26-Year Old Single Woman Moving to Massachusetts (Boston, Cambridge: apartments, rental)

[heaven16]

Hey Guys,
I am a 26 year old single girl from NJ and I am moving to the Boston area next summer. I am a teacher and I will have my Masters' in Special Education in May.

First of all, I am DYING to know about neighborhoods. When I move next summer, I'm interested in a one-bedroom or a studio in a nice Boston neighborhood that is geared towards young professionals and SINGLE twenty or thirty-somethings. I see and hear a lot about "family neighborhoods" and I am definitely not interested in that. I am looking for a neighborhood with a good nightlife and a fun scene, but also a place where I can lace up my sneakers and go for a run alone without having to be scared...
I am interested in neighborhoods either in OR outside of Boston and I would actually be interested in some cool towns by the NH border... but are there are towns for singles up there??? I'm really open to anywhere in Massachusetts that would be a good setting for a young professional.

Also, does anyone know about the education field up in Massachusetts? I am a certified teacher and I will have my special ed. degree very soon. Are they hiring special ed teachers?

Thanks!
*Jules*

[brightdoglover]

Let's see. I believe special ed is one area that is hiring.
For a lively area for under 30s, well, people might suggest Allston-Brighton, but I think that's too young, too drunk, too college kids, and way too expensive for grungy apartments.
Strongly suggest Cambridge.
Depending on where you work and if you keep a car, that could make your decision.
There is no happening nowhere and nuthin' anywhere else, certainly not outside Boston. Been there done that.
Best wishes.

[steve1282]

How much can u afford to rent?
How far of a commute do want more info needed Boston is expensive.

[holden125]

Originally Posted by brightdoglover

For a lively area for under 30s, well, people might suggest Allston-Brighton, but I think that's too young, too drunk, too college kids, and way too expensive for grungy apartments.
Strongly suggest Cambridge.
Depending on where you work and if you keep a car, that could make your decision.

I've said this before (but not in a while): Brighton Center is quite different from Allston or Brighton along Comm Av/Cleveland Circle. Those areas have a lot of undergrads and noise. Brighton Center's quieter but has some places to go out and a decent number of grad students and young professionals. Decent street parking availablility on many blocks too. Cons: no T line anymore, you have to take a bus to Kenmore (or Harvard) to connect.

Cambridge is good, but be careful on location as parts can be expensive (or remote from the train as well). Somerville and Cambridge have an odd border and it can be hard to tell them apart. Overall Cambridge is more upscale but parts of Somerville are a lot of fun and good to live in. Check the Central, Inman, Porter, or Davis areas, three of which straddle the border.

Brookline has some good areas too: Coolidge Corner, Brookline Village, Washington Square. A lot of 20-somethings, but you can't park overnight on the streets. Between rent and parking it can get expensive, but it's a nice place.

Originally Posted by brightdoglover

There is no happening nowhere and nuthin' anywhere else, certainly not outside Boston. Been there done that.

Pretty much true. Once you get outside the immediate Boston area, things close early and it's very suburban/woodsy and family-oriented.

[heaven16]

Hey,
Thanks for your replies.
I can afford $1100 - $1300. I wouldn't mind living within a half hour of Boston. What is Somerville like? It seems nice.
Thanks!

[LeavingMA]

I would also second Brighton center. If you go outside Brighton Center and to certain bars and places there is a large college population, but many of the places near Brighton Center tend to be geared towards young professionals. For the most part stay out of Allston...that is definitely a college area. Somerville is a mix, but in my opinion Brighton Center is nicer.

[brightdoglover]

Somerville around Davis Square is very happening. Lots of people moved there who couldn't afford Cambridge. I admit I am partial to having a few trees along my walk, so therefore don't overly care for Union Sq. in Somerville.
There are a lot of townie neighborhoods in Somerville where the OP might not feel at home. At the rental rate quoted, the OP could certainly get a studio or one-bed in a neighborhood good for her age and interests.
Again, where she works might determine a lot. If she needs to get on the highway for work, I'd suggest Arlington (Center and East). An easy hop onto Rt.2/128 to get out of town, a great safe place to live and walk and dash into town. Getting out of town from some city areas could be a real pain, and then there's the parking issue.
Job location really means a lot.

[Beantown_mama]

I would definitely live in Davis Square.

[DeafTed]

I would say Davis Square, too. You have a bit of everything, and if it isn't there you just hop on the Red Line and you can get anything else you want. Union Square Somerville is O.K., but not as convenient.

[Braunwyn]

Another vote for Davis Sq. here. I lived in Davis for many years while in college. It's a fun sq., lots of professionals and students. The T makes Cambridge and Boston easily accessible.