HELP!!! Young professional relocating to Boston...best area to buy a condo?

[stephen n]

I have a condo in Quincy and am very happy here. It's very close to Boston, and you can definitely find something decent in the price range that you mentioned. Btw, I have a great view of Boston

Safety is not an issue where I am - some neighborhoods are better than others, but overall I think that Quincy has a good reputation in that regard.

Commuting to the northern part of the state would a pain. I used to commute from the South Shore to the North Shore, and hated it! So, depending on how frequently you would be doing that, it might be a reason to consider someplace else.

Also, Quincy isn't known for it's exciting night life. However, being so close to Boston might be able to make up for that.

Chelsea has some new developments, but it still has a high crime rate, so I wouldn't recommend investing there now.

As HowGoesIt mentioned, renting for a year might be a good strategy, while you familiarize yourself with the area.

[LCT]

Originally Posted by lhawkin1

Anyone heard of the Carruth on "Dot Ave." Dorchester? I know the sterotypes of Dorchester, but with the new Ashmont T and several innovative businesses going in, I'm wondering if it would be worth a second glance?

I would call the area "in transition"; I'd wait a while & see how it progresses. At present, personally I'd avoid making a commitment to the area especially if you'd be outside after dark (and don't forget when the time changes in winter it gets dark around 4:30PM). If there's no secured area for parking, you're likely to find your car and/or it's contents missing in the morning.

[jayrandom]

Originally Posted by Bostonian08

I agree with howGoes. If you're young, live IN town. You'll beat the traffic and if you want fun, it's here, not there. You might like the Fenway. Check out this graph.

http://pics4.city-data.com/zag/za02215.png


And here's what the neighborhood looks like:

Stroll Around Boston 10-9-06 - a photoset on Flickr

IMG_0888_1 on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Are there really two times as many 20 something women as men there? Where do all the men live?

[ScranBarre]

Whatever you decide be sure it's within an easy walk of the "T." When my friends and I vacationed in Massachusetts in 2006 we stayed at a home in Sandwich, on Cape Cod, and then drove to park our car at a "T" station just south of town in the suburb of Braintree. We took that into the city and cruised by miles of stalled rush hour traffic along Route 3 and I-93. We took it to Boston Commons, the Back Bay, and the Fenway Park area. It was wonderful! Take advantage of mass transit if you can!

[LCT]

Originally Posted by ScranBarre

Whatever you decide be sure it's within an easy walk of the "T." When my friends and I vacationed in Massachusetts in 2006 we stayed at a home in Sandwich, on Cape Cod, and then drove to park our car at a "T" station just south of town in the suburb of Braintree. We took that into the city and cruised by miles of stalled rush hour traffic along Route 3 and I-93. We took it to Boston Commons, the Back Bay, and the Fenway Park area. It was wonderful! Take advantage of mass transit if you can!

ScranBarre,

Haven't I seen a lot of posts by you on the NEPA pages? You seem like a very amicable, knowledgeable person. Would you be available for a discussion on the pros/cons of relocating from the Boston area to the Lancaster PA area? It's either Lancaster or home to Pittsburgh; I cannot make a decision. I'm getting ready to flip a coin; if it stays in the air, I'll stay here....

[Rapidly aging] baby-boomer, SWF with elderly handicap mother in tow. I'm on a fixed income, getting priced right out of here and am nervous about the future, especially with our midget, spend-aholic governor.

[ScranBarre]

Originally Posted by LCT

ScranBarre,

Haven't I seen a lot of posts by you on the NEPA pages? You seem like a very amicable, knowledgeable person. Would you be available for a discussion on the pros/cons of relocating from the Boston area to the Lancaster PA area? It's either Lancaster or home to Pittsburgh; I cannot make a decision. I'm getting ready to flip a coin; if it stays in the air, I'll stay here....

[Rapidly aging] baby-boomer, SWF with elderly handicap mother in tow. I'm on a fixed income, getting priced right out of here and am nervous about the future, especially with our midget, spend-aholic governor.

Good morning. Sorry I haven't noticed your reply until today. Scranton, PA, my area, is a good 3-hour haul from Lancaster, PA, so I'm not exactly the best resource to contact about that area. I've vacationed there several times and found the area to be pleasant, albeit sprawly, but your best bet would likely be to post your own new threads on the PA forum or use the advanced search feature to look for threads about Lancaster in PA. Best of luck!

[Cube2]

I'm biased, I've lived in Southie for 8 years. Always safe, no problems. One of the best neighborhoods for your money -- you still get a little more for what you pay (i.e., parking garages, new construction, SF). You're right on top of downtown Boston, and easy to get in and out of the city. Public transportation and all major highways are five minutes away. Definitely lots on the market, but it's because most of them are new. Great outdoor space as well. Can't really swim in the harbor, but you have a beach!

[maggiekate]

first of all, just rent-Your money then will buy more in J.P. check out the centre st and pond area. anyway, I just would in the days now be a happy free renter. also you you are just starting, therefore, why worry! J.P. is not really so bad! I like Southie, however, why pay the high overhead, when you may save the left over? rent first.

[HurrMark]

Price-wise, you can't beat Quincy...you can easily get a 200k-250k condo. Elsewhere in the area, that is pretty much a pipe dream. Nightlife might not be as great as in the other areas, but keep in mind you're a 20 minute 'T' ride to downton Boston.

A bit off topic, but as a new grad, just make sure you can afford a condo before you make the leap. A 200-300k condo would run you about $1,500 to $2,500 a month when everything is taken into consideration...you know there's a big crisis in this country, so make sure you're ready before you do anything.