Relocating from the UK

[britexpat]

Seems to me that they ought to be paying you MUCH MORE than the salary you have mentioned - $60K -

I do so hope that things work out OK for you and your family, .......... but this is not the UK, and we don't have any "safety nets" - just look at what happened to the "Katrina" victims of New Orleans, and realise that we're all "ON OUR OWN" over here ..................

Make sure that you get good Health Insurance Benefits for your family - paid holidays, etc. - and above all, remember that the U.S. is a great place to visit, and can be a wonderful experience for you and your family .........

But don't forget that "the business of America is business" - this may sound 'negative'!!! - but it's a reality,

- and with that philosophy, it stands to reason, that the consumer be damned - especially of late.

Good luck!! - I came here as part of my 'travel' plan - and ended up marrying and staying here - have done a LOT of "second thinking" ever since !!!" britexpat

[Miker2069]

Originally Posted by britexpat

have done a LOT of "second thinking" ever since !!!" britexpat

Can you describe the second thinking you down regarding MA?

[julie adams]

I moved with my family from the UK to Boston 9 years ago. We started out renting and then bought our own home. I am working as a Real Estate Agent so if you need more details on how much it costs to rent please let me know. I could also tell you about the surrounding areas which would allow you to commute into Boston.

[luckysteve]

Originally Posted by Ltljen101

Hi Ollie,
I live in Peabody, and about 5 minutes from Salem, MA. The commuter rail system is really good. There is a train that goes from Salem to Boston almost every 15 minutes during rush hour. The train ride is about 25-30 minutes. I think it's a great location because of the proximity to public transportation, not too far from Boston, Route 114 has a lot going on, etc.

That being said, I don't know much about renting, as I own, but I think you would struggle. A 3 to 4 bedroom house for $60,000 a year? I don't know if it is different renting, but if you were to buy a house like that in a "nice suburb" you are talking at least $600,000. My two bedroom townhouse was 325k. What other areas are you thinking of? I just would say be cautious of Lynn. It is not a nice place, unless you are close to the Lynnfield line.

Please, Lynn has a lot of fine qualities. I am sorry, but , besides my wife and myself, my adult children, my grandchildren, and my mother all live in Lynn. I have many fine neighbors also. Why don't you mention about the Peabody Cop who killed his wife recently or the gards at the Peabody High School.

[mlhm5]

You can find rentals of houses now that the market has cooled down. I would figure the minimum in a town like Swampscott, Salem, Marblehead in a nice area would be $2K.

If you will be commuting to Boston everyday, make sure you live near a the train. If you will be working in the financial district, the rail line from the North shore (Peabody, Salem, Swampscott) goes into North Station which is about a mile walk to the financial district.

The blue line subway final stop is in Revere which will put you a little closer to the financial district (5-10 block walk)

Unless your employer has provided a parking discount, figure $15 - $20 a day plus $3 in tolls if you drive. Also give youself at least 75 minutes unless you leave at 6:30AM.

Western suburbs trains go into South station which is in the financial district. Trains go out as far as Worcester which is a 1 hour train ride into Boston.

Look at Ashland, Holliston, and you might find a rental.