Moving to Boston from Chicago (Cambridge, Somerville: colleges, living, price)

[ChitownKid]

Hey everyone,

I was wondering what people thought of Boston as a place to live for a 26 year old guy coming out there alone. I don't know if it's a fun place for someone my age to meet people and stuff like that. Any opinions from people living as singles in Boston in their mid-20s? Also, what is a good happening place to live? Thanks.

[im2005]

Boston is really pricey compared to Chicago. I used to live in Chicago and now Boston. What sort of scene are you into? Fratty, granola, or other? Do you have a job already? More info needed...

[ChitownKid]

I'd be moving with a residency in mind. It would be in 1 year and be around for 3 years.

I know its pricey but I'm looking at it in terms of people that I can hang out with who are in their late 20s. I understand that the college presence in going to be there, but I don't want to be a sore thumb out there for 3 years. Sure, I'll have colleagues but then who wants to hang out with just other med personnel.

How is the financial district scene? Lot of bars/clubs? I'm NOT into frat cr@p. What is a good area to live in for a single 26yo dude?

And do you find it hard to meet people out there or is everybody very much isolated? How does it compare to NY or Northern Cali (Palo Alto) if you have any experience with these other areas?

[im2005]

The Back Bay scene is pretty fratty so I would stay away from that. In that I would include financial district/Beacon Hill. People are pretty caught up in what they're doing so I don't think they're terribly open.

I think Somerville, Cambridge, and Jamaica Plain over by Stony Brook T stop are more eclectic, interesting scenes. Somerville (Davis Square) and JP will also be a bit for affordable. That would be my recommendation.

NYC and Palo Alto will be very different scenes. NYC is, well, NYC. Can't beat it. Boston is much smaller - more "quaint." Palo Alto is going to feel more suburban.

[NY'er lost in MA]

Keep in mind that Boston is much smaller than Chicago. It it is riddled with colleges and young students, but is fairly stale if you compare it to a mecca like NYC.

The city is shut down at 1-2am. Also sort of a weird New England thing. It's hard to get gas or a bite to eat if you are out late.

But for a residency- probably one of the best places to be.

Good luck!