Moving to Boston to work at the MGH: Where to live ? (Cambridge: 2013, apartment)

[bchouster]

Hey everyone,
My wife and I are getting to Boston for a 1 year PostDoc at the Mass General Hospital starting November 2013.
Where do you think would be the better place to live for a budget of approx. $1600-1800/month ?

thanks for your help,

Ben

[BostonMike7]

Do you want to live in the city? OR just outside?

Myself personally would choose to live away from the city somewhere along I-93. You can get on the highway and be at MGH pretty quickly depending on the time of day.

[bUU]

I'd actually recommend looking to live somewhere along the red line.

[TAM88]

As mentioned, along the Red Line would be a smart move since it will be a direct shot to the Charles/MGH stop right across the street from the hospital.

You could look at a lot of different areas. Which area will depend on some personal preferences. North Quincy for example would be a good option and you will be able to find a nice place within your budget.

[Verseau]

Some more information would be helpful - will you have a car? Would you prefer to use public transportation? How long of a commute are you willing to have? Do you want to be in a walkable, urban environment close to city amenities, or in a quieter suburban neighborhood? What apartment basics do you expect for your money in terms of size, amenities, age, etc?

[semiurbanite]

We live near the Porter Square stop, you could probably find a place for that price within a 5-10 minute walk to the Porter Square Red Line station. Its a bit less expensive than most of the other stops in Cambridge/Somerville but still urban and close to most amenities.

[MikePRU]

Originally Posted by TAM88

As mentioned, along the Red Line would be a smart move since it will be a direct shot to the Charles/MGH stop right across the street from the hospital.

You could look at a lot of different areas. Which area will depend on some personal preferences. North Quincy for example would be a good option and you will be able to find a nice place within your budget.

I agree that living along the red line would be ideal for the OP, but I think it would make a lot more sense to live along the other end of the line closer to their stop. Perhaps Cambridge/Somerville as someone else suggested?

[G-fused]

Just another vote for the red line - if you'll be using public transportation. It's the closest to MGH but the blue line isn't very far away.

I'm at MGH and usually bike or run to work but when I use the T, I take the green line and then walk. It's a nice walk and I enjoy it. But for the sake of door to door speed, the red line is best. But the red line runs through many areas so it would help if you could specify a bit mroe about what you are looking for. I'm just going to go ahead and assume you don't have kids and since you will be here for only 1 yr (beware, many stay at MGH though!) are looking for a vibrant place. In that case, I would look towards Cambridge.

Best of luck and welcome to MGH and enjoy the cafeteria, it's amazing. Oh, and make sure to visit the Charles River Plaza Whole Foods hot bar. And don't miss the Ether Dome. Lots more to say about what to do but I'll let you poke around the MGH.

[G-fused]

Originally Posted by G-fused

Just another vote for the red line - if you'll be using public transportation. It's the closest to MGH but the blue line isn't very far away.

I'm at MGH and usually bike or run to work but when I use the T, I take the green line and then walk. It's a nice walk and I enjoy it. But for the sake of door to door speed, the red line is best. But the red line runs through many areas so it would help if you could specify a bit mroe about what you are looking for. I'm just going to go ahead and assume you don't have kids and since you will be here for only 1 yr (beware, many stay at MGH though!) are looking for a vibrant place. In that case, I would look towards Cambridge.

Best of luck and welcome to MGH and enjoy the cafeteria, it's amazing. Oh, and make sure to visit the Charles River Plaza Whole Foods hot bar. And don't miss the Ether Dome. Lots more to say about what to do but I'll let you poke around the MGH.

Also, there is a rotating art exhibit in the cancer center of the Lunder bldg.
And the atrium solitary space is also pretty amazing with some incredible plants.
There's the new(ish) Paul Russell Museum of Medical Innovation and it has a rooftop garden (it's free entry).
MGH has a great tour that all new people should take. I loved it.
There are cafe's everywhere.
The grassy campus is realyl nice to enjoy lunch on a sunny day.
The main hall is great for people watching.
Don't forget Coffee Central!

Nobody actually works much here, we all just kind of hang out.

[xS☺B☺s]

Live along the Red Line North or South. Better yet if you can find someplace, live within walking distance. Beacon Hill is best choice for being right there with all the amenities.