Expert: Nicholas Cifuentes - 5/27/2011

Question
Nicholas,

Me and my wife are planning to move to Boston in a year or so. We want to pick the part of Boston that would be the best fit for us.  So I'll give you some general information that may help give you an idea of what we're looking for.  We are both 40.  We like to go out for dinner and drinks.  We're equally comfortable in good dive bar, or a more upscale lounge.  We like a variety of ethnic food.  We're interested in arts and culture.  

Specific things that we would like in an area are: close proximity to the'T'.  An ethnically diverse area is a plus.  While understanding that there are a lot of universities in Boston, we would prefer an area that is not swamped with college students.

We are looking to rent rather than buy.  We're willing to trade space for a great location.  2br would be nice, but will make do with a 1br.  We don't plan on having a car either.  Price wise, we're looking in the area of $1800-$2000.

I've asked similar questions on other sites.  I've received some good advice.  Somerville, South Boston, Jamaica Plain have come up the most frequently.  But seems like there is a certain rah-rah aspect to those answers.  Along the lines "Southie all the way!" that sort of thing. :)   

Finally would you recommend the use of a broker?   

If you need any clarifications, or have additional questions that would be helpful to your response, please feel free to ask.  

Thanks in advance for your time,

Brett

Answer
As for renting, and your location requests - you could find some digs in Beacon Hill / Back Bay for that price range, or slightly above; although would be small. South Boston is turning a bit cosmopolitan and much nicer than it was many years ago. It has great restaurants, decent location to downtown, and everything you basically need.

Somerville/Cambridge - other side of the river, a bit far out from downtown although nice, seems you want a better central location.

JP is OK, you can definitely find the space, although again, a bit further out from downtown, much more 'suburban' type of living out there, and some 'shady' areas to go along with that, but much better than it used to be.

I'd skip 'Southie', too many characteristics that are like JP, although just not as far away. To each their own though. Southie has beautiful areas and nice parts though, but again, further outside of the city.

Another area, Charlestown, beautiful, historic, and just across the river on the North Side of town, very Beacon Hill-ish, slightly less in dollars, although public transportation can be a pain sometimes to get over there, not bad, just need to plan.

Honestly, I would pick a realtor on a visit over there, and just tell them to take you through a few homes in your price range in multiple areas so you can see it. Take time to walk through each neighborhood to be sure it's not for you, and best advice will come from the Realtor you choose.

Realtor's for rentals can be tough to pick a great one, because they all advertise they do it. These guys are solid - http://www.bostoncityproperties.com/ and will show you pretty much every neighborhood and have had a decent experience myself with them.

best of luck,
NIck