Common home features in Boston Metro Area? (Newton, Waltham: 2015, apartment complexes)

[FromEverywhereUSA]

Back again for more info. I'm continuing to regularly search the rental market in Arlington, Newton, and Natick, as well as some of the towns that border those. Though we're not actually looking to rent till next June at the earliest, I want to get an idea of what kind of living conditions are available in our price range so that it's all familiar by the time we start looking in earnest. I'm noticing a few recurring features and wondering if they're in fact typical or if there's more variety around:

FTR, we'll be looking for a 2-3br duplex-type arrangement for $1900-2400/mo. It appears that few of the options in that range have yards (sad panda) or more than one bathroom (devastated Darth Vader scream). More surprising to me, since I've never lived in New England, is the total lack of kitchen counter space! I'm seeing a ton of kitchens with either one tiny strip of built-in counter or none at all. There's also rarely a garage or storage space. And finally.... sorry for my ignorance, but what is that strange built-in display cabinet in all the dining rooms?

On a related note: I feel like I want lots of big windows to let in the sunlight and hopefully make the long Winters a little less dreary, but I also assume that probably leads to higher heating bills. What are your thoughts on this? Anything else I need to consider regarding heating? Thanks again; your help is invaluable!

[johngolf]

Many will be old with small and dark rooms, few bathrooms, heated by oil, and no AC.

[Boston_Burbs]

Heat is usually paid by the tenant so the owner has no incentive to insulate. Utilities can be expensive.

[gf2020]

You'll need to increase your budget by at least 50% to find something more appealing in the towns you have mentioned.

And that's a china cabinet in the dining room.

[CaseyB]

Townhouses would be a little different, but the more windows the greater the heating loss.

Built-In China cabinets would be considered an asset.The lack of counter space I suppose varies with the individual townhouse. Same with garages and yards. It's not unusual to see a detached garage, especially with older houses.

[chicagoliz]

Originally Posted by FromEverywhereUSA

Back again for more info.
FTR, we'll be looking for a 2-3br duplex-type arrangement for $1900-2400/mo. It appears that few of the options in that range have yards (sad panda) or more than one bathroom (devastated Darth Vader scream). More surprising to me, since I've never lived in New England, is the total lack of kitchen counter space! I'm seeing a ton of kitchens with either one tiny strip of built-in counter or none at all.

I suspect that this particular aspect is more a function of the age and size of the home rather than particular to New England. Often duplexes that are rental properties, and in that price range, usually the owners are not doing a knock-out redo of the home. As long as everything is functional, that's all the landlord needs, because they know they'll find someone to rent it who wants something that size and in that location. I don't know if in the towns where you are looking, if there are apartment complexes -- ironically a newer complex can have larger living space with larger kitchen areas (and hence more countertop space) than older duplexes/townhomes/single family houses. But, you're in a complex and don't have your own yard (not even a very small one) and have more immediate neighbors.

[jayrandom]

Welcome to New England. You can find bright, open apartments with great kitchens and newer construction, but not in those towns with that budget. In Newton and Arlington you will be getting older places and those features you complain are all fairly common in older homes around here. I lived in one much like the above picture in Belmont for a couple of years. We were lucky to have a sun room that got a good deal of natural light, but the kitchen wasn't amazing, and the whole place was old. Back then it went for $1450, I'm sure now it would be a lot more.

Part of the reason those towns are expensive is good schools. If you don't need good schools you might have better luck with your budget in Watertown or Waltham.

[FromEverywhereUSA]

Originally Posted by chicagoliz

I suspect that this particular aspect is more a function of the age and size of the home rather than particular to New England. Often duplexes that are rental properties, and in that price range, usually the owners are not doing a knock-out redo of the home. As long as everything is functional, that's all the landlord needs, because they know they'll find someone to rent it who wants something that size and in that location. I don't know if in the towns where you are looking, if there are apartment complexes -- ironically a newer complex can have larger living space with larger kitchen areas (and hence more countertop space) than older duplexes/townhomes/single family houses. But, you're in a complex and don't have your own yard (not even a very small one) and have more immediate neighbors.

Interesting. I really had no interest in an apartment, but if the difference in quality/age of the unit is that drastic (and given how much time we'll have to spend indoors), perhaps we should consider it. If we could be within walking-distance to a park, the lack of yard might not be an issue.

[kingeorge]

Lots depends on housing stock you are looking at, and if it was built as a cheaper run-of-the-mill worker's housing, or middle and upper class abode. Most places will be very old by US standards, but some will be more gracious and better built, then others. Some two-three family apartments have great layouts, light, space, high ceilings, fireplaces, moldings, built-ins, etc. Some others, even from same era, are just sad looking.

You are smart to educate yourself in advance. Most people when moving to MA have to make peace with older housing, smaller spaces, and lack of features that are often deemed non-luxurious or standard elsewhere. Majority of folks here have old homes that require constant upkeep and repairs, and few can afford all the space/features they need/want. It is not cheap area to own, or rent.

Good luck.

[FromEverywhereUSA]

Originally Posted by jayrandom

Welcome to New England. You can find bright, open apartments with great kitchens and newer construction, but not in those towns with that budget. In Newton and Arlington you will be getting older places and those features you complain are all fairly common in older homes around here. I lived in one much like the above picture in Belmont for a couple of years. We were lucky to have a sun room that got a good deal of natural light, but the kitchen wasn't amazing, and the whole place was old. Back then it went for $1450, I'm sure now it would be a lot more.

Part of the reason those towns are expensive is good schools. If you don't need good schools you might have better luck with your budget in Watertown or Waltham.

Yeah, my husband grew up in New York, so he was unsurprised to see the age of these units, but I've never lived in a place older than 20 years or so, so it's all new to me. The schools matter because we have children, but we have over two years until the first will even hit Kindergarten, so we have more leeway now in our choice of towns than we'll have then.