Couple Relocating from Louisiana (Boston, Medford: apartments, rent , job)

[brightdoglover]

I know a gay male couple who bought in Salem, and they certainly haven't had any problems. I think some "tough" people from Lynn have moved into one end of Salem, giving it a less than stellar reputation. One of the men in the couple takes the train into Cambridge every day and finds it very convenient. Rockport is very very expensive. Gloucester might be a better bet.
I can't think of any towns reasonably commutable to Boston/Cambridge (or on public transport) that would present any particular problem to a gay couple. It's fairly urbane everywhere, even the tougher towns, because there are so many gay people in the Boston area. (I say this as a straight person who has had a lot of gay friends, mostly men).

[RemiJP]

Hi Nate,

I know you mentioned that you've basically ruled out living in Boston, but I strongly recommend the neighborhood of Jamaica Plain. It's a little cheaper than other areas of the city nor is it as bustling, but its very dog friendly, ***** friendly, artists friendly and family friendly!

Jamaica Plain is on the Orange Line along the Jackson Square, Stony Brook, Green Street and Forest Hills stops. It takes about 15-20 mins on the T to get to Downtown. The streets near Stony Brook and Green St seem to have the nicest houses with a great neighborhood feel. Centre St is the main street of the area, with lots of excellent bars, restaurants and cute shops. We have a farmer's market in the summer and lots of festivals throughout the year. The community is very diverse, and lots of grad students and medical professionals like to live here. I also like the community's support for small local businesses. There's tons of green space including Jamaica Pond and the Arnold Arboreteum, which all doggies seem to love! While it's on the T, many people choose to have a car hear and many apartments buildings have ample space for off street parking. There are mostly duplexes, three family, or large "painted lady" Victorians broken up in to seperate apartments, very few big brick apartment complexes.

My boyfriend and I share a two bedroom on the whole first floor of a duplex for 1100 a month with free parking.

[ndrone1]

You people are excellent! Please allow me a little time to digest all these entires, and I'll respond to them asap when I get a chance. In the meantime, I hope you guys all care about your "reputation" number, because increased them for all of ya. Thanks again and I'll get back soon.

[RemiJP]

Hmm, guess one of the words I used isn't allowed! Anyway, Jamaica Plain is very GLBT friendly!

[brightdoglover]

Jamaica Plain is not a place where you could find a house situation. Maybe I misunderstood, but I thought you wanted a house/yard for rent. Any rentals there, apartment, condo, whatever, are quite expensive, but yes, it's quite gay there.
So are neighborhoods in Dorchester, again, few houses for rent. I think Savin Hill is one. Dorchester can be very rocky in places for anyone- suggest you ask around for better parts of it.

[ndrone1]

Originally Posted by brightdoglover

Jamaica Plain is not a place where you could find a house situation. Maybe I misunderstood, but I thought you wanted a house/yard for rent. Any rentals there, apartment, condo, whatever, are quite expensive, but yes, it's quite gay there.
So are neighborhoods in Dorchester, again, few houses for rent. I think Savin Hill is one. Dorchester can be very rocky in places for anyone- suggest you ask around for better parts of it.

Yes, we are certainly looking for a house with a yard. I just finished my summer courses yesterday so I'm back to the -find out where I'm moving in May- hunt! We will not be able to function without a yard. I initially thought perhaps we could function with just a nearby park, but as our pit bull/mixed breed gets older, I'm realizing that a yard is a necessity. He is so incredibly playful and will unintentionally destroy everything we own if he isn't given a yard to play in. So, there's that (and I hope people keep the advice a'coming).

Also, I don't think Jamaica Plain is for us. Having done a lot of research today on that area, it seems to be very student-oriented, which if we have our preference, is not where we see ourselves enjoying life the most. We would perhaps like to live in an area comparable to the "mid-city" section of any other town. Thoughts?

Thanks again.

[dlappj3]

Hi, I relocated from La in 1986. Just think very hard before doing this---it is impossible for someone from La to adjust to Boston weather! Winter starts in November and stays until mid April. You can expect lots of wet snow and ice to shovel. Commutes are very bad...one hour to one hour 15 mins is not unusual. Cost of living is high. That being said, spring, summer fall are beautiful and there is a lot to do and places to visit not only in Boston, but the neighboring states of vermont, maine, ny. However, I still look for ways to get out and find a job (I have a sucessful career here, the reason I did relocate) in a more temperate climate every winter! Good luck.

