Things I need to know before moving to Boston?... (2013, loan)

[bjimmy24]

Sorry, but Fenway is very different from Allston. And it's not really a few blocks away. The entire BU campus is between Fenway and Allston. Names do mean something. You can't say "you should live in Brighton" when you mean Fenway. It's a huge difference.

I've also never seen a brownstone in Allston.

[timberline742]

Yeah, Kenmore Square and Allston have very very different vibes to me. Maybe 1980s Kenmore was closer to Allston of today, but today's Kenmore is really nothing like Allston to me.

[GeePee]

Kenmore used to be a charming dump. Now its a sterile cocktail party for the rich and red sox crowd.

[G-fused]

Originally Posted by timberline742

Yeah, Kenmore Square and Allston have very very different vibes to me. Maybe 1980s Kenmore was closer to Allston of today, but today's Kenmore is really nothing like Allston to me.

+1. They are all very distinct.

[Maddie104]

To the OP, I suggest you look at a map of Allston/Brighton and see how close everything is. I am only suggesting that this area is close to Fenway Park. It is also close to the lovely neighborhood of Brookline. You don't have to live in those areas but they are close by and you can enjoy living in a less expensive neighborhood yet enjoy the surrounding neighborhoods.

I am taking so much time with this post because you are close to my daughter's age. She relocated and loves it. She has had roommates for many years and I don't think there is any shame in that since it saves her a lot of money. They split utilities, cable, etc. (I will say parking can be expensive and she has to have a car for work.) One poster referenced a reduction in quality of life. To me you could live in a 800 square foot apartment and have a better quality of life than a 2000 sq home in the midwest or suburbia depending upon on what appeals to you. Yes, I lived in Kansas City (and traveled to other mid city towns) in my mid 20's - early 30's and had a fabulous job, a nice home and liked the area but guess why I moved, I was single among couples and families. I also sold my 2000 sq. foot home with a nice yard and moved into a one bedroom apartment complex and loved it. I would suggest you figure out the minimum square footage you could live in comfortably with two dogs and look at apartments with that square footage. I also suggest you underestimate what you could afford rent wise because you may have unexpected expenses, i.e., more expensive car insurance, expenses for the dogs, etc.

I have also recruited for Fortune 500 companies for all level jobs -- most young single people want to be among other young single people. I don't have any stake in Boston so I believe I am being fairly objective. I have been to Chicago and it is very also nice so there may be other cities that meet your need. However, Boston is up there in terms of the concentration of young single people I am sure you know there are trade offs. Best of luck to you.

[G-fused]

I think the OP will be surprised at how small of a city Boston actually is. Hard to believe it pumps out and attracts so much money and attention. It's small but has a large concentration of amazingly innovative people (a.k.a. the eggheads I was referring to. They are brilliant innovators and good at math but man, ask them to ride a bike to their destination and they mess everything up) and organizations. Less time learning about Pythagoras and more time learning how to ride.

[G-fused]

Originally Posted by Maddie104

However, Boston is up there in terms of the concentration of young single people

And then there is me - old, married, and drop dead gorgeous. My plump 40yr old slightly protruding belly is a sight to behold and my v nceck undershirt accentuates my wiry gray chest hair. I am thinking of growing a creepy mustache too. I have the young people texting OMG to each other as I pass by.

[redplum33]

Originally Posted by bjimmy24

I've also never seen a brownstone in Allston.

There are brownstones in Allston. For example, click.

[bjimmy24]

Originally Posted by redplum33

There are brownstones in Allston. For example, click.

I'm not sure I'd qualify that as a "brownstone" per se but maybe it's quibbling on my part, but regardless, there are very few of these in Allston and that one in particular loses points for being across the street from a carwash and gas station. Not exactly the South End.

[Ciara32]

Still appreciate the advice...Sounds like I have a lot of different pathways to explore haha. I know some aspects of my post may sound naive...and well, let's be honest, it is. However, I am trying to think this through and that's why I set myself a goal of trying to get to the Boston "area" in the Fall of 2019 (until then I'm working on saving haha). Someone asked about work and currently I work in the economic development for the state of Kansas, specifically rural communities. I manage 18 community's loan funds and educational programs. I travel daily to small communities throughout the state and am perfectly comfortable running meetings and doing presentations to large groups. So I got that going for me...Additionally I have some experience with real estate and have a side business for wedding/event planning. I could probably only rent my home for a few hundred extra passive income coming in so it's not really a money maker. Someone made the comment that my $42K job here could equal a $60K job there and they may be my saving grace...but maybe not. I realize $1,500 is a rather low amount for a rental with dogs but after some research has shown it might be doable. I don't think I would enjoy being around young college students per say but I am pretty extroverted so having roommates might be ideal if they are willing to take me and the dogs haha.