Things I need to know before moving to Boston?... (Beverly: apartment, renting)

[Ciara32]

I'm digging all of the info! I don't necessarily view anything said so far as negativity, just blunt truth which is needed! Visiting in the winter is good idea. Midwesterns get all the seasons and storm season can get a little scary. What kind of storms would one experience in that area? Any ideas on a more affordable suburb? Also, is it an outrageous thought that I could find a home with roommates that allows me and my two dogs?

[Ne999]

Originally Posted by Ciara32

I'm digging all of the info! I don't necessarily view anything said so far as negativity, just blunt truth which is needed! Visiting in the winter is good idea. Midwesterns get all the seasons and storm season can get a little scary. What kind of storms would one experience in that area? Any ideas on a more affordable suburb? Also, is it an outrageous thought that I could find a home with roommates that allows me and my two dogs?

Not sure what your price range would be and I’m not the person to ask about dogs but might check out Allston, Brighton, south Boston, Somerville, Cambridge, Quincy..would also look a job market obviously

As for storms..occasionally a hurricane will get up the east coast in the fall..in the winter there are generally a couple of snowstorms that will keep everyone indoors

[redplum33]

bjimmy24 has given good, realistic advice.

[TAM88]

Originally Posted by Ciara32

Hi! I'm from Wichita, Kansas. I grew up around here and been here my whole life; 26 years! I want to try something new and have decided upon moving to Boston. I have a specific job currently here in economic development that I've been doing for 6 years but I would like to do something more exciting when I move. I have a bachelor's degree in business admin. I also have two dogs that I for sure would like to bring with me. I have a goal to be out there by August 2019. Any advice is appreciated!

Boston is one of the higher cost of living cities and metro areas in this country, so I would expect a bit of sticker shock when it comes to housing. Not sure if you went to a big college (Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma, etc.) but college sports are not that big around here. We have great college hockey, but beyond that it's nothing like other parts of the country. Winter can be cold and snowy here. People can be more direct and blunt here.

Boston is a fantastic city and the surrounding area is great too - this area has a lot to offer. Maybe come for a visit to check the city and area out?

[bigfatdude]

Originally Posted by OutdoorLover

You want to think check things out and think things through. I would feel bad though, if you let the negativity of some people here put an end to your dreams.

Yes, it's more difficult to rent with dogs. If you rent with dogs now, you probably already knew that though. I had a german shepherd when I was renting, and she went where I went, period. There was no way in h--l I was going to ditch that dog. I did need to look harder, but so I did. I always found something - in the Washington DC burbs, in the Rochester, NY burbs, and in the Boston burbs. One time I swayed a nervous landlord by first vouching for my dog and then offering above the asking rent for a townhouse in Rochester, for example, where pets weren't allowed - I got the place.

It is true that the cost of living is very high here, especially in or adjacent to Boston and Cambridge, and the bottom line is, the cost of living is a lot easier on someone who has money, no denying that. But (A) it's not like everyone who lives here is a Harvard educated neurosurgeon, and (B) moving to this area doesn't *have* to mean either working or living downtown in Boston or Cambridge, which make both housing cost and commuting tough. You might find work in the suburbs, and then live outside there, where it's cheaper. Can always drive into Boston or Cambridge on the weekend. Don't *have* to live or work there.

Well, it does take a Harvard-educated neurosurgeon’s salary to buy a downtown condo that would be affordable on a ~$80K-90K salary elsewhere.

[rethcir]

I'd suggest Portland Maine instead. Pretty much a microcosm of Boston, incredible food and craft beer, creative young people, old architecture, seaside living and awful winters at a lower cost of living. And only a 2 hour drive or amtrak/bus to Boston. But line up a job first.

[Ciara32]

Some have asked about budget and so here's what I'm thinking. If it's unrealistic let me have it haha. Currently I make about $42,000/yr and my mortgage is $650/month. Crazy right? I plan on keeping my home and renting it so I can have a little passive income. Hopefully I can find a job in the area for $45-$50,000/yr and rent a place for $1,500/month. Obviously I will have to live on a tighter budget with those margins but I think it just might be doable.

[flowbe202]

$1500 will require roommates—if they accept ��.

$1k is average roommate rent in Boston proper.

[timberline742]

Originally Posted by flowbe202

$1500 will require roommates—if they accept ��.

.

I know at least a dozen people that live in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville/Medford/Arlington that have a place on their own for that or less.

[bjimmy24]

Originally Posted by timberline742

I know at least a dozen people that live in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville/Medford/Arlington that have a place on their own for that or less.

The problem would be the 2 dogs I think.