[skytrekker]

From a nearly life long New Englander over in Connecticut

with the wonderful things climate change is bringing us- Novembers for an old dry New Englander like me have become increasingly more pleasant and mild.

Some subtleties now here regarding climate. 30 years ago the trees where mostly bare of leaves in southern New England (including Boston) by November 1st- now its 2-3 weeks later then that. Temperatures in the 50s to 60s are now common here until mid November- some years low 70s may come back for a day or 2.

It might be easily said nowadays in southern New England that winter begins not in mid to late November like in the past- but mid December. 2.5-3 weeks later now.

Springs are known for their capricious behavior here- the still cold waters of the Atlantic makes places near the coast cool. April can begin chilly- but end balmy.

So for someone from La- the weather here will be unpleasant from your viewpoint from late November/early December to early April- about 4-4.5 months. Which is the same for me. Since temps in the 50s by day and 30s by might are very tolerable- and from mid April to late November you are likely to see averages in this range.

Good luck- the weather yesterday was very pleasant 80 sunny and no humidity. The dog days end here in mid August- the weather from late August to Thanksgiving is sublime.

What I find interesting is that parts of Connecticut- nearly one half or more have what is consider a 'humid subtropical climate'
From Wikipedia;

Parts of Connecticut, including northwestern Connecticut, have a Humid continental climate while other parts, especially southeastern Connecticut, have a Humid subtropical climate, with seasonal extremes tempered by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Winters are cold, with average temperatures ranging from 31°F (−1°C) in the southeast to 23°F (−5°C) in the northwest in January. Spring has variable temperatures with frequent rainfall. Summer is hot and humid throughout the state, with average highs in New London of 81°F (27°C) and 87°F (31°C) in Windsor Locks. Fall months are mild, and bring foliage across the state in October and November. During hurricane season, tropical cyclones occasionally affect the region. Thunderstorms are most frequent during the summer, occurring on average 30 times annually. These storms can be severe, though tornadoes are rare.

This climatic type also extends into Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts.

[jayrandom]

I grew up in Baton Rouge and want to refute that it's impossible for someone from Louisiana to adjust to the climate here. I think I have--I would say I like the weather here better than in Baton Rouge. It can be cold, but it's so much easier to just throw on a coat or four than it is to deal with the sweltering humidity that is summer in Louisiana. Plus, the fall foliage is something that still amazes me after a few years in the northeast.
It's been about 8 years since I've been back to BR and the traffic here is worse than there, but not much. BR had gone through so much growth so quickly that the traffic there was awful and sprawled out. Here, the drivers a really crazy, but there are lots of viable public transportation options and not nearly as much sprawl. Plus, there are a lot of very walkable communities, even further away from Boston.
The cost of living is quite high, so be prepared for that--but should be very much able to handle the winter (I can :-) ).
Good luck with your move!

[ndrone1]

Originally Posted by jayrandom

I grew up in Baton Rouge and want to refute that it's impossible for someone from Louisiana to adjust to the climate here. I think I have--I would say I like the weather here better than in Baton Rouge. It can be cold, but it's so much easier to just throw on a coat or four than it is to deal with the sweltering humidity that is summer in Louisiana. Plus, the fall foliage is something that still amazes me after a few years in the northeast.
It's been about 8 years since I've been back to BR and the traffic here is worse than there, but not much. BR had gone through so much growth so quickly that the traffic there was awful and sprawled out. Here, the drivers a really crazy, but there are lots of viable public transportation options and not nearly as much sprawl. Plus, there are a lot of very walkable communities, even further away from Boston.
The cost of living is quite high, so be prepared for that--but should be very much able to handle the winter (I can :-) ).
Good luck with your move!

Well I certainly appreciate this opinion as well. I actually grew up the first 4-5 years of my life in Nebraska, so I remember cold and I remember liking it more than I like the summers here. So, we'll see! Thanks for your feedback though and advice.