Safe neighborhood that's walkable (Boston, Brookline: apartments, to live in, restaurants)

[indecisive2012]

Hey guys - just browsing around at different apartments in Boston and --- WHOA! 3k seems the average price. That's insane!! So, my question is this: is there a neighborhood within 10 minutes drive time from heart of Boston that is walkable and safe? And perhaps less than 3k a month - maybe less than 2k? Oh, and my other question is this: what area of Boston has the most activity? Like food vendors, restaurants, etc. Is it Downtown or is there another area that is more vibrant that I should know about?

Thanks guys for helping me with my research!

[snatale1]

If you don't need a downtown neighborhood, West Roxbury, Roslindale.

[Cantabridgienne]

In terms of retail/restaurants, the Back Bay probably has more than Downtown. "Ten minute drive time from the heart of the city" is kind of vague...When you say you want to be close to Downtown, is it because you will be working in that neighborhood? Or are you using that as a blanket term for the city?

Many neighborhoods in/around Boston are safe, walkable, close to downtown and have amenities. The usual suspects are the Back Bay, North End, South End, JP, South Boston, Davis Square, Porter Square, Harvard Square, Central Square, Coolidge Corner, Brookline Village....it just depends what kind of housing you expect for your budget and what sort of neighborhood vibe you are going for.

[Cliff Clavin]

$3k seems high. How many bedrooms are you looking for? We paid $1200 for a 2br as recently as 6 years ago. And was easily a 10 drive from downtown.

Also, if you're looking for activity, downtown would be one of the last places I'd look.

[indecisive2012]

Ah, okay good to know guys - yeah I was using "downtown" as sort of a blanket term...

From what I see the area around Boston Common looks lively, will look into everything else you all mentioned. Thanks for the info - keep it coming! We are looking for a 2 bedroom - but one that is very nicely done, with at least 1000 sq ft, preferably a lot more. We don't mind only 2 bedrooms, but space is key. I have been sort of centering my search around Boston Common, but I could be wrong here. Let me know. Basically, the most convenient and safe location for our budget.

When I say convenient I mean as walkable as possible - a location that is located within walking distance of the most places possible. A place where there would always be a ton of places to go and things to do right around the corner (walking). If that mythical place exists - that's what I'm looking for.

Thanks guys!

[xS☺B☺s]

Originally Posted by indecisive2012

Ah, okay good to know guys - yeah I was using "downtown" as sort of a blanket term...

From what I see the area around Boston Common looks lively, will look into everything else you all mentioned. Thanks for the info - keep it coming! We are looking for a 2 bedroom - but one that is very nicely done, with at least 1000 sq ft, preferably a lot more. We don't mind only 2 bedrooms, but space is key. I have been sort of centering my search around Boston Common, but I could be wrong here. Let me know. Basically, the most convenient and safe location for our budget.

When I say convenient I mean as walkable as possible - a location that is located within walking distance of the most places possible. A place where there would always be a ton of places to go and things to do right around the corner (walking). If that mythical place exists - that's what I'm looking for.

Thanks guys!

Well the bottom line is space in Downtown is premium because everybody wants to live in a vibrant fun safe walkable neighborhood in Boston. So you really have to compromise. Do you want to live in in a fun walkable downtown neighborhood, have lots of space, or save money. Cuz doing all three is unlikely in BOS.

I made two choices when I lived in BOS. 1st I lived in a shoebox ion Park Drive in the Fens. I had all the urban amenities at my doorstep. That was a studio and would now cost you about 1K.

My second choice was Lower Roxbury at the edge of the South End. It was safe but not always pleasant. A lot of ghettoism, noise, and trash. But dealing with that, I was a ten minute walk to the PRU and we spent 2K for a 2 bedroom.

[indecisive2012]

True, we want it all don't we? lol

After looking at google maps for awhile and doing the really handy little street views (which was cool as I could literally "walk" through the neighborhoods around Boston), the Back Bay area is exactly what I had in mind. What do you guys think? $2k in Back Bay possible?

[Cliff Clavin]

Originally Posted by indecisive2012

True, we want it all don't we? lol

After looking at google maps for awhile and doing the really handy little street views (which was cool as I could literally "walk" through the neighborhoods around Boston), the Back Bay area is exactly what I had in mind. What do you guys think? $2k in Back Bay possible?

I don't think $2k will get you a 2br in the Back Bay. I'd say you'd be lucky to find a small 1br for that price.

[indecisive2012]

Yeah, after looking, I see that 2500 is probably a better bet. So, time to readjust budget and make it happen, eh? ;D

[silverbelles]

$2k is not going to get you a 2 bedroom in Back Bay. JP, Roxbury, Brighton/Allston, and maybe South End, yes. If you're lucky and a listing pops up, you could swing areas of Brookline but that city is pretty suburban and very family oriented. If you're not in that time of your life, you may not care for the area that much.