Looking for Apartment/Condo Near Boston (Quincy, Braintree: rentals, condos, transfer)

[KtKins2007]

I'm a 23 year old female and recently got a job in downtown Boston that is only a couple of blocks from Back Bay station. Since I started the job I've been living in a one bedroom apartment in Franklin. My lease will be coming up this winter and my rent cost is going to jump up to about $1250 a month (its now only $900) on top of the $220 commuter rail pass. So I'm looking for either a 2 bedroom apartment ($2500 per month max) or one bedroom condo that does not have such a long commute into the city. Right now my commute is about an hour each way and I would love to cut that in half. I've heard about a few areas that are close to the city, but I really don't know much about the towns because I'm not from MA. If anyone has some suggestions as to where to look I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you.

[MagicTouch]

Have you looked at Bedford MA, it's still outside of Boston, but I do believe it would cut your travel in half. I just rented a 2bdr/2bth in a new complex for less than 2k per month. Burlington is next door and I know there are some 2bdr that are a little cheaper. Both are nice and your near to the Burlington Mall. Plenty of shops and restaurants in the neighborhood. I'm sure there are towns closer, but I'm not sure what you are really looking for. Something in the city, close to night life or something outside of the city a little more rural, but close enough to go out on the weekends.

Best Wishes to you in your search....

[KtKins2007]

Thanks, I'll have to take a look at those areas. I'm looking for something thats not right in the city, but where it is close enough that its not a problem or inconvience if I want to go into the city on a weekend and have some fun.

[MagicTouch]

Well, these area may work for you, they are quiet. The apt in Bedford is near the Burlington Mall, about 3 miles. So there is shopping, many restaurants, movies, a Whole Foods, Trader Joes and a Starbucks up the road. My apt overlooks the forest, so I have the peace and quiet, but I'm close to everything and about 20 - 30 min. from Boston. If you want more active areas you would need to move closer to Boston. Let me know how things go for you.

Best Wishes!!

[Baltic_Celt]

Hi KtK -

For $2500/mo you could live right in Boston & possibly even have parking. I know of someone who owns several buildings in the S. End, a 10-min walk from Back Bay, all with underground parking & his rents begin at $2K for 2b/1b. He has only upscale condos & there are many in the S. End. Back Bay/Bay Village/Copley Sq. rents are in that range & I'm assuming you'll have a roommate, so it would be affordable even when the rent increases by 5%/yr, which is standard on a 1-yr lease, in that area.

If you prefer to be further out of the city, you may want to find something right on the redline (Back Bay Sta.) or greenline (Copley Sq.), which will provide you an easy commute, especially now that winter snow is on the horizon. S. Boston has many upscale condos in that range, many are old renovated factories/churches which are gorgeous, have off-street parking & walking distance of Broadway Sta (redline). Quincy has gone a bit downhill in recent years, but there are some nice areas & there are a handful of redline stations in that city. Rents would be cheaper, too. Braintree, too has a redline station, rents would be more reasonable but your commute would be 1/2-hr via train or an hour to drive in rush hour.

I have a friend who rented a Beacon Hill furnished studio for less than what you expect to pay & it's a beautiful area. You might even try the N. End of Boston near the wharves. I knew someone who recently rented a heated 1b/1b for $1,200 in the N. End. Parking is a bear, however, for both areas. Don't expect to always have a nearby parking space. I have, however, recently seen some parking spaces in Copley for $50/mo. I think it's tenants without vehicles that rent out their spaces, but I saw 5 or 6 for just $50/mo.

Since you're so young, I'd say go for it & move to Boston, especially since you can afford Back Bay rents. Everything is nearby (restaurants/bars/museums), you'll have plenty to do all the time & can get around by walking.

Check out Craigslist.org for rentals & maybe just to test it out, you can move in with someone who's name is already on the lease. That way if you don't like it, you're not tied into a long lease & can move with 1-mo's notice. Also, roommates.com is a site for those looking to share an apt.

Best of luck to you & you'll have a lot of fun in the city. You're young, enjoy it!... VV

[LAS83]

Back Bay station is on the orange line...not the red line

[seldomseen]

craigslist has tons of rental listings available for the area your targeting

[CareerMove]

Are you still looking for an apartment? I am transferring out of Boston for work this winter and am looking for renters. If you're interested send me a private message or post it here!