Spanish HS teacher thinking of moving to Massachusetts (Boston, Worcester: apartments, to rent)

[In Sync]

Hello All!!

Living in Melbourne, FL for the past 3 years, working as a HS Spanish teacher. I am into the arts and there is not much of anything here. It is quiet and affordable, the weather is great but I am bored to tears. I am looking for a place where it is quiet and affordable but at driving distance (1 hour or less) from a big city. Melbourne is close to Orlando but I am not into the tourist theme park scene. I was born and raised in NYC but not wanting to go back there (high crime and expensive). Would Worcester, MA, being at driving distance to Boston, be a good choice for relocation?

Thanks!

[scarletfire]

Worcester would be more than an hour from Boston and I suspect might be not the most exciting place. There are some things there - art museum, small symphony, and what not but it's nothing like Boston. You could find a cute place there for a reasonable price and there are some pretty areas (although some are definately dicey) but the commute would be pretty awful. What kind of price range are you looking in? Are you looking to rent or buy? That info might help others make helpful suggestions.

[In Sync]

Thanks for the reply Scarletfire. I am looking to rent a 1 bedroom or studio. Price range $700-$800 (cannot afford more than that on a teachers salary). My goal is to live & work outside of Boston but hang out in the evening 2-3 days per week in Boston. Are there any communities closer to Boston which are low crime and reasonably priced? Don't mind driving if it is less than 1 hour to get to Boston. Also if you can give me cost of living, for whatever area you recommend, it will help me in terms of job search and salary.

Thanks!

[nate14ri]

i hope you have your masters.

[In Sync]

I have a Masters in History and working on my Masters in Spanish. I am a native speaker.

[lrfox]

I don't think Massachusetts requires a Masters anymore for teachers (may want to double check). I would look at areas like Quincy, Revere, the Diamond District of Lynn, Malden Center, and maybe even Chelsea for reasonable rents closer to Boston. I still worry that you may have trouble finding something close to your price range (in a decent spot), but a small studio for $800/mo in Lynn may be possible. Maybe an area like Bridgewater, about 40 minutes from Boston may be a better bet. You could look for apartments in Taunton or Bridgewater (as far north as Stoughton) and find something more reasonable yet within reach of Boston. Still, Taunton, Bridgewater and Stoughton while they have walkable downtowns are hardly an alternative to city living. Good luck, but it will be difficult. Maybe you can find a co-worker to room with after you start work and find a better spot?

[dmoss]

In Massachusetts you have 5 years from when you are certified to obtain a masters degree. I am pretty sure this is correct. I would not move to Worcester if you want to go to Boston after work. I would look at a suburb of Boston.

[scarletfire]

I agree with dmoss. Quincy seems like a good choice but I'd find some help selecting the area. Some are better than others. I can't say I'd recommend Chelsea. It's a pit. I know people say it's changed and gotten better. I don't really believe that.

[In Sync]

Thanks to all for the valuable info!

[lrfox]

Originally Posted by dmoss

In Massachusetts you have 5 years from when you are certified to obtain a masters degree. I am pretty sure this is correct.

Not anymore. This was the case but it cost school districts too much money to keep doing. They've since reformed the policy and only a bachelor's is needed.