Moving to North Shore (Single Male, late 20s) recommendations please! (Boston: rental market, student loans)

[MadScientist72]

Hi all,

I recently accepted a post-doctoral research position with a life sciences company based in Ipswich. I'm looking to move some time this May, but I'm having a hard time trying to decide between being close to work (I'm used to being able to walk to my grad school lab, and I love being able to walk to work), or living further away in a town/city that has some things to do and some night life.

A little about me: I'm 29, single male, sciency/nerd/geek, like my alone time but also like to socialize and go out (and hopefully make new friends and date). I'd love to be able to save some money to put towards student loans and savings, plus have a little extra to travel. I think it would be great to be close to a waterfront or park that's good for running, and I'd love a place that has local restaurants, shops, and a farmer's market. A good grocery store would be nice, too (I know Wegman's isn't on the North Shore...how is Shaw's?)

I don't have any pets, but I'm not opposed to getting one at some point. My job will start at $48k (monthly take home pay of about $2600 I think) and my minimum student loan payments will be around $350-400 a month. Ideally I'd like to spend less than 30% of my take home pay on rent, but I realize the Greater Boston/North Shore area is among the least affordable housing and rental markets in the country.

I've been reading about Newburyport, Gloucester, Salem, Ipswich, and Beverly. Salem sounds nice except that it's incredibly hard to get in and out of since it lacks major highway access, and the commute would be about 30 minutes one way. Similarly, Newburyport is a little further away, but has easy access to Route 1 and I-95. Beverly might be a nice compromise commute wise, but it sounds more suburban and family-oriented. Gloucester seems to be up-and-coming and wouldn't have a terrible commute to Ipswich. I visited Ipswich when I interviewed for this position and was not impressed by its downtown, but I could learn to live with it if I could find a place at the right price.

All that being said, any insight anyone can provide on their knowledge or experience with any of the areas of the North Shore, or even the northern suburbs of Boston (Melrose, Wakefield, Reading all seem ok except for the commute out to Ipswich) will be appreciated. If there is anything else you need to know about me to help you make a recommendation, don't hesitate to ask.

Thanks in advance!

[gf2020]

I've lived on the North Shore for over 25 years. I think you would do fine in Beverly.

[kingeorge]

Welcome. At this point anything you can find within your budget or with roommates, go for it. You will not be able to to afford being very picky. For your age group I second Beverly, and would add Salem to your list.

Ipswich, Gloucester, Rockport are all nice, but maybe not what you need right now. Newburyport has a good vibe too, but I am unsure if commute can be hassle from there, or if you can afford it. Be prepared for first, last and security. And that you will have costly utilities. Best would be to find roommate situation for starters, it will save you money. Alone you are looking at over $1K plus utilities.

Good luck.

[495neighbor]

Salem is ideal for you. You will have all the dog friendly parks, farmers markets, indie restaurants and bars, and other friendly geeky single folks in their 20s and 30s and the most affordable, nicest places to live too. Nicely located with its own commuter rail stop for regular excursions into Boston and Cambridge.

[bohemka]

If I were in your position I'd make Salem the top choice. Lots to do, cool town, commuter rail access to both Ipswich and Boston. You're only renting so you can feel things out. May as well start at the hub of the North Shore. Beverly is my second choice. Good things going on in that town. I like Gloucester as well, but I think Salem offers a bit more, and better connected to Boston.

Best of luck.

[scratchie]

I echo the recommendations of Beverly, and it probably wouldn't hurt to check out Salem, Gloucester or Newburyport.

[BostonMike7]

Salem/Beverly would be my recommendation

[timberline742]

Salem

Then Newburyport

Then Gloucester (but not good rail, if any at all)

[MadScientist72]

Salem and Beverly seem to be rounding out the top recommendations. I'm just concerned about the commute out of Salem in the morning to Ipswich and back into Salem at night. There doesn't seem to be too many main thoroughfares through Salem that connect to 128, 1, or 1A. Anyone have any experience getting in and out of Salem during rush hours?

[timberline742]

I have a friend that does Newburyport to Ipswich daily and its easy as breeze according to her.

Getting in and out of Salem was always a bother.