Looking to buy and need advice on specific Boston neighborhoods (Cambridge: apartments, to rent)

[neuronx]

Hi all,

I've posted here before, asking for suggestions about Boston neighborhoods, etc. My wife and I have finally made the decision to buy a condo and are focusing our search in Brookline, West Cambridge, Newton and JP (near Jamaicaway only). We need to be close to the T, particularly the green line if possible.

I'd like to know what the best areas are for us to consider in these three cities. We would likely sell the home in 3-5 years, and are really looking for good re-sale values. Are there any areas here that should be avoided?

On a similar note, how are areas in Brighton near Brookline? I have seen lots of nice condos in the area surrounding St. Elizabeth's Hospital (Washington & Cambridge St) but know nothing of the neighborhood.

Also, we want to buy a 2-bedroom 900sq.feet+ condo and can afford up to $425,000.

Everyone's help is really appreciated!

Nader

[smarty]

Wish I have a crystal ball...

In any case, all of those towns are holding is value compare to last year. $425K will buy you a low end 2bd Condo.

Risk of buying Brighton or JP Condo is medium. People tend to buy in towns with better school system first. Of couse, with risk, the reward may be better as they are lower price.

Just want to give you an example, Chestnut Hill, an area where 4 towns meets. If the house is in Newton or Brookline, it sells $2-5mil; the same house would be $1-2mil in Brighton separated by 1-2 streets.

As I mention before, it is currently more attractive to rent than to buy. $425K with 20% down, mortgage of $2700+Condo Fee $300-500+$500 tax = $3500. You can rent a nicer place for $2500. There is no guarentee that you can sell your condo more than $450K in 3 yrs ( -5% realtor's fee= $425K). If you only sell for $425K... you just lost $20K... Of course... one could argue due to inflation... your condo will be selling for $600K...

Good Luck...

[neuronx]

Thanks for the reply. I see where you are coming from, and we have also been debating buying vs renting...

If we were to rent, where could we find a nice place at $2500 per month without the college crowd, etc?

[smarty]

Check out Avalon in Newton and Lexington.. I went pass them a few time and they do look good.
Massachusetts Apartments - Avalon Communities


As to away from students... it is almost impossible for those 3 towns... with BU, BC, Northeastern, MIT, Harvard, Lesley, Babson, ... They're paying $50K a year... many have funds to buy condos as an investment and collecting rent from other students to pay for their college.

There are so many apartments... I'm just not knowledgable enough to tell what price, how good they are or how many student they have in them.

[RemiJP]

You could DEFINITELY find a very nice place to rent for 2500 or under in Brookline, JP, Charlestown, Newton, or parts of Cambridge in an area with very few undergrads.

[neuronx]

But what are some of the areas to avoid? I've heard, for instance, that the area around Cleveland Circle has too many students while Washington Sq and Coolidge Corner have less so. I've also heard good things of Brookline Village, West Cambridge (near Concord Ave), and JP close to Jamaicaway. I've been told to basically avoid everywhere else.

This was a little upsetting because we've seen some nice places in Cambridgeport and Brighton near Brighton Center.

Just a note: the wife wants somewhere VERY safe, which eliminates parts of JP and Allston....

[RemiJP]

I can only share what I know about JP. My feeling is that a much larger area of JP is very safe than just along the Jamaicaway (personally wouldn't want to live right on the Jway - the cars go SO FAST).

If I were to map out a "safe zone" it would essentially be from the Jamaicaway all the way to Lamartine St, within that, near the Stony Brook and Green St T stops. Though it is true that parts of JP are not as safe, I'd encourage you to visit for an evening. To get a good feel, go to restaurant on Centre St. (almost all of them are great, I recommend Ten Tables, Vee Vee, Bukhara, Bella Luna/The Milky Way) and roam the sidestreets, heading towards Lamartine.

FYI: I live right off of Lamartine and on my little street, 3 out of the 5 homes are owned by families with children. My boyfriend and I rent a 1 bedroom with a large office for $1100 a month.

I hope you visit the neighborhood!

[neuronx]

How about the area near the Arboretum? Is that area not as good? It sure does look nice in pictures...

And would taking the T to downtown be safe from this area? How long would it take to North Station & Ruggles?

[RemiJP]

Yes, I think that area is fairly safe, though it's a bit of a walk to Green St. The Forest Hills T station is not quite as safe.

It's about 10 mins to Ruggles, 25-30 to N. Station. I ride the from Stony Brook to Downtown Crossing everyday - ha, lots of people do! I used to live on the S. Shore in Weymouth and I HATED taking the Red Line home after 7 or 8 at night, the cars were sometimes practically empty - it didn't feel safe. On the Orange Line there are usually lots of riders later into the evening.

[neuronx]

Thanks for the info! Really very helpful for our search.

How about the Arboretum area though? Is that any good, or should it be avoided?