Boston after college? (real estate, apartments, rent)

[radraja]

Okay, so this is the year. I'm relocating for grad school, and one of my options is in Boston.

But the thing is, I also want to settle down a bit. Maybe buy a small house or condo. After this move, I want to be stationary for awhile. I don't want to have to move away again right after I finish school. I have money saved, so cost isn't a huge concern.

So, I'm wondering...I know that Boston is a big college town, but I also get the impression that pretty much all of students move away after they finish school. What's the deal? Is there a decent job market for educated people in their mid to late 20s?

[lavieestbelle]

There is a decent job market for educated people in their 20's, but most people I know rent apartments and have roommates. You'll have to have a lot of money saved up if you want to purchase a house or a condo. A LOT.
Maybe you could find something more affordable if you live outside the city a bit, but New England is really pricey. Not sure where you are coming from, though. Good luck!

[K-Luv]

Originally Posted by radraja

So, I'm wondering...I know that Boston is a big college town, but I also get the impression that pretty much all of students move away after they finish school. What's the deal? Is there a decent job market for educated people in their mid to late 20s?

There is a decent job market, but you got to keep in mind that Boston has a good number of schools that are internationally known; they attract students from all over the country as well as the world. Many people move to Boston for the specific reason to attend college. Once they do that they then either go back home or move on to the next place in their life. This isn't unique to Boston, by the way, it happens to every town that has a college.

[smarty]

Boston area has about 60 colleges and over 100K students...

Many people came to college and stay in the area (meaning still in Metro Boston.. the suburbs..)

Many decided not to stay because the housing and cost of living is just too expensive. The ones that do not move up fast find it hard to pay $1200-3K for a dinky, small, old apartment; if have a car $100-200/mo just in insurance (not even paying for a car), another $150-300 for parking; plus college loans easily up to $100K. Again... "decent" is a relative terms.... when your parents let you drive a BMW... it is hard to drive a honda civic... That is one of the biggest problem with recent graduates... to live the way "they" want in Boston... the cost here is much higher.

[Bostonian08]

Originally Posted by radraja

So, I'm wondering...I know that Boston is a big college town, but I also get the impression that pretty much all of students move away after they finish school. What's the deal? Is there a decent job market for educated people in their mid to late 20s?

A lot of students stay for quite a while after they graduate, at least in the medical field. They find they like the town, the youth, etc so they hang out for an extended childhood. I'm a perfect example. It's hard to leave, it's just too much fun, and the girls are just too good looking.

[LeavingMA]

I did the Boston thing for a couple years after college, but by age 25 and up I'm tired of dealing with obnoxious college students. That, and even a lot of the people my age aren't that friendly and don't want to meet new people.

There are young people that live around Boston, not everyone leaves after college. With costs very high though, I don't think the amount of young professionals that stay is what it used to be. When you look at other cities in other parts of the country you can get a job paying about the same, get a nicer place, it is more affordable, not deal with the winter weather, and be around friendlier and better looking girls.

[K-Luv]

So, is the cost of living in Boston so high and the wages so low that it seems impossible?

[Bostonian08]

Originally Posted by K-Luv

So, is the cost of living in Boston so high and the wages so low that it seems impossible?

That's simply not true. Boston cost is high and wages are high. It's not as cheap as west Texas or Arizona, but then again you get what you pay for. Any developed society - Bos, NYC, EU - is expensive. If all you want is cheap real estate, strip malls and plenty of free parking, try Phoenix.

[lavieestbelle]

Originally Posted by K-Luv

So, is the cost of living in Boston so high and the wages so low that it seems impossible?

No, it's not impossible. I know plenty of people who aren't making tons of money who enjoy Boston. The sacrifice for me is having to have roommates whereas if I lived in say Indianapolis I could afford to live by myself. The reason I choose to live in Boston is because it's a beautiful city, there's always something to do, I don't need a car, etc. For me the positives outweigh the negatives. I guess you have to decide what is important to you.

[ChunkyMonkey]

Originally Posted by K-Luv

So, is the cost of living in Boston so high and the wages so low that it seems impossible?

Boston wages are amongst the highest in the nation. However, that is not distributed evenly. Obviously if you are in the right field you are fine. But if you are waiting tables it is not so great.