Worried I can't find affordable apartment! (Boston, Cambridge: rentals, chapel, townhomes)

[scorp200]

Guys - I am freaking out. It looks like I'm going to get a job in Cambridge and I'm trying to find a small dog-friendly apartment within a reasonable driving distance (or the T) for under $1300 per month. Really $1100 would be better. Or less.

I'm 40 and don't want to get a roommate.

I have no idea of what to do! The relocation specialist was only able to find ONE listing and that one didn't have a picture (it was in Cambridge though).

Due to a ton of debt I just can't pay much more. Will I have to pass the job up??

[smarty]

I'm not sure who can help you with what you've stated... without any specific info.. like reasonable distance?

I could only suggest looking at other towns like arlington, somerville, Malden, Medford, Everett.
http://www.mbta.com/uploadedFiles/Sc...stem_map-5.pdf

[scorp200]

Sorry about that - my head is spinning because I don't know Boston traffic and gas is so expensive...Somerville would be ideal. I see a lot of craigslist ads for Malden but I don't know if they're legit - Medford would be good and I don't know anything about Arlington or Everett.

One question you guys can answer - are there a lot of private owners with apartment for rent signs on properties that don't show up in listings? I'm looking on craigslist, boston.com and realtor.com and it looks like if I could spend up to $1400 I'd be fine...but I can't.

Ugh, I have no idea of what to do, I just can't accept the offer if I can't afford to live there (good thing I'm already employed).

[smarty]

I have no idea if any ad is legit. However, Everett and Malden are lower income towns.

Median Household income and Family income
Cambridge $47,979, $59,423
Sommerville $46,315, $51,243
Malden $45,654, $55,557

No one can answer if you should take the job or not. You have your expectation of housing... size,price,condition, ... etc. As many find out, it is expensive to live around here. It was worst in CA, where roommate situation is common to accommodated high cost of housing.

Salary in Chapel Hill NC:
$40,000
Comparable salary in Boston MA:
$49,845.59

If you move from Chapel Hill NC to Boston MA...
Groceries will cost: 13% more
Housing will cost: 48% more
Utilities will cost: 36% more
Transportation will cost: 5% more
Healthcare will cost: 18% more

[scorp200]

Thanks, I think my nervous breakdown for today is over...Craigslist had some decent postings for Malden for dog-friendly places. I haven't ruled out Quincy or Dorchester and taking the T. At this point I think I'm going with whatever is not disgusting, is relatively safe and allows my pet...

[RemiJP]

Originally Posted by scorp200

Guys - I am freaking out. It looks like I'm going to get a job in Cambridge and I'm trying to find a small dog-friendly apartment within a reasonable driving distance (or the T) for under $1300 per month. Really $1100 would be better. Or less.

I'm 40 and don't want to get a roommate.

I have no idea of what to do! The relocation specialist was only able to find ONE listing and that one didn't have a picture (it was in Cambridge though).

Due to a ton of debt I just can't pay much more. Will I have to pass the job up??

I was able to find a few listings on Craig's List for under 1300 in Cambridge and also in Belmont and Arlington. The buses to Cambridge are really fast from these areas and the drive is probably faster. Try looking there!

[CaseyB]

Um, just be careful with Dorchester, check back here for advice on which areas are safe.

[maggiekate]

arlington would be a good choice, maybe bedford near arlington

[Bostonian08]

Originally Posted by scorp200

Thanks, I think my nervous breakdown for today is over...Craigslist had some decent postings for Malden for dog-friendly places. I haven't ruled out Quincy or Dorchester and taking the T. At this point I think I'm going with whatever is not disgusting, is relatively safe and allows my pet...

If your dog is under 25 lbs, try calling Forest Properties in Boston. They used to allow dogs, maybe they still do.

Forest Properties Management Inc. - The Only Place for Quality Apartment Homes and Townhomes in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Florida

I actually saw 8 listing on Boston.Com that came up pet friendly. here's one in Cambridge in a brand new luxury highrise for $1200. Now THIS is a steal!

http://re.boston.com/rentals/View_Ul...=781-837608304

[findingmesomeday]

Malden is not bad. Up-and-coming area. In fact, a bit more expensive now than in the past because a lot of people have moved in and rehabbed. The schools aren't that great but that's not an issue for you.