East Somerville vs. North Dorchester (Boston, Quincy: real estate, city hall, crime)

[philly2boston]

Hi all--

My husband and I are relocating to the Boston area from Philadelphia and we are looking to buy a 2 BR with a budget of up to $360K. We are childless young professionals with a small dog and plan on having one car. We have been looking at properties primarily in North Dorchester and East Somerville - some with parking and some without.

Our real estate agent seems to be much more fond of North Dorchester than east Somerville south of Broadway. I'm specifically looking at a property just off of Medford Street in Winter Hill vs. a property between Columbia Road and Dot ave in North Dorchester, and looking at the available crime data mapping, it seems to me that North Dorchester is far less safe than East Somerville. I've also seen some posts about on-street parking being difficult.

I've seen some older posts on these topics in these areas, but am wondering how valid they are with the rate of development in these areas. Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

[timberline742]

I don't know North Dorchester, but I live in East Somerville. I never found the parking to be an issue and I like the area a fair amount. No crime issues in my two+ years here, but I'm perhaps a bit closer to Union Square than you might be. I think there are a fair amount of casual places to eat out (ala Highland Kitchen) and nice taverns, a nice community garden system that I take part it, etc. I can't really compare though.

[CaseyB]

One of my kids lives on Medford Street in Winter Hill. The area is improving, new restaurants, etc. We weren't crazy about her moving there, but it's actually not bad.

[1000milestare]

Where do you need to commute to? I would always vote East Somerville unless you need proximity to Quincy or Milton.

[breezy1]

East Somerville is better choice unless the Dorchester location is significantly better for commuting ...

[professeurpablo]

My opinion - although somewhat geographically and experientially biased - would be to go for East Somerville / Winter Hill hands-down over Upham's Corner / North Dorchester. East Somerville is considerably safer and is on a very positive trajectory development-wise, particularly with the incoming commerce at nearby Assembly Square.

[philly2boston]

Thanks for the quick responses! For those of you that have lived in East Somerville / Winter Hill, are there any areas to stay away from? Our real estate agent said definitely do not go above Broadway, even though the shopping may seem convenient. I've also heard terrible things about Foss Park in years past, as well as gang activity in the area, but nothing recently. Are these still concerns?

My husband will be travelling by car out of the city most days, but will be based in the financial district about once per week. He will likely be getting home later in the evening (8-9 pm) and the current place we are looking at only has street parking. Will it be difficult this late in the evening to find parking in winter hill?

I have not yet found a new job, but assume it will be somewhere downtown as well. I will be relying on public transportation, but do not mind taking the bus/T/walking. I've investigated the options commuting from winter hill and am fine with them as long as they are safe to walk in the evenings should i be getting home late.

[timberline742]

Originally Posted by philly2boston

Thanks for the quick responses! For those of you that have lived in East Somerville / Winter Hill, are there any areas to stay away from? Our real estate agent said definitely do not go above Broadway, even though the shopping may seem convenient. I've also heard terrible things about Foss Park in years past, as well as gang activity in the area, but nothing recently. Are these still concerns?

The two places you mentioned, North of Broadway on Medford, and the Foss Park area are the less desirable parts, for sure. I've not heard anything happening at Foss since I've moved to the area, but I did hear old tales as well. Still, less desirable. I myself like the access on the orange line (Sullivan) and walked there (I'm off Washington) and worked in the Financial District. Very quick commute. If you were looking at Medford St, anything from Magoun Square down to the City Hall / High School is just fine.

[Elllz]

Welcome Philly peoples! I'm new to boston via NYC but originally I'm from Philly.

Look at the area near the somerville armory where they stage the winter farmers market. You can also search for this amazing butcher M.F. Duluck. I recently bought in medford hillside near tufts but the area near the farmers market was my second choice.

[snatale1]

East Somerville