Looking for insight on mill conversion apartments for rent (Boston: lofts, condos)

[abby7777]

I am preparing to move to the Boston area in the next 1-2 months and am very interested in the mill conversion apartments / lofts. I'm looking to spend $900-$1100 / month rent. Is this feasible? Would love to have insight on what is available that fits this profile in a 30 mile radius of the Framingham area. Have been searching for websites that specifically have this type of apartment but not having any luck. Any suggestions would be great - thank you!

[LeavingMA]

Originally Posted by abby7777

I am preparing to move to the Boston area in the next 1-2 months and am very interested in the mill conversion apartments / lofts. I'm looking to spend $900-$1100 / month rent. Is this feasible? Would love to have insight on what is available that fits this profile in a 30 mile radius of the Framingham area. Have been searching for websites that specifically have this type of apartment but not having any luck. Any suggestions would be great - thank you!

I think there is some in Framingham which were supposed to be condos but they wanted too much money and now they are renting them out. I forget the name of the place though. They were around $1,600-$2,000 i think, but you get 2 garage spots. There are also quite a few mill conversion buildings in lawrence and lowell...they are around $1,000-$2,000 i believe. Keep in mnd that many of these apartments have very high ceilings and big windows and I've heard some are very expensive to heat. So budget that in also.

[felicitev21]

You could try typing in "loft apartments in mass." in a google search. Off the top of my head I can't think of any in Framingham, though I live in the next town over. There are some lofts in Haverhill too. I had an ex who lived at Washington Mills in Lawrence. The building is very nice, and well kept,and management is friendly. But Lawrence itself is a ****ty place to live. I know that because of the high ceilings he used to spend a lot on heating and ac bills. He had a 1 bed and he paid 1400 a month, but this was last year, and he moved out about 6 months ago. He said they have dropped their rates since then. Generally, I don't think that you will even be able to find a studio for less than $900.

[abby7777]

Thank you both - I have been checking out Washington Mills and plan to tour this week. I'm being forced to accept the new reality of "significantly" higher rent than I currently pay in Indianapolis. I haven't been having any luck searching "loft apartments in mass" to speak of...I thought the same thing. :-) Keep the ideas coming everyone - really appreciated!

[felicitev21]

Well, if you are going to check those out then you should definitely check out the ones in Haverhill. It's the next town over from Lawrence and a much nicer place to live. What can I tell you about Washington Mills...well, they have lots of resident activities. They have a nice recreation room where they usually have these events. Usually they host a lot of red sox/patriot...etc. game watching parties. They have a resident breakfast at least once a month. They are ANAL about the parking there, if you have guests over they have to park in the guest spots or they will be towed. They have a roof deck, which seems nice, but forget about going out there in the spring or summer. The bugs are crazy!!! Literally, I didn't even want to open the door to go out there because there were bugs lying all over it. They do allow dogs, so keep in mind that all residents may not pick up after their animals. Washington Mills is located next to a canal, and one side of the apartments faces this. I believe they do charge you more for an apt. on this side of the building. It's nice in the warmer seasons to see the ducks swimming in there. If you live in an upper floor on the other side, it overlooks a paper recycling plant. It's just paper, so it doesn't smell trashy or anything. Just not a beautiful view. If you are someone who recycles, they have a recycling room. Like I said, Lawrence is not a nice place to live, but the Mills are located on the outskirts of the town and there is really nothing over there. It was always quiet, and we never experienced any crime at the apt. building. It is right off of 495 and a 5-10 min. drive to 93, which will take you into Boston. We went into Boston for nightlife a lot, and with very little traffic on 93 at that time it could have taken us anywhere from 15-25 min. You are also very close to NH, so it's just short drive if you want tax free shopping or 100 proof liquor. I realize that you are only going to look at the apts. but I just thought I'd tell you a little more in case you do decide to live there.