Best Neighborhoods??? (Boston, Cambridge, Somerville: loft, to live in, restaurants)

[carlyman]

I've scoured through many threads, but thought I'd give my specific situation to get some thoughts.

I grew up in the midwest, lived in DC for about a year, and have been in Portland, OR for the last 3.5 years...never been to Boston.

I'll be moving out there next Jan/Feb for a new job. I'm 25, make just over $100k per year, and am still a bachelor. I'd like a place that can fit a pool table (so decent sq footage), but still have shopping, restaurants, and nightlife within walking distance (or at least public transit to get me there by walking).

I'll actually be working in Winchester, so I'd like a fairly easy commute, but understand sacrifices are needed. A nice open loft would be great, but will consider anything...less than $500k is ideal.

Yes I'm picky, but any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

[TheWereRabbit]

Based on your age and lifestyle you probably won't want to live in Winchester especially if you are looking for under 500k. I would say your best bet is Cambridge or certain areas of Somerville (West side. Around Davis and some of the other squares). Medford is also an option, and Arlington though you would end up going into Somerville/Cambridge and Boston for more night life options. You could live in Boston itself but you are just that much further from Winchester (commute would still only be like 15 min driving or the train). Cambridge is pretty damn expensive. If I had to pick I would say best bet would be Somerville: A little cheaper, Close to Winchester, Shopping/Restaurants/Nightlife a walk away with more options a T ride away (be aware the T stops running at 12:30 though), and lots of 20-something people around.

Out of curiosity where in Winchester would you be working? Are you planning on driving or taking public transit? There is a commuter rail station in Winchester and also buses run from Medford to the center.