From Birmingham to Boston (on a budget)-Help (Cambridge, Quincy: sublet, apartments)

[Patricks9876]

I will be moving from Birmingham, AL to Cambridge/Boston to start a new job at Mass General this winter in January. Having lived in a relatively cheap city, I am concerned about finding affordable housing in such a short period of time. I am hoping you guys and gals would help me out.

1) I am single no dependents will be making 40,000 $ a year. I can pay up to 950-1100$ a month including heat and don't mind living in a studio. No roomies.

2) Will dump my car in AL so will depend on the T or Bus and would prefer a commute less than 30 minutes.

2) I did some research and found that "Somerville" and "Beacon Hill" areas are usually recommended for people like me.

Questions:

1) Could you guys please tell me what areas should I search for on Craigslist?

2) Names of any specific apartments address that you have good experiences with and I can look at?

3) Contact information of reasonable apartment landlords and or realtors?

I will be making a three day trip to Boston in the middle of November and hope to identify a place to be able to move in December.

All help and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Patrick

[apollyoncruiser]

Since you're moving fairly soon and have limited time to check things out, I would strongly recommend getting a broker or joining a service. Reason being, you don't have time to get mixed-up with drama. You need to know you've got a place and that it's yours and not some sublet situation or crazy arrangement that'll leave you out in the cold if problems develop.

Are you willing to re-think the roommate situation? Here's why:

If you move in with someone already established, it'll take the worry off of you having to get everything together from day one yourself. It'll also give you time to check out Boston to see what areas you'll be better suited to.

I know it's a cramp-n-drag having a roommate but just giving yourself that six to twelve month grace period before getting your own place will work towards you making a wise choice in your own living arrangements. You'll have time to really look at a place and not be pressured to get something because you have to.

The T is about the best transit system I've ever ridden, especially in Boston proper. The stops are so close together that it practically puts you out at your destinations doorstep most times. That being said, it can be a bear having to lug groceries and large items around on the T. If you moved in with someone already established you might be able to keep your car which you may grow to appreciate immensely, once you experience that first "real" New England winter. I used to work for FedEx in Boston and I've cried involuntary tears many-a-day in that cold! lol.

Be ready in November! I see they've just experienced the first Nor-easter of the year just last week and winters still two months away.

[Vermolas]

Try out south Boston. Its A really nice area and i think one of the safest area in Boston. Its really affordable. Its probably the best deal youll get anywere and if you work in downtown or somthing its 15 minutes away by bus. (Or Red Line depending on were you choose.) If Nothing opens up in South BOston try NORTH Dorchester. Dorchester is known as being the Ghetto in Boston but if you go north next to South Boston its pretty safe. Boston is a wonderful city i hope you enjoy it!!

[miu]

I agree with the suggestion that your rethink your position on no roomies. Find a roommate share in an established apartment for a few months. Maybe you can find a situation where the roomies are grad students at Harvard or MIT and the lease is up in the spring when they graduate. And then take the time to get to know the area and to find yourself a studio or one bedroom apartment that you like and can afford.

[Patricks9876]

Wow. Thank you all for taking time to reply. I do understand and appreciate the roommate suggestion, but, I have a GF so trying to avoid it.

I am looking at Somerville, Cambridge and Dorchestor/Savin hill. Can someone suggest a good realtor/agency?

Also, if you happen to know any specific apartment names in those areas it might help....

[Cantabridgienne]

Apartment names? Not sure what you mean by that, but there aren't many complexes in the areas you mention--those are more in outer suburbs. Most apartments tend to be in smaller freestanding buildings or triple deckers (i.e., three family homes). Have you looked at apartments on CraigsList? Most (all?) realtors list their apartment stock there.

[lrfox]

I agree with a lot of what's been said. However, I don't think bringing a car is a good option. Not at all, actually. Mass General is located right along the Red Line (at the Charles/MGH stop) so yes, Beacon Hill and Somerville are good options. I'd also look at Cambridge, Quincy and perhaps South Boston (particularly around Andrew Square or the Broadway/Dorchester Ave intersection where t stops are located)and the Savin Hill area of Dorchester.

Beacon Hill is an ideal location but your budget will afford you something about the size of a closet there. I think you would be happier somewhere like Porter Square in Cambridge or Davis Square in Somerville. You'll get a bit more room for your money and be close enough to easily jump on the Redline and head to work. Quincy is a bit further out (about 35 minutes directly by the Red Line on the T) but rents are even lower here. You may be able to luck into a 1bedroom in this area within your price range. It's a safe area and again, right on the Subway line you want to be on. Savin Hill (particularly East of I-93) is more of an up and coming area in Boston. I'd look around and see what you can find here as it would be an easy commute to work.

Again, anywhere in Cambridge along the Red Line would be ideal and the same goes for Somerville. I wouldn't rule out the Fenway area or even East Boston (Maverick Square area) or Revere if you can find a good rental. From Revere or Eastie, you can take the Blue Line to the Bowdoin stop and just walk a bit down Cambridge Street to Mass. Gen. From Fenway you can take the Green Line to Park St. where you can switch to the Red to MGH (in good weather, the walk from Park St. is just as easy).

As far as cars go, it's expensive to own one and keep it in the Boston area. I would avoid it entirely. If you don't like groceries on the T, take a cab to the grocery store or even become a Zipcar member. I just don't see the appeal to having a car in Boston, especially on a budget (I'm living in Boston on a budget without a car... I can't imagine having one here).

good luck!

[MassVt]

Originally Posted by Patricks9876

Wow. Thank you all for taking time to reply. I do understand and appreciate the roommate suggestion, but, I have a GF so trying to avoid it.

I am looking at Somerville, Cambridge and Dorchestor/Savin hill. Can someone suggest a good realtor/agency?

Also, if you happen to know any specific apartment names in those areas it might help....

..be careful about Savin Hill, and Dorchester; one section of "Dot" is fine, but the other sections are a crime-ridden nightmare. I'd consider Cambridge/Somerville first, especially since you could ride the "red" line on the T right to MGH's subway stop.

You may have to add $100-300/month to the rent figure if you are planning on a one-bedroom; if you want/need a roommate, then it's very possible to find a very good 2BR for 1500/month.

I missed the part about the girlfriend; if you have a two-income household, then you can certainly forget about having an unknown roommate..

[Patricks9876]

Thank you all. I will keep all these suggestions in mind.

[maggiekate]

40,000 after taxes will give you around 33,000. You will have the S.S. and medicare tax then
the Mass income tax and the IRS. South Boston if you could find a place would work, Dorchester
just be carefull, the mission hill area where the frame did come with Ted Kennedy is coming back!
Your problem is Boston is pricey, I would for sure do the mission hill area over Dorchester! I always felt safe there and I did like it! Also skip a car in Boston insurance is too much! Also do know Boston at times is cold and the noreasters come in with force! Cold is frigid cold , sure at times it skips away!
Welcome and good luck! Mass General is a real nice hospital you will do fine!