How far out does 1 family has to live for $1000 rent? (Boston: appointed, house)
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I rent a 3 bed 1 bath, 1100 sq ft home for $1500/month plus utilities in a decent suburb of Sprinfield so it is doable. Your friend could probably find a larger place same price in less desirable areas like Palmer, Monson, Chicopee, Holyoke, Springfield or W. Springfield. However if he is trying to get somewhere closer to UMASS he would have trouble with that budget- Amherst, Hadley, and Northmapton would be expensive. He might have luck in Belchertown or Easthampton though.
well, my friend just wants to know how far out does 1 person needs to be to get that kind of deal that he is getting (apple to apple comparison). i mean, a family has to be in new hampshire for that kind of deal right?
he is willing to get a 3 br apartment and have the kids get a hour commute, its still ok for them. he know how to fix cars so he saved tons of money on transportation. his budget for rent can go up to 1500 for a 3 br apartment.
yes, the parents saved quite a bit for the kids education, and the kids loved the boston atmosphere. In the portland area, the only good schools are Oregon state, U of oregon, and if they want better options its Universtiy of Washington in seattle, which is not even close of some of the schools in the boston area. that or they have to go to cali.
Something to consider, there is a list somewhere of private universities that have committed to awarding student aid in grant form only, and the list is long and includes most of the more prestigious private universities. The catch of course is that these awards are need based and each school determines what the cut-off is for grants-only student aid awards. Most of those cutoffs are families must make less than $75k/year but some go up to $100k. By moving to Massachusetts and forcing themselves to earn more money to pay more rent they may in fact be hurting yourselves down the road when it comes time for student aid assessment. Just my 2 cents. I know that other factors such as savings and other assets are in play as well.
I joke that the only way my son will be able to afford to go to college in Boston is if we move and raise him somewhere cheap.
Also, most of the private universities want diversity in geography, they would rather have students from all parts of the country and the globe. Being from the west coast would actually be a plus.
Why don't the parents just allow the kids to move and live in dorms or get their own apartment??
yes, that can be done too. like i said, he is just asking me if 1000 a month for a 4 bedroom is possible, and where is it possible. he didnt even move yet, just weighing his options. they also want a change of scenery too, he has been in the northwest for a long time, and is also tired of the rain.
Central MA is the best bet for nearing that price but it's far to Boston! You'll begin to see sub-$1500 houses for rent outside 495 in Central MA, esp the N. tier. 3-4 BR apts are cheap in Fitchburg, a dumpy old city (with some nice parts but horrible schools) that is the end of the commuter rail Fitchburg line - 80-min train ride to Boston. A 4br HOUSE for $1,000 is a great white whale anywhere in the Commonwealth anymore...
Did a quick look and those rent for $1,200+ in Athol/Orange where I live (and this is MA's most depressed housing market, which the Globe enjoyed smugly mocking our Commonwealth's little slice of Appalachia with "homes for the price of a Camry!")... Does he have savings? He'd be better off buying a house around here, and paying a $500 mortgage. But good luck commuting to Boston!
Here's some in Gardner/Templeton (55-60 miles from Boston, in between Fitchburg & N. Quabbin) for $1,100-$1,200 on 5/21. Decent schools in Templeton, but kinda brutal to get to Boston every day, though people do it
Tell him to try a more reasonable state that doesn't actively asphyxiate its middle class?
Just my two cents but if I had no ties to Massachusetts or New England I would not relocate here from another state unless I had a high paying job lined up. There are too many other states with much lower cost of living and better state universities. Other states to consider - michigan, north carolina, texas, wisconsin and virginia.
I can't believe what some people do for their kids (I'm not sure this is a good thing or just insane)
That being said has this family ever considered trying to find jobs at a college that offers free/discounted tuition for children of employees? (I'm surprised more people don't' follow this strategy...) - non faculty, joe-job jobs (cleaning, admin, whatever) are plentiful at many colleges IFF one is willing to relocate (esp to strange places no one wants to live...) - I suggest this since this family's kids schooling seems the primary focus (and not living location or their own careers) - probably more likely to be able to do this than get cheap rent anywhere in Boston area
While a good idea, I'll note that I work in higher ed administration and even for entry level jobs, people are competing with masters degrees in higher ed. You must have at LEAST a bachelor's degree in order to get even an admin job. I am a department coordinator (glorified secretary/admin in my department) and the other coordinators all have masters degrees or are working toward masters degrees part time like I am. I only got this job because I'm an alum.
However, I agree it's a great strategy if you can get it to work. I work in higher ed to work toward my own masters degree part time (paid in full by my university). The benefits are great and as I continue to build my career, I know that if I choose to stay in higher ed, I can move to a rural college town and get a well-paid job with a low cost of living and huge benefits for my future husband and children.
Check out higheredjobs.com. There are more higher ed jobs in the Boston area than in any other part of the country.
well, my friend just wants to know how far out does 1 person needs to be to get that kind of deal that he is getting (apple to apple comparison). i mean, a family has to be in new hampshire for that kind of deal right?
he is willing to get a 3 br apartment and have the kids get a hour commute, its still ok for them. he know how to fix cars so he saved tons of money on transportation. his budget for rent can go up to 1500 for a 3 br apartment.
yes, the parents saved quite a bit for the kids education, and the kids loved the boston atmosphere. In the portland area, the only good schools are Oregon state, U of oregon, and if they want better options its Universtiy of Washington in seattle, which is not even close of some of the schools in the boston area. that or they have to go to cali.
What your friend wants just doesn't exist anywhere in New England.
However, in terms of your friend being willing to have an hour commute... he needs to consider the added costs of that one hour each way commute over a whole months time. Plus wear and tear to his car (tires, brakes). And tolls may be involved. Also... what is his time worth as he sits in traffic?
Otherwise, he needs to decide how much the Boston experience and atmosphere is worth to his family and towards his children's upbringing. He needs to place a dollar value on that.
Yeah, and we've had some awesome sunny weather lately. I was up in Plum Island yesterday!!!
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