Looking to buy and need advice on specific Boston neighborhoods

[Boston Bill]

I think your answer requires two more questions:

What kind of lifestyle do you want? How long will you walk to T or bus? Do you like to get outside in nature? Do you like the nightlife? Your price range is good and will allow you to live in most all of those areas. Brookline and Cambridge at that price might be slightly tired units.

I wouldn't eliminate any of those areas until you visit them yourself. I have many clients (I'm a Realtor) who have friends, family and colleagues tell them to avoid areas based on information from 5-10 years ago, or what their friends told them. Don't base a 425K investment on speculation. For instance, not having a look at central JP would be irresponsible. It has changed dramatically.

[RemiJP]

Yes, the streets around the North/Northeastern section of the Arboretum are nice, as you get closer to Forest Hills, but safety is a little more iffy, though there are definitely beautiful houses down there as well.