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Safe and affordable neighborhood in Philadelphia?

Moving to Boston from Philadelphia - how do I pick a neighborhood?

  • If anyone is familiar with both cities, I live in Center City Philadelphia (Washington Square West). I'm looking for a dog friendly neighborhood with nice independent coffee shops, access to public trans, and easy shopping/dining. I know that Boston is a bit pricier a market than Philadelphia, so this might be a pipe dream. But can this be done for a rent of around $800/month? Any advice would be helpful. Thanks!

  • Answer:

    I think with some patience it shouldn't be impossible to find something in Brighton for $800 (for example, 30 seconds searching I found: http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/nfb/1445287463.html ). Plenty of students and small, independently owned stores throughout the Brighton/Allston area. In general, however, it'll be hard to find what you are looking for within the $800 price range. And personally, I don't really dig Somerville (you'll hear people call it "SLUMerville" but it isn't THAT bad), although you get more for your money in that area. Naturally, the farther you get away from the downtown, the cheaper the rent. I guess it's a question of what you are willing to compromise on (atmosphere, location, etc.).

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The South End is not so much like Center City as it is the south side south of Center City. Back Bay is more like Center City. Adam's suggestion Quincy will give you no Washington Square - like feeling at all -- it is a bit boring, although its northern side has a large Vietnamese population with nice cheap restaurants. Yes, your impression about Somerville is misplaced. Especially the Davis Square area. And the Union Square area is just a half mile from the Inman area of Cambridge which is saturated with the environment you seek. I do not know why nobody has mentioned the North End or the Fenway districts. Malden also would be a suggestion if it only were a bit more artsy/hippie-ish and had more than 2 independent coffee shops in the downtown near the subway and commuter rail station. Parts of South Boston and Dorchester along the Dorchester Avenue corridor are likewise. Also Roslindale near Roslindale Square.. But nowhere - NOWHERE - of your sort around Boston will have even a closet for $ 800. Unfortunately, at the present time Boston is quite more a desired city for many people than is Philly. I do not know where you will be working but have you considered for a bit lesser rent one of the nearby cities with sections with the environment you wish connected to Boston by the rail network? I am thinking particularly of Providence, Lowell (especially the downtown area near the Lowell campus of UMass) and maybe Salem.

Hank

If your moving into the heart of Boston, the city; your $800 a month wont get you diddly. Try Medford, Cambridge (student area), Sommerville and Roxbury. These places are all near the city and you can find affordable housing.

AworkInProgress

Center City is most like the South End, but your $800 would get you a closet there. You'll have to go practically to New Hampshire to find something livable for $800. Experiment with Craigslist and ask us about neighborhoods you find there. Avoid Roxbury (it's like North Philadelphia). Somerville isn't spelled like the season, but it's a reasonable place to live cheaper.

Whatever4

Only place I've been: Arlington Heights. Houses a bit pricier than what your used to but worth it. Its very pretty and there's some cute coffee shops, hair salons, crafts stores, etc. Very home-y feel. Good Lucckkkkk!

Giving Thanks<3

Quincy is another good area to check out. It's cheap and on the Red Line (which is generally the most reliable subway line), south of the city.

Adam

i was gonna recommend cambridge too but $800 wont get you anything there..it's more like $1800/month..the great thing about boston is that it has more green space than just about any city I've seen

Maine Boy (formerly NYBoy)

u wont get cambridge for 800 try like newton or something

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