Best place to live in Mass... (Boston, Lowell: apartment, to rent, lofts)

[wsortiz]

Hello all,

I will be moving to Mass around mid June and was wondering where is the best place to rent that is a relative safe neighborhood for a single female.

I'm looking for a place that includes some utilities along with rent and that has a garage or a carport. I'd prefer to live in a loft, but I'll take what I can find....


thanks

[nickandy]

If you are looking for to live little away from Boston then Marlborough, Hudson areas are very good. Marlboro has some great apts at very reasonable prices. But if you are driving to Boston/ Cambridge for work, I wouldnt recommend that. It is a very safe neighbourhood and realtively cheap compared to the expensive neighbourhoods and has all the amenities around.
Royal Crest is a place I used to live. But I know there are like 5 or 6 great complexes around.

Good Luck.
Andy

[smarty]

The loft at the Four Seasons hotel is best... nice and safe. I think they include utilities, parking spot and room service too.

Seriously...
Where will you be working?
Are you willing to commute 2 hours?
How much are you willing spend on rent? on what size/amenities?
Expectations are different for everyone...

[wsortiz]

I will be working out of Boston and the longest I am willing to drive is about an hour to/from work.

As for how much I can spend on rent, I am givin about $1400+ a month for living expenses and I'm looking for a 1bed/1bath apt, nothing smaller than 750sq ft, I have quite a bit of furniture so....also, I keep seeing that apt's run on gas for heat, how expensive does it usually run a month?

thanks for the help.

[Stockholmaren]

I would try to get an apartment that includes heat/hot water since that can run very high (several 100s) in the winter.
Also, if you plan to drive, keep in mind that parking will be quite expensive in downtown (is that where you will be working) so it may be cheaper to take a train.

[angela828]

i would look into watertown if you are looking for a safe town, (expect $1500 rent though) within 15-20 minutes you are in boston by car or bus/train..

[Valerie C]

Seriously consider towns that are along the commuter rail lines, due to expense and trouble with parking in Boston. It's INCREDIBLY difficult to find a parking place in town, especially in winter... Here's a link to the clickable T-map:
MBTA.com > Commuter Rail Maps and Schedules

[wsortiz]

I was wondering if anyone could tell me about the area of Lowell....

[pondhopper]

Lowell, would NOT be my first choice in your situation (bit dodgy). I would look into Natick, Framingham, Wellesly, Newton etc along the commuter lines. Utilities are often included, gas more common closer to Boston, oil futher out.

[brightdoglover]

Lowell has gorgeous lofts. Most have indoor/limited access parking. Yes, some of Lowell is a bit shaky safety-wise.
Waltham is much closer/safer and has lofts. Most of the former mill towns do.