Looking to move to Boston this summer (Quincy, Somerville: apartment, rentals)

[letsjustgo]

Hi,
I'm looking to move to Boston this summer. I'm aware of the rent costs, but are there any areas that are reasonably priced? I'm shooting for $1,000 or less per month - I don't think this would be too optimistic, but I'm not sure. I also would like to know the good areas in and around Boston that are relatively nice to live in (and are safe).

Thank you.

[clevedark]

What about Chelsea and East Boston? I've been there for theatre performances at it seems cute and pretty bustling and safe. It's mainly a Latino community. It's not rich, and it's a little run down, very sweet looking.

I also hear that Everett is a good choice.

I'm sure there are plenty of people here who know more than I do about these neighborhoods, but they seem to be cheaper than most.

[Cantabridgienne]

We need more info from you: If you only want to live alone as opposed to a share (the former will greatly limit your options on your budget), if you have a car, if you will be relying solely on public transportation, what kind of neighborhood you would prefer (bustling with lots of young adults and bars? Quiet and leafy?), where you will be working, etc.

No one wants to live somewhere crappy and unsafe, generally.

[clevedark]

Crappy is in the eye of the beholder.

[holden125]

This beholder thinks Everett is kind of crappy.

Depends on how much activity you want and how close to the heart of Boston. You mentioned "in and around Boston." Just outside Boston, if you're OK with a somewhat quieter neighborhood and a bus ride to the T (making it about 40 mins to downtown Boston), Watertown and Belmont have 1-BR rentals at about $1000. East Arlington, which is generally walkable to the end of the Red Line and thus an easier commute, may also be a good starting point. Also places south of town in Quincy along the Red Line.

[letsjustgo]

It would be just my fiancee and I moving together into an apartment. I would say that the apartment should be no more than 20 minutes outside of the heart of Boston. We do have a car to park, also. We would like a somewhat quiet neighborhood that is close to the bars, downtown amenities, and bustling areas alike.

[holden125]

Originally Posted by letsjustgo

It would be just my fiancee and I moving together into an apartment. I would say that the apartment should be no more than 20 minutes outside of the heart of Boston. We do have a car to park, also. We would like a somewhat quiet neighborhood that is close to the bars, downtown amenities, and bustling areas alike.

No more than 20 mins to downtown Boston (for commute as opposed to driving in on a Sunday morning), nice, safe, near nightlife, and reasonably easy parking (off-street or on) for under $1000 is a tall order.

Maybe Quincy, Roslindale/West Roxbury, parts of Somerville.

[shiver]

I'll second Quincy. I used to live there and had a good experience. Quincy is just south of Boston and has several red line T stops running through it. However, you really should figure out where work, school, etc. will be first. A bad commute can make life miserable, especially if you're not expecting it.