Moving to Boston, Advice Needed! (apartment, car insurance, crime)

[yaeger07]

I think Southie would really depend on your work schedule. If you were working regular hours, I would say it might take longer than 30. A 12 mile commute, assuming that CVS on route 9, is pretty long for Boston standards (city proper and the very near suburbs) so the traffic could be rough. You'll never want to take the route through Rox/Mission Hill to 9, so you'd be stuck with 90.

Southie probably has people you'd like, though, given your age and love of nightlife.

I think you are likely limiting yourself to complexes, and that's why you aren't really picking up the JP suggestions, but it really would be good for you based on what you've shared.

[greasechops]

I guess I'm still waiting to be sold on JP, because I haven't really heard anything yet. I just see it distant from Boston. I also can't seem to find good housing there, other than 225 centre street apartments which actually looks perfect. Where should I be looking? Zillow?

Complexes are attractive to me because I'm skeptical of going through indepdent realtors, not to mention majority require first/last and security upfront. No amenities and limiting opportunities to netwok with other young folk.

How is the nightlife in JP? Do you think I'd be more content hanging out in JP itself rather than commuting into the city at night?

[dapeaz]

I'm not familiar with the roads taken to get there, but it's a short bike ride from JP into downtown Boston. I've also heard the nightlife in JP is pretty good and has the demographic to support this. The area is definitely at the top of my list if I move to Boston.

[sharencare]

I used to live in South Boston and now I live in Roslindale, which is the neighborhood next to JP. Trust me, during rush hour, you don't want to go from South Boston to Newton by car. The number of traffic lights will drive you crazy. The parking in South Boston is non-existent (or at least very aggressive) and everyone illegally double parks, so you have to drive extra carefully. I've also have commuted from South Boston to Newton and vice versa by Red Line and Green Line. The Green D Line is not as bad as the B or C lines, but it's super crowded during rush hour and just plain ridiculous if there is a Red Sox game. Even if the transfers go well, you're looking at ~45 min commute by subway from South Boston to Newton. Whatever Google says, add 10 extra minutes.

Now I drive from Roslindale through West Roxbury to sometimes get to Route 9. It's not bad at all during the morning rush hour. Depending on your route, there are a lot of rotaries. JP around Center Street is slow going though by car but there's lots of alternative ways. So I would look into JP as a singleton. You might look into Allston-Brighton, but then the parking is very difficult.

[greasechops]

Thanks for the insight, sharencare.

What can you tell me about the safety of Roxbury crossing and Jackson Square? I've seen people comment both ways.

[David223]

Have you considered the Mission Hill area? It might be worth looking into.

[greasechops]

Originally Posted by David223

Have you considered the Mission Hill area? It might be worth looking into.

Hi David, I actually am looking at the City View at Longwood apartments in Mission Hill. It looks like a great middle ground between Chestnut Hill and north into downtown.

[bostonapartmenthomes]

Hi,

Doing a quick MLS search for Studios and 1 Bedrooms returned an average price of about 1900-2100 for a one bedroom. I would not ditch the car right away. If you plan on riding the T, The Greenline (D) serves this area. The green line has a lot of stops and can be a hassle to ride. It is always full. You should be able to find a 1 bed or studio within your price range that includes parking.

If you would like to keep the car. JP is a good option. Finding a place in JP with parking near two of the T stops would allow you to drive to work and when going into the city, you could hop on the T and be in the city in minutes. Thats basically what I do over near Southie.

Good luck!

[greasechops]

Thanks! Knowing I'll be working in Chestnut Hill, would I be a fool to consider anything in Southie?

[timberline742]

What type of "nightlife" are you into? That makes a big difference. JP has an active underground music scene and loads of shows. If you're talking dance clubs or whatnot, JP isn't the place for that.