Relocating to MA- Burlington or North Chelmsford or Lowell or Woburn (Boston: apartments, renter)

[bostongymjunkie]

Originally Posted by htfdcolt

Burlington is *very* diverse based on its demographics.

I know Burlington well. It's diverse for a (now) white collar suburb and mostly in the sense that it's about 15 percent Asian. I wouldn't call it "very" diverse by any stretch of the imagination.

[robr2]

Originally Posted by bostongymjunkie

I know Burlington well. It's diverse for a (now) white collar suburb and mostly in the sense that it's about 15 percent Asian. I wouldn't call it "very" diverse by any stretch of the imagination.

I live here and that's true. You'll see plenty of Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asian but it's still pretty white. That being said, the last name you see most in the high school graduation program is usually Patel.

[htfdcolt]

Originally Posted by bostongymjunkie

I know Burlington well. It's diverse for a (now) white collar suburb and mostly in the sense that it's about 15 percent Asian. I wouldn't call it "very" diverse by any stretch of the imagination.

I know Burlington well too. 16% Asian when the national average is 6%, counts as pretty diverse by me. Maybe it's not the traditional diversity (Black or Hispanic). But one can see the impact of this population in the schools and the businesses which cater to this demographic.

[bostongymjunkie]

Originally Posted by htfdcolt

I know Burlington well too. 16% Asian when the national average is 6%, counts as pretty diverse by me. Maybe it's not the traditional diversity (Black or Hispanic). But one can see the impact of this population in the schools and the businesses which cater to this demographic.

"Traditional diversity"? Whatever.

[sdven]

Thank you all!

[johngolf]

Lowell is shall we say "gritty" in some parts but as a young couple with no children, renting in Lowell will work well for you. Princeton Properties in Lowell manages several apartment complexes. Begin a search there.

[sdven]

Originally Posted by johngolf

Lowell is shall we say "gritty" in some parts but as a young couple with no children, renting in Lowell will work well for you. Princeton Properties in Lowell manages several apartment complexes. Begin a search there.

Thanks so much- really helpful!

[Remy11]

Originally Posted by mwj119

Can you give us more than you love college towns and peaceful neighborhoods?

You’re not getting a college town, for certain.

Even though Lowell might not be considered a traditional college town like Amherst or Burlington, VT, UMass Lowell has a relatively strong presence in the Lowell community. I would say it’s similar to Salem—it’s not referred to as a college town, but Salem State has a strong presence in the community.

Also, agree with Johngolf’s comment that it would be a good bet for the OP.

[sdven]

Thanks again!

I keep seeing broker fees everywhere. Is this typical for MA? I am living in NY state and its unheard of here. What is the typical fee like? is it always one month rent or depends? I am also checking Craigslist as its posted directly by the owners. Are there any other websites (without broker fees) you would recommend?

[johngolf]

sdven

When owners do not want to deal directly with people looking, they use a broker. Typically when the property is owned by a large company, there is not a broker in the middle. Many will want first and last payment up front with maybe a security deposit as high as a months rent.