Grad Student Looking For Brookline/Newton Housing (Boston, Cambridge: apartment, to rent)

[bluecountry]

I'm trying to do what might be impossible, and that is find a nice apartment to rent in Brookline/Newton or a similar area.
I went to undergrad in Boston, and would like to be near the things to do in the city, BUT having lived by Mission Hill, and grown up in the suburbs/country, I really enjoy having space.
I would like to be near a place with things to do and people I know, but have some quiet and privacy.

Is it possible for me, looking for a place around June, to get something Brookline/Newton for 1100 that is a decent place or is this not going to be...and if so...is there any other town or spot in Boston where I can be closeby (not all the way isolated)...yet not in a noisy/congested section?

I would think of Alston/Brighton but my general impression is these too are like Mission Hill, overcrowded, noisy, and congested.
Waltham is too far away and inconvenient.

Thanks.

[KathyMA]

You could probably get a studio for around $1100. You could also check out Cambridge or Somerville, where there are many students, lots of culture, and an active nightlife. Could you possibly use your university's housing services? Some universities help grad students find off campus housing. You could also use your alumni services, since you were an undergrad in Boston.

[bluecountry]

I'm not going to a school in Boston, I would be commuting a few days a week the other direction.
I'd much prefer a one bed with at least 500 sq feet.
Do you think Brookline/Newton would be out of the questions?

Are there any realtor companies you'd recommend I see?

[bluecountry]

I'm a grad student looking to move to Boston.
I went there as an undergrad..but would be doing a reverse commute west.

I'd like a place that would be convenient to the scene in Boston..but I would also like one which where I can have some privacy, space that you do not get in the chaos and congestion.

I preferably would like a 1 bed...and if I can get it for under 1100 (no utilities) would be my price.
Newton/Brookline are my top choices...are these possible?
What about Alston/Brighton...or are they too crowded/noisy?

Thanks.

[hiwire732]

I know you lived in mission hill, so I'm sure you are aware of brookline village. Anyway, I lived in a 3 bedroom there last year that in total was 2000 (very affordable between 3 people at least) and it is SOO much nicer then mission hill. Worth looking there, you my find something. (also the D line is 1000X better then the E, its a great change)

[bluecountry]

I really would like a place that would be conveinent to the nightlife in Boston BUT affordable and would offer me privacy.
Is this possible in Brookline/Newton?
What about West Roxbury (too much crime?), Dedham (too far?), Waltham (too far?)?

I am looking for a 1 bedroom likely 1200 and lower for me only.

[eevee]

West Roxbury is probably the safest neighborhood of Boston, very suburban (you may be confusing it w/ Roxbury, which is much sketchier). West Roxbury doesn't have very convenient T access into downtown. you'd have to rely on the commuter rail or a bus route or two to get anywhere fun (there are NO fun places in West Roxbury, or at least very few. it's very dead there).

Dedham is worst, in terms of night life and T access into Boston. unless you live very close to the commuter rail, or near Washington St and rely on the #36/36E, you'll be stranded in Dedham w/o a car. I'd choose Waltham over Dedham or West Roxbury, if only b/c there's a bit more going on there than the former two in terms of nightlife

you may want to look into Roslindale, it's fairly inexpensive (though prices may be rising) and close enough to the city w/o being too congested. no subway line, but you'll have the commuter rail in the Centre and several bus lines to take you to the orange line

[guest187]

Brighton and Allston are the way to go if you're looking to spend up to $1100/month. I'm a landlord and I have plenty of $1100/month 1 bedrooms in Oak Square area of Brighton which is NOT congested like Allston and the commonwealth avenue side of Brighton and the rents are cheaper. There are no trains in Oak Square Brighton but there are buses 57, 501, 503 and 64 that will take you anywhere in the city. MBTA.com for more info on these buses.

[aries4118]

Originally Posted by bluecountry

I really would like a place that would be conveinent to the nightlife in Boston BUT affordable and would offer me privacy.
Is this possible in Brookline/Newton?
What about West Roxbury (too much crime?), Dedham (too far?), Waltham (too far?)?

I am looking for a 1 bedroom likely 1200 and lower for me only.

Check out Watertown.

[bluecountry]

I've heard bad things about W-town.