Expert: Nicholas Cifuentes - 4/14/2008

Question
QUESTION: My sister and I are considering a move to Boston sometime at towards the end of this year. We are both young professionals and would like to know the best area to live in.  We would like to live in an area that is walking distance to bars, restaurants, parks, etc.  We both have vehicles now but would like to get rid of both or at least one- would we be able to get around okay without a vehicle or is it recommended to have one? Thanks

ANSWER: Sammi:

You sound like you are in my shoes.  I would suggest two areas that keep you in the center of the hub, and at the same time within distance of all the action here in the city.

Beacon Hill -- prices are high and space can be tight, but you are in the safest and most gorgeous area of Boston.  Everything is right around the corner, and within walking distance.  As a resident renter or buyer, you receive free onstreet parking for your vehicles.

Back Bay -- prices are just about as high as Beacon Hill, but space is a bit more for the dollar.  AGain, everything is right around the corner you have and parking works the same.  

Rents for 1 beds in both areas can range from $1000 - $2500 based on how nice, large, amenties, etc...it really depends.  You can find a great deal, you just have to do the HW to do so.

Also, if you can, have a car in the city, but try not to use it too often.  Spaces can go quickly and sometimes on certain days and times you could be driving around for 30 minutes to try and find a parking space -- of course, unless you rent or purchase one somewhere nearby to always keep your car.  
Workign in the city, within walking distance or using the city's MBTA, public transportation, is very simple and easy to use, and can be better than using a car often in certain spots.

Other areas that I would rate below the two I mentioned, would be South Boston, "Southie", Harvard area in Cambridge,and place right near there.  These are very eclectic and a lot going on in these places, take a bit longer to get downtown, as opposed to walking distance, but they are growing, cheaper and more space overall.  

I have always lived in Beacon Hill and the BAck BAy, and find that the best option if you have the money to do so.




---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I was also wondering if you knew of a good web site to for search apartments. And do you think it will be a problem finding a place if I have a small dog?  Would you say that downtown Boston near Beacon Hill and Back Bay is the primary place to find bars and things to do?  Thanks again for your help.

Sammi

Answer
I would go with Beacon Hill or Back Bay -- having a dog is not a huge issue.  Many people have dogs in the city -- I have small Italian Greyhound, so I was in the same situation.

If you want to be in the center for everything, and have the money to do so...go with Beacon Hill, Back Bay.  Living with another person just helps the cause with rents, so you'll be OK.

Downtown, you have Whole Foods, Shaw's, gyms, anything and everything to do..you'll be good.

Go with craigslist.org go here: http://boston.craigslist.org/aap/

Best place to find what you need -- can't go any other way. I have found everyone of my apartments off craigslist and they were all fantastic!

Good luck.