Moving with kids- Brookline? (Boston, Cambridge: apartment, rental market, condo)

[GCHutch]

Hi,

My husband has been offered a position and he can choose either the Boston or NYC office so I'm trying to get as much info as possible.

We will need at least a 3 bedroom, and I anticipate our housing budget to be $3,000/month max. I originally was hoping to live close to the hustle & bustle of the city- meaning we could walk or ride the T to places downtown. We have 4 young children- and myself never having lived in a big city- I certainly would not want to try and drive.

It seems our budget may be to small for downtown areas though, so we have been looking at Brookline. My only concern is that it may be too far from the city life? I don't want to feel isolated in a suburb and have to drive everywhere. Is that how Brookline is?

We are just hoping for a big enough change to warrant moving our children across the country. We are currently in a small suburb outside of Austin, which has it's perks, but if we have to move- we want to experience something really different. If we will ultimately just be in another regular suburb, then we have a lot to think about.

Thanks for any help!

[timberline742]

Brookline is not isolated feeling. I think it is one of the best areas of the region, personally, esp if you have kids. But I could never afford it. There is a green line train, but its not a subway. It's above ground and slower than the subway, but it will bring you right into downtown so no problems there.

I don't know what your budget gets there though. It's an expensive hood.

[mwj119]

Brookline has apopulation density of almost 9k. Very urban in feel with the exception of the large SHF neighborhoods. It is very much connected to the western part of the city, so you won't feel isolated at all. It's very similar to living in Cambridge in that regard, though Cambridge is a bit more urban in most of it's neighborhoods.

So, Brookline is a great choice. $3k will be tough to swing, but might be manageable if you don't need parking. I'd highly reccomend that you also consider Cambridge, though on average, it tends to be slightly higher from a rental cost perspective. Somerville should be a consideration too as the red line stops in both David and Porter and is very well connected to the northern sphere of the city.

Trust that Brookline, Cambridge, and Somerville will be a HUGE change from Austin. These suburbs/sister cities will be more urban in their delivery than anything you see in Austin including downtown. But, it should be exactly what you expect. Also keep in mind that, at that price point, you will be 'reduced' to the more undesirable areas of these cities... I say that a bit tongue in cheek, but they may be a bit more gritty than what you're used to. They are very safe by city standards, even in said areas. You'd never have to worry about walking alone at night, etc.

[GeePee]

Brookline is a good mix of suburbia and city life. It seems perfect for your needs. You can have a car easily, or take the T is you so chose.

[G-fused]

I live in Brookline. It's great and like others say, not isolated at all - far from. I assume you are ok in a condo? Or are you thinking a single family?

Keep in mind that Brookline, and most of the Boston areas housing is old. A 3 bed updated condo in good condition in Brookline (Coolidge Corner is the best IMO as it is the closest to the city and the most urban) is not easy to find and will likely run you more than 3k. but maybe not too much more, I haven't looked lately. Public schools in Brookline are outstanding BTW. The further west you go in Brookline the less urban it gets.

Best of luck

[jks1985]

Brookline is more walkable and transit friendly than any part of Austin, even downtown. It's a great choice if you are looking for something urban. It's also safe and has great schools and restaurants.

[bugelrex]

If your budget doesn't get want you want and you still require good schools & extremely low crime then consider newton centre. Walking access to T but not as urban

[GCHutch]

Thank you all so much for the help!

Are there many options within Brookline itself for walking to a coffee shop/restaurant? Or would that mostly require driving?

[ECPCVC]

Do you, your husband and your 4 kids plan on living in an apartment? There are no single family homes for rent in Brookline for $3000. It’s very cold and snowy in the winter and I can’t see kids that have grown up in a house in Texas being happy in a cramped apartment for the VERY long Boston winter. Also, if your kids do activities you will have to drive. No need to drive in Boston itself but you will have to drive to get to some places outside the city-skating, gymnastics, Target, etc. It’s just like driving anywhere else. Look at Newton, it’s still very walkable, safe, good schools. Also Arlington.

[mwj119]

Originally Posted by GCHutch

Thank you all so much for the help!

Are there many options within Brookline itself for walking to a coffee shop/restaurant? Or would that mostly require driving?

It’s clear to me that you don’t yet understand how urban Brookline is as it applies to the rental market. It’s urban, like... Urban urban. More urban than almost anywhere in downtown Austin.

You can walk to coffee shops, tapas joints, sushi restaraunts, pho places. It’s a city, ma’am/sir. It’s more like Brooklyn than it is a suburb, less a few neighborhoods south/west which God himself can’t afford.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/An...ff224?hl=en-US
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Do...afe95?hl=en-US
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Cu...2df7e?hl=en-US

If you want more of a balance, or a bit more suburban in feel, look at Arlington, Newton, Needham, Melrose. If you want urban, stick with Brookline, Cambridge, or Somerville.