Commuting to Cambridge, where to live? (Boston, Quincy: hardwood floor, affordable apartments, rentals)

[Nad999]

Hi,
My husband and I are from CT and we'll be soon starting work in Cambridge (his job is near Kendell/MIT and mine is near Harvard Sq.) we are absolutely terrified by the heavy traffic... (living a very laid back life here with not much of a rush) It'd be our first time living in a city and we are desperately looking for affordable (upto $1700) pet friendly accommodation (2 bed) in an area that's safe to live in and easier to commute using public transport. Any help with suggestions you could make is greatly appreciated. We know next to nothing about Boston apart from the few times we've visited. I know looking at private rentals would be a good way to go about it - please share if you'd know any website or other resources where I'd able to connect with home owners renting their properties. Thanks so much and stay warm everyone!!!

[timberline742]

Well what line you want to be on is easy, that's the red line.

I'd personally look to Arlington and either drive or bike or walk to Alewife, or for the person in Harvard, take the 77 bus. One could also take the 77 to Porter or Harvard and switch to red line for Kendall.

Quincy would be on the other side (of the city) but I, personally, would rather live in Arlington, and I think you can find a 2 bedroom for that amount along the Mass Ave corridor and near the bike path. I know people that have gotten nice hardwood floor places cheaper, and that have cats.

[495neighbor]

Arlington has the most and the best affordable apartments in the area. Pet-friendly will depend on the building. Other less convenient places you can look are Waverly Square, Belmont, Winchester Center, Medford.

[kingeorge]

Watertown and Waltham might also work well. You have got good advice. Forget traffic, be ready for price sticker shock.

Good luck.

[Nad999]

Thank you all... that was very helpful... here begins the search... *made a mental note on price sticker shock*