Need advice - relocating from VA to MA, office in Burlington (Boston: apartments, living)

[UniSearcher]

Hi all,

I have recently landed a job that will put me in Burlington, MA. I'm from VA and don't have any family that lives up in MA, so I have no idea how MA works or what seems like an unreasonable commute! I've been searching Craigslist for apartments, both in Boston itself but also in the surrounding areas. I've heard that the T (Red Line) is reliable, but that's all. I'd just like to get a sense of what my options are regarding living spaces (because I know it's a quick-moving market).

Here's some criteria (this is flexible, I'd really just like to get a sense of how realistic my options are)

1. Rent: $1200 - $1400 a month (possibly more, if need be, I just want to get an idea if this is realistic or not)
2. A place that would allow me to have no more than a 45 minute commute (either by car or not - I'm unsure if I'm having a vehicle or not yet)
3. Possibly no roommates - how doable is this?
4. If I do have a car, will I realistically be able to use it? Or should I just not have a car up there?

Is it a bad idea to have an apartment that includes heat/hot water? I've only heard that "oil heat" is bad! If you any other advice about searching for apartments, that would be helpful! I'm so new at all this, so I just want to get as much perspective as possible.

Thanks!

[timberline742]

You'll realistically need a car, with minor exceptions, in Burlington. There are buses, but no subway (not sure about commuter line), in Burlington.

I think you could find a one bedroom in your range within Burlington itself.

There was another thread on here for a guy spending a month in Burlington recently asking about transit, it would be worth looking at.

[bler144]

Originally Posted by UniSearcher

Hi all,

I've been searching Craigslist for apartments, both in Boston itself but also in the surrounding areas.

You should use padmapper.com over craigslist. It takes craigslist posts (plus a few other sites like rent.com) and lays them out on a google map, essentially.

It's both more highly searchable (using the various sliders for cost, size, toggles for pets, etc.) and especially for someone who doesn't know the area it will show you proximity to major roads.

That price range will get you an apt., studio certainly, 1 BR probably. I'd focus on Burlington or Woburn. Wakefield probably also worth a look, and Lake Quannapowitt is a great place for walking/jogging or people watching in the summer. Lake Quannapowitt - Wakefield, MA

You'll definitely want a car.