Looking for Boston area suggestions (Cambridge, Quincy: for rent, safe area, school)

[Jay190]

Hey all,

In about a year-ish I'll be looking to move to Boston (I'm open to living in surrounding areas too) and I'm trying to narrow down areas to look into. I've been there multiple times and love the city and NE area in general (grew up in the East and live on West Coast now).

Some basic info:

1. I'm in my 40s, male.
2. Looking for rent around $1,200 monthly or less for 1 or 2 bedroom place.
3. Work at home, so commute and work options aren't important.
4. No kids that will be in school, so that's not important.
5. Want a very safe area as I like to walk/run in the evening.

Thanks!

[495neighbor]

I know you can get still something in Arlington for $1,200, probably a 1 bedroom. Arlington has a good mix of families, couples, singles of all ages and some students. If you get a place close to Massachusetts Avenue, you can join the rest of the bicyclists, joggers, in-line skaters and walkers on the Minuteman Trail which goes from Cambridge to Bedford.

[bostonguy1960]

As stated, maybe Arlington. Maybe Melrose?

That $1200 figure for a 1 BR is very hard to achieve in the average areas of the city -- not even the student areas! Forget the most desired areas. Forget Cambridge and Brookline. Perhaps the West Roxbury area of Boston? Millenium Park is there, and it's supposed to be nice.

Maybe Quincy would interest you if you're near Quincy Shore Drive. But even there, nice one bedrooms are much higher in price. Sickening, I know! The Blue Hills reservation aren't far if you have a car.

Maybe Wakefield, but it's just north of Melrose, with a big lake for strolling around.

[Jay190]

Thanks for the ideas!

I may be willing to go up to say $1500 (not sure if that changes things). And yes, I have a vehicle. Pretty much a requirement out here.

[timberline742]

Cosign on the Arlington suggestion, that bike path is great, Arlington Center restaurants have improved greatly over the past decade. Easy out of city access with route 2 gateway and easy to get into town on public transit at either Alewife or the 77 bus which runs very frequently. $1200 is still very doable for a 1 bedroom.