3 month work in Charlestown, Boston MA. Where to rent? (Somerville: apartments, rentals)

[thomaseco]

Hello. I will be working for about 3 months in the Charlestown area. I found some short term rent apartments but I have no idea about the locations, the good the bad and the ugly. Please help.

I would rate safe neighborhoods most important of any other qualities, and then public transport accessibility (if needed).

For the moment I found apartments in Charlestown (southeast next (?) to the port, and mid-town), in North End, West End, East Somerville, etc.

1 bedroom apartment or studio will be fine.

Your suggestions and price target will be most welcome.

[BostonRevealed]

Just live in Charlestown. you can prob get a 1br for ~2500. You're 10mins into the heart of the city by the Orange line.

There are ton of short term rentals in Back Bay / South End - 2000-2200 for a studio and 2500-2700 for a 1br. Great centralized location.

[thomaseco]

Thank you BostonRevealed.

I do not have any experience with public transport in Boston. Is it reliable?

I will be working in a research lab in Charlestown close to the 13th street (north-east tip of Charlestown). My initial thought was to get a studio/apartment as close as possible, but then I have no idea about the neighborhoods.

Are you suggesting that it is better to search in the Back Bay / South End areas?

Should I visit before I make rental arrangements (expensive) or I could I possibly do it over the internet?

Thank you for your time.

[missionhill]

Thomaseco,

FYI, your work location is in the Charlestown Navy Yard. The adjacent neighborhood east of Bunker Hill Street is what we call "public housing" (looks like barracks on the Google satellite view) and not especially desirable or even available on a temporary basis. West of Bunker Hill Street, the neighborhood is very good and still within walking distance of the navy yard. Anything you can find there in the streets off bunker hill street, High St, Bartlett St or Main St should be satisfactory.

Back Bay / South End areas are fine but probably too far to walk. Same with Somerville.

[tysmith95]

Charlestown is a good neighborhood. I'd just live there. And public transportation is great compared to most other US cities (the orange line is reliable but has old trians).

[timberline742]

If its in the Navy Yard, live in Charlestown, or East Somerville... from East Somerville take the frequent bus from Sullivan to the Navy Yard.