Mid 20's Looking To Relocate To Boston (Quincy, Newton: apartment complex, for rent)

[BBQQ]

I went to school in Boston, and now am looking to come back.
When I lived in Boston, some it was on campus by Northeastern.
Once I moved off campus, I lived in the mission hill neighborhood.
First apartment was nice, second not so, there were mice and the area was grimmy.

Since then I moved totally out of the area and state.
I have lived in a nice apartment that had almost 1000 square feet and was brand new. The big problem was it being in a rural area, so yes the apartment was nice for me to come home and relax, but the area was boring.

I want to come in again to Boston, but I don't want to stress myself out by living in a dumpy place in a dumpy neighborhood.
I'd like to be in area that has young people my age where I can meet people and make friends.
I'd like to not be in an unsafe or dirty area, some place where there might be nearby a watering hole, good place to eat, or grocery store.



What I know to know is, would it be possible for me to get the following (These are absolute musts)
1) At least 600 square feet (1 Bed and 1 Bath..not a studio)
2) AC
3) Decent location (near young people, not unsafe/grimmy or dumpy)

I would like as well parking (preferred off street) but that is not mandatory.

Is it possible for me to get this at under 1500?
I REALLY would prefer for rent alone to get this for close to 1000.
I am looking to live solo...I have tried roomates before...and I'm not good in those circumstances.

The top places for me would be Allston/Brighton/Brookline/Newton...can I get what I am looking for at this price range?
If not, what suggestions/advice do you have?


I want to come back to Boston as it is a good place to get a social life.
I'm willing to make reasonable sacrifices, but I don't want to go all in if you know what I mean.

[reaching4stars]

Well, you'll just have to start looking to see what's out there! I personally would consider a roommate at least as a temporary situation until you get the lay of the land and have time to shop for your own apartment.

[OuttaFlorida]

If your budget is 1500 I certainly think you can find a 1bed/1bath. The problem I find with 1 bedrooms though is most likely it would be an apartment complex thats run by a property management company and I hate those because they nickel and dime ya. I prefer to go by owner, but that's just a personal preference. I would check out the North End too-- plenty of young folks, a few parks, some bars. Parking is tough though I've never NOT found street parking. If you can't find something with central A/C, I bought a window unit off craigslist for 50 bucks earlier in the summer.

My best suggestion is to just start looking on craigslist now. September is the peak month where things fly off the market, so act fast...which may be VERY difficult if you're out of state.

[bostonguy1960]

A/C is not a given here, even in the Back Bay or similar areas. Many people I meet don't have it.

Dumpy areas will charge you $1200-$1300 plus in Allston, Broghton, Fenway, etc. East Boston may get you a nice view and it's cheaper (specifically in Jeffries Pt. area with some yuppies now...but it's not for everyone...a large S. American presence in parts). Southie will be kind of dumpy and old at $1100 for a 1BR, but at least near loads of yuppies, and near Carson Beach and Castle Isle.

$1000 gets you an older studio in Allston or Fenway w/o A/C.

This is all proven on Craigslist.

Your rent goes farther in Quincy (nice and newer 1BRs at $1500).