is great as is so much of MA.
I would say yes, but I don't know what your current standards really are or what you are really looking for!!

Best Wishes to you on a new job and relocation!!

[seldomseen]

Originally Posted by JSizzle

I am considering moving to Boston from Northern California (Sonoma County), but I have concerns about finding a decent paying job in the finance industry. I have a college degree and 3 years experience in the field. In order to maintain my same lifestyle I will need to make a minimum of $50K/year.
I visited Boston in January & fell in love with the city. Can I afford to live there?

$50k is basically peanuts when it comes to the high cost of living in Boston.
Do an apartment search on craigslist or rent.com to get a better idea of the cost of rent in Boston. You will be able to find more affordable housing options within a 10-15 miles radius outside of Boston.

[missionhill]

Lots of jobs in the finance industry in Boston so, assuming your quals and experience are attractive, no reason why a well paying job should not come your way. Like S.F., Boston has a financial district. It's not London or N.Y., but a big sector nonetheless. Also, I'm thinking that if you loved it in January you'll really love it the rest of the year. It's one thing to be captivated by Boston in June or October, but January (for many people) is another story. Good luck!

[M504]

Originally Posted by MagicTouch

I would say that depends on what you have in the way of current debit. I moved from SoCal in Oct. '07' and have found that the cost of rent is about the same as SoCal, but the cost of groceries is higher. As a simple example, in CA I had two lemon trees and two orange trees so fruit and such isn't really expensive, but here two small lemons will cost you almost $2. So there will be some sticker shock. The cost of gas is a little cheaper. Oh and you can't buy liquor in a grocery store (not even wine or beer), you have to go to a liquor store (better known as a Packie)to buy alcohol.

So I would say it depends on what you are looking for and where you want to live. Boston is great as is so much of MA.
I would say yes, but I don't know what your current standards really are or what you are really looking for!!

Best Wishes to you on a new job and relocation!!

are you serious, grocery stores in MA sell liqour and wine and beer, and liquour stores are open until 6-9 on sunday and 11 on weekdays/ends

[gamsauer]

Originally Posted by M504

are you serious, grocery stores in MA sell liqour and wine and beer, and liquour stores are open until 6-9 on sunday and 11 on weekdays/ends

Do they sell it in grocery stores outside of Boston? I haven't found a place in Boston that sells it in the grocery stores. I don't mind going to the liquor store as there is one just down the hill from me.

[jayrandom]

Originally Posted by M504

are you serious, grocery stores in MA sell liqour and wine and beer, and liquour stores are open until 6-9 on sunday and 11 on weekdays/ends

Question 1 failed, so although grocery stores can sell beer and wine, only three per chain are allowed such special privileges. For the most part, chain grocery stores do not sell beer, wine, or any other liquor.

[MagicTouch]

yeah ... I know I've been shopping at 5 locally to me and not one sells at the grocery store. Guess someone is lucky enough to live close to one that does, or can go to Costco.

[JSizzle]

Thank you for responding to my post. I feel more confident now that I will be able to find a decent paying job. It's also always good to know about the alcohol situation...

[John Whalen]

If you need some short-term jobs to tide you over til you find a permanent one might want to consider checking out Jobaphiles - money you need, jobs you love