Work in Kenmore. Where to live? (Boston, Cambridge: Valentine's day, apartments, rent)

[daturanoir]

Moved to Boston forum!

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!

I need help choosing a T-servcied (bus or subway) and affordable (max. rent $850 w/a roommate) place to live in.

I'm from Providence, RI. In terms of "neighborhood feel," I'd like to live in an area that approximates the East Side/Fox Point areas of Providence. Also, I've lived in Harvard Square, Porter Square, the South End, and Beacon Hill. Of the four, I enjoyed living in the South End the most.

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

[shiver]

What about Fenway (Jersey St, Peterborough, Park Dr.)? The Fenway has really developed around the Landmark Center area and while there are definitely a lot of students around, plenty of young professionals live there too. Or, try Brookline - my neighborhood, Coolidge Corner, or up the road in Washington Sq. $850 x 2 = $1700. I think you can find a 2 bed with a roommate for that. It only gets dicey in Brookline if you have a car since you can't park overnights on the street.

[brightdoglover]

A bit vague, eh?
Age? Budget? Interests?

[daturanoir]

Thanks Shiver! I'll be sure to look at apartments in Washington Square, Coolidge Corner, and Fenway.

Ideally I'd like to live in a diverse and "neighborly" (people acknowledge each other on the street, not as many transient students, etc) neighborhood. Is Brookline diverse and "neighborly?"

To get an even better idea of what I'm looking for: I spend most of my free time in Central Square, the South End, and JP. Any other parts of Boston or nearby towns like these places?

[Cantabridgienne]

So why not try to find a place in Central Sq, the South End or JP? Depending on the exact location, none of them would be too horrible a commute via the T. The South End might be trickiest; depends on which bus routes you lived near.

[daturanoir]

@ Brightdoglover: I'm 24. No snarkiness intended... My main interest is living within my means and making the most of living in Boston. If the area is "crunchy granola" and diverse I'm sure I'll be fine.

@Cantabridgienne: I have thought about those three areas. I'd like to learn about others before I make a decision. I like to visit Central and JP but don't think I'd want to live in either place. I always get harassed in Central. (Got followed a couple of times.) I love love love some parts of JP. Other parts seem spooky (ex. Jackson Square ...and I quickly learned why.) Also, I'm very hesitant about moving there because of all the recent shootings.

Most recent one:
Officials: Woman found in Jamaica Plain had been shot in head

And lastly, the rent is just too damn high in the South End.

What are my options???

[shiver]

Is Brookline diverse and "neighborly?"

Define diverse? I live in Coolidge Corner and it has some students, but because it's pricier than neighboring Allston/Brighton, there's some undergrads, but more grad students. Lots of young professionals and young families (Brookline public schools are some of the best) and people who have lived there for 50 years.

But, you probably won't find it funky enough if you're looking for a JP, Central Sq. and South End vibe. Lots of restaurants, shops, some cool bars (Publik House), the Coolidge Theater (arthouse cinema) and independent bookstore (Brookline Booksmith).

Parts of JP are perfectly fine. There have been a few threads about the area so use the search function on here and look up "Jamaica Plain."

I want to say to try somewhere in Cambridge - Inman Sq. (no T) or Porter, but I feel it's going to complicate your commute. Check out mbta.com for bus schedules?

What I like about Fenway or Brookline for you is easy commute - you can walk from Fenway and Coolidge Corner/Wash. Sq. are on the Green C line right into Kenmore. I forgot to mention Brookline Village - it's on the Green D line right into Kenmore and JP is right across the way.

So even if you aren't living right in the heart of your favorite areas, it's convenient enough to get to those places while still living in a safe area close to work.

I was going to suggest Oak Sq. or Brighton Center both in Brighton. No train, but they are on a bus line that goes right into Kenmore, but it's a bit removed and more of a trip to get to places. More affordable though.

[daturanoir]

Ethnic diversity. Diverse like Central Square (Harvard/MIT students or recent grads from all over the world), South End (neighbors were from Ethiopia, Somalia, Albania), or JP.

Coolidge Corner feels old and Russian. Profession-wise, I'd fit right in. Everyone there seems to be in healthcare.

Thanks for suggesting Inman. Hadn't considered it. It seems "crunchy" haha.

You're right about the commute though...Fenway or Brookline would be much better for me.

[holden125]

Brighton's a good suggestion. Inman's not that horrible of a commute. You can walk to Central for the 47 bus, which gets to near Kenmore in about 15 mins, or take another bus to Central and transfer to the 47 there.

[MassVt]

Perhaps you should just consider a different section of Cambridge other than Central--try Porter, or Kendall, or even Davis Square in Somerville; they're all accessable to the Red Line..