SOCO146 Lofts in Brockton (Cambridge: hardwood floors, real estate, condo)

[jamochalatte]

Howdy,

I'm a 26, female, and work in Cambridge. I was thinking of purchasing one of the new lofts in Brockton. soco146.com The price is super cheap, provides parking, storage, & it's just beautiful. The commuter rail is literally across the street. I know Brockton has a reputation. Any thoughts on this area of Brockton?

[miu]

I think that one of the best things you can do is just visit that location at different times of the week and just hang out around there. Go eat at the different restaurants in the immediate area and see how you like the vibes. Where do you live in now? Do you feel safe there? Everyone has a different idea of what feels safe for them. And some people seem to be savvier than others when it comes to living in a transitional area. As a female, I've lived in a few questionable areas when I was young, but never had any problems. My sisters are more vulnerable looking and when they were in their twenties, both had handbags snatched away from them on separate occasions. But I never carry a handbag and my friends say that I walk tough which is why I think that I've never been bothered by anyone.

[Lori Lincoln]

I heard the SOCO lofts have been drastically reduced in price. Worth a look.. let me know if I can help

[leorah]

There have been a couple of articles in the Brockton Enterprise newspaper lately about SoCo and they were pretty positive.

Parts of Brockton are pretty rough, but like Miu said above, some people can be safe almost anywhere.

If you go to the Enterprise website and search the archives for SoCo, you can read them yourself. This link will get you started.

Trailblazing Brockton condo buyer ‘loves’ choice - Brockton, MA - The Enterprise

Good luck!

[brightdoglover]

Yes, Brockton can be rough.
I'd consider, if the loft prices have come down a lot, how the finances of the association are. After all, you're buying property with strangers. You want to make sure that the other units are owned, occupied, the reserve account good, etc. I'd strongly suggest getting the condo financial records and having a real estate lawyer look at them. It's a mistake I made once, and wouldn't make again. You can love the place, accept the location, and find that the management is no good, there's no reserve account for major work, etc. It's easy to be blinded by hardwood floors and all, but it's an association, and you want to be sure the unsexy financial aspects are good.