Moving to Boston, Malden recommended?

[shiver]

I live in Brookline and the town doesn't allow overnight street parking so you have to secure off street parking ($150+/month) since many apartments don't come with a parking spot. If you're working downtown and can walk to the T, you really don't need a car around here. We have zipcars which are cars you can rent by the hour. Great if you need to drive somewhere locally.

For Brookline, I've had good experiences with Metro Realty and Chobee Hoy (both located in Brookline).

[redpanda]

In Brookline, I would go carless (unless you happen to end up with a spot included in your rent somehow). In Cambridge, it really depends on exactly where you are. Some streets have easy parking for those with Cambridge resident stickers (you'll be able to get one once you're all set up) and some don't.

To my personal frustration, the Boston metro area tends to be one where it is incredibly inconvenient in most areas to both find parking and go without a car. But don't forget that there are zipcars available all over the place here, so you can definitely have a car in a pinch if you leave yours and find yourself needing one on occasion.