Do you live in the Boston, Mass. area?

[ellyn2000]

I need help. DD graduated college in May and has a teaching fellowship to Boston College. A friend who graduated with her has been accepted to Harvard Divinity School. They have searched tirelessly for an apt. for the two of them located somewhere between the two universities with no luck at all. It's been made more difficult because we're in NC and even realtors don't reply to our inquiries because we're not available at a moment's notice. I'd have to have a day or two to get airline tickets, etc... Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions? She thought they had a good prospect and was ready to pay the deposits when she got an e-mail that the person with the apt. to share had changed their mind. Probably found someone there now. She is getting really scared that she's not going to find anything in time to be there for grad school orientation early next month. I'd really appreciate any tips or info anyone can give. Otherwise, will you keep her in prayer that the right place will open up? Thanks so much for listening to my plight.

 

[aristocatz]

I lived (and rented) in Boston for 10 years. Here's my advice:

1) CRAIGSLIST The best place to look for apts! Bostonapartments.com is good too. She should look on the "roommate wanted" section as well as post her own ad on "room needed" section.

2) & in general, she should act fast. In Boston, people move very quickly to get the process done. If she finds a place sh likes, she should lock it in ASAP. People will not wait around-they just want their places rented.

3) Bear in mind that Boston is one of the most convenient cities to get around. The T (subway) is accessible from MANY areas. They do not need to be in an area that is walking distance to these schools. They just need to be in an area that is accessible to that area's color T line. i.e. BC I believe is on the Green line (B line I think?). Not sure if Harvard Divinity School is located at the Cambridge Harvard campus-if so, that would be the Red line. They will get to know the T pretty quickly once they get out there. It's a very easy system to learn.

Coolidge Corner/Washington Square/Commonwealth Ave Brighton area might be a good option. The green line lines throughout that area and there is a bus that takes you right to Harvard.

Good luck!!

 

[ellyn2000]

Thanks so much! Anyone else? CraigsList has been no help so far. We are ready to move fast. Willing to send money as soon as we can find anything that will meet their needs AND the renting agency will respond. I've left this up to her so far, so now I'm going to really attack it and see what I can accomplish. I've sent several inquiries today and hopefully someone will contact me. None of the apt's are answering phones today.

 

[aristocatz]

Thanks so much! Anyone else? CraigsList has been no help so far. We are ready to move fast. Willing to send money as soon as we can find anything that will meet their needs AND the renting agency will respond. I've left this up to her so far, so now I'm going to really attack it and see what I can accomplish. I've sent several inquiries today and hopefully someone will contact me. None of the apt's are answering phones today.

Wow, I'm surprised that Craigslist has been no help.

Do they want an apartment alone or are they willing to share with roommates?

What is their price range?

Also, an added tip: Be sure to research the areas of places they find. There are some areas of Boston that are just not safe for two young girls to live in. Many areas are fine, but definitely research the area first.

ETA: If she has not yet posted her own ad on Craigslist, this would really help. Be sure she lists exactly what their priorities are (i.e. walking distance to public transit to BC & Harvard, 2 bedrooms) & what they are open to (i.e. non-smoking or don't mind smokers, ok with living with pets, gay friendly or gender friendly, quiet household or party-friendly-whatever they are ok with). They should also describe a little about their personalities (i.e. quiet, outgoing, clean, responsible with bills, partier, laid back, drama free, etc)-people really do look at these. Check in the "Housing Wanted" section for example ads.

 

[kaytieeldr]

What about this http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/nfb/1266488140.html listing?

 

[aristocatz]

What about this http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/nfb/1266488140.html listing?

Malden is a bit far from both schools. I think there is a T line out there, but I don't think it's a convenient line to the schools in the OP.

 

[ellyn2000]

She was hit by some scammers on CraigsList and it sort of scared them. "We're missionaries feeding starving children far, far away and would like to rent our apt.. Please send money order to this address..." She's mentioned Allston, Cambridge, Watertown and first poster mentioned Commonwealth Ave. and Washington Square. DD will have her car but her friend will not. Friend is the one going to Harvard. They are willing to share with someone else, just not the opposite sex. They're just two nerds looking for a place to live. They're hoping to spend about $1400. or so plus utilities. I've placed a few inquiries for places that start around $1300 plus and I hope to hear from someone tomorrow. All your suggestions are so greatly appreciated.

 

[ellyn2000]

We're going to call about the Malden apt.. DD is going to look into the transportation options. It's a lovely apt., but any other leads will be great, too. I can't thank you enough for your interest.

 

[vgrandy]

You should be able to find something in Watertown in your budget. There are buses into Cambridge and it is a short drive to BC. Malden is not the area you want to be in.

Good luck

 

[clori]

I live in the general Malden area. Ferryway is a public elementary school that isn't close to the subway though it is a doable walk if need be. It is on a busline to Malden Center. There are two subway stops in Malden - Malden Center and Oak Grove. If you live in walking distance to either then the t (subway) is doable. However the area of Boston/Cambridge is probably a better commute by t then by car due to traffic but it would be a long commute. It is about 20 minutes from Oak Grove to Downtown Crossing then probably 20-30 minutes on the green or red line depending on stop. However Malden may be a more affordable option.

