Best place(s) to rent for a newly married Indian couple relocating to Boston?

Question

As the title suggests, my wife and I are newly married. I am relocating to Boston in a month or so from Charleston, SC. I will be working close to the Courthouse (near South Station).

From what I can make out word of mouth is the best way to find a place in Boston. I have only been to Boston once for the interview so really need some help and advice from you experts in here.

Which areas are most suitable for someone like me and my wife? Don't really care about schools ... Care most about Access to downtown Boston, the safety of the area, and, the cost of living. I am hoping to keep the rent of the apartment ~1300/mo.

Given that my wife and I are recent grads... we don't mind living in a student area as long as the apartments are in decent/good condition. Don't mind living in a suburb that has good access to DT Boston either as I have a car and don't mind getting dropped off at the nearest station.

I am looking to rent an apartment (1br/1bath ... upgrade to 2br if possible). I don't

Answer 1

Not to play into stereotypes but Burlington, MA has a sizable Indian population if that helps. It's also far cheaper than Boston itself but also a notable distance.

Boston is very, very expensive and $1300 might get you a tiny studio. Naturally, the further you get out, the cheaper it might be. As for transportation, generally Boston is very good at getting access everywhere. Even if you were in the suburbs, you won't have much trouble finding a subway train that leads to Boston. Parking in Boston is an impossibility and it's expensive.

But places I'd recommend for a young couple:

Waltham - Has plenty to offer and it's one of the last refuges of Massachusetts property that isn't overpriced. A lot of young professionals have started moving to the area. Waltham has a lot of families that live there and it's very much a suburban city with roughly four supermarkets around the area. The chances of an unsafe area are very small and you'll know what areas when you see it. But I put Waltham at the top of my list.

Quincy - Quincy is directly adjacent to Boston and I think it has plenty to offer in terms of shopping an accessibility.

Somerville - Located between Cambridge and Boston is this small city, and I think you might find what you're looking for in terms of $1300.

Brighton - A Boston neighborhood that's host to blue collar families, young professionals and many college students. Brighton's a pretty decent area. It's not a place where you want to go roaming out at night, but it's a pretty decent area. Cleveland Circle is nice but it's a young neighborhood so there are a few bars. St. Patrick's Day itself is pretty nutty.

Brookline - I love Brookline but I think the real estate is disgusting (as most of Massachusetts real estate is). My cousin pays $2,000 a month in rent for a 2 bedroom apartment on the third floor, sans an elevator. It's a nice place but not worth the money. Brookline is extremely safe, extremely small and out of all the places mentioned, offers direct access to Boston, just as Brighton would.

Newton - Newton is very good and it's considered one of the safest cities in the country. But it's very, very expensive since it's a wealthy community. But if you're looking for peace and serenity, Newton is a very good choice and it's just outside the city. But prepare to have an empty wallet.

Cambridge - I tend to think Cambridge is where the spillover came from those trying to move to Boston. Cambridge is very expensive but nice. It's not the safest city ever but it does have some really attractive neighborhoods. Avoid Davis Square though since that is a fairly shady area.

Revere - Revere is pretty close to Boston and there shouldn't be much of an issue getting to and from the city. It's a working class city like many others but it offers all the necessary amenities one would need.

Places to avoid: Roxbury, Dorchester and Mattapan. Generally, these are some of the worst areas in the New England area and those unflattering write-ups in the newspaper usually involve a busy daily police log. Jamaica Plain is decent but it's a long way from rehabilitating itself. South Boston is very good but like I said, it's still improving itself and that will take a long time.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

I would add Somerville, Medford, Woburn and Billerica to the list also. I know in Billerica & Woburn there are many Indian families, and I know many people that commute to Boston. But Medford and Somerville are closer to Boston, not sure about the Indian population though. Rents are fairly high but not sure what the going rate is in these areas. I am guessing that you should be able to get a 1-2 bedroom apt. in this price range.

Answer 4

Quincy (Suburb right next to Boston) for the price range, its fairly safe, close to the beach, & has the Red Line Train that stops @ Downtown

Brighton & Allston are also right next to Boston & has good public transportation if needed.

I would also suggest Brookline, but I'm not sure if there is affordable places there.

Answer 5

By "Indian" you mean South Asian or North American aboriginal?

In either case you can live anywhere without hassle, but if South Asian you will find a greater number of compatriots (and easy public transit, and great Indian restaurants) going from Downtown Boston towards the west and northwest (Brookline, Cambridge, Arlington, Newton, Watertown, Waltham, etc.).

Answer 6

If you don't mind taking a suburban commute to Boston, Burlington, which has a lot of Indian professionals living in apartments, is worth considering.

Answer 7

Dorchester or Roxbury