Oak Grove is on the Malden/Melrose border so a place near the t in Melrose may work if you dont mind the commute. However Melrose is slightly more pricey than Malden in general. Medford near Wellington Center or Somerville near Sullivan as long as they are walking distance may also work. Brookline would be a nice location which includes Coolidge Corner and Washington Square but Brookline is usually very expensive. I loved living in Coolidge Corner and would highly recommend it if affordable.

For Boston stay away from Mission Hill, Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, Dorchester etc unless you know the area. They all have good/bad areas but it is safer not to chance it unless you know for sure. Some of the bad areas are pretty bad. I lived in Mission Hill and felt safe but two or three streets over it wasn't safe at all. My dh lived in Allston and Brighton before I knew him and never had any issues. He was right on Comm Ave in Brighton when I met him.

Watertown could work for both Harvard and BU since there is a bus in Watertown Square to Harvard Square where I think Harvard Divity School is located.

 

[aristocatz]

She was hit by some scammers on CraigsList and it sort of scared them. "We're missionaries feeding starving children far, far away and would like to rent our apt.. Please send money order to this address..." She's mentioned Allston, Cambridge, Watertown and first poster mentioned Commonwealth Ave. and Washington Square. DD will have her car but her friend will not. Friend is the one going to Harvard. They are willing to share with someone else, just not the opposite sex. They're just two nerds looking for a place to live. They're hoping to spend about $1400. or so plus utilities. I've placed a few inquiries for places that start around $1300 plus and I hope to hear from someone tomorrow. All your suggestions are so greatly appreciated.

Bear in mind that if they look in Brookline (Washington Square, Coolidge Corner, Cleveland Circle), there is NO on street parking & the few apartments with parking are super expensive. She could rent a parking spot but that is going to be an added expensve (and another $75-$150/month). There is parking on Commonwealth Ave but it's very hard to find.

With the budget you mentioned, they might have a tough time, but it's not impossible. MUCH for feasible if they are ok living with roommates.

You should be able to find something in Watertown in your budget. There are buses into Cambridge and it is a short drive to BC. Malden is not the area you want to be in.

Good luck

Watertown is an excellent choice!! It's a great town & pretty safe. Pretty parks, parking, & like this poster said lots of buses that will take you right into Cambridge. You can get MUCH more for your money in Watertown as well.

 

[aristocatz]

Check this out-I see some within your price range! Belmont is a great option as well!

http://boston.craigslist.org/search/aap?query=watertown

 

[aristocatz]

I live in the general Malden area. Ferryway is a public elementary school that isn't close to the subway though it is a doable walk if need be. It is on a busline to Malden Center. There are two subway stops in Malden - Malden Center and Oak Grove. If you live in walking distance to either then the t (subway) is doable. However the area of Boston/Cambridge is probably a better commute by t then by car due to traffic but it would be a long commute. It is about 20 minutes from Oak Grove to Downtown Crossing then probably 20-30 minutes on the green or red line depending on stop. However Malden may be a more affordable option.

Oak Grove is on the Malden/Melrose border so a place near the t in Melrose may work if you dont mind the commute. However Melrose is slightly more pricey than Malden in general. Medford near Wellington Center or Somerville near Sullivan as long as they are walking distance may also work. Brookline would be a nice location which includes Coolidge Corner and Washington Square but Brookline is usually very expensive. I loved living in Coolidge Corner and would highly recommend it if affordable.

For Boston stay away from Mission Hill, Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, Dorchester etc unless you know the area. They all have good/bad areas but it is safer not to chance it unless you know for sure. Some of the bad areas are pretty bad. I lived in Mission Hill and felt safe but two or three streets over it wasn't safe at all. My dh lived in Allston and Brighton before I knew him and never had any issues. He was right on Comm Ave in Brighton when I met him.

Watertown could work for both Harvard and BU since there is a bus in Watertown Square to Harvard Square where I think Harvard Divity School is located.

I used to live in Brookline as well! Coolidge Corner & Washington Square. You are right-both tend to be pricey, but sometimes you can find good deals, especially if they are willing to live with roommates. The area is wonderful-walk to the T, great shopping, restaurants, movies, beautiful buildings, etc...Most of Allston/Brighton are safe areas as well but can be quite loud with college kids.

I'm surprised you mentioned Jamaica Plain as unsafe. I haven't been there in a few years, but I thought it was very artsy and nice now. Maybe that's just in the center of town?

 

[jendemfit]

Brighton would be another good option for them.

 

[clori]

I lived in Brookline Hills area near the high school and Coolidge Corner with Mission Hill in the middle. I worked part time at a supermarket with people from all over the area. My boss who lived in JP her entire life told me in no circumstances was I to rent an apartment in JP without her approval of the location but that was about 10 years ago. I think that was in the midst of turning artsy so maybe it is much better all over now. I totally forgot about the no overnight street parking and paying extra for a parking spot if you could even find one. I didn't have a car while living in Brookiline/Boston. Fortunately my full time job was in Newton Center most of that time frame which was right near the T. Newton would work but for the op but not in her price range.