moving to boston is september. HELP!!

[scifiwasabi]

Originally Posted by bigfatdude

$1500 for a one bedroom near Harvard Square is not going to happen - in fact, $1500 for a decent-sized one bedroom in good condition is not going to happen anywhere in Boston/Cambridge area.

Living in/near Harvard Square is not a requirement (nor is living in Cambridge), and I'm willing to go up to $1800.

[MassVt]

Try Watertown and Somerville, as well as Belmont, Waltham ( better deals there), and Arlington. Although it would involve a longer commute ( on the Green Line), Newton can have some good deals at times. And there's always the roommate possibility to reduce prices, although there are some obvious risks. You're not going to find too much for less than 1500 for any one BR apartment in the Harvard Square area..

[kingeorge]

Originally Posted by MassVt

Try Watertown and Somerville, as well as Belmont, Waltham ( better deals there), and Arlington. Although it would involve a longer commute ( on the Green Line), Newton can have some good deals at times. And there's always the roommate possibility to reduce prices, although there are some obvious risks. You're not going to find too much for less than 1500 for any one BR apartment in the Harvard Square area..

To me Newton is overkill. OP has great options with easier commute as it is. Newton is also less young and OP would feel very out of place. At least Belmont and Waltham have some younger people and graduate students around.

Arlington and Watertown would be my top choices. And then also Somerville Davis Sq.; Cambridge Porter Sq. Waltham and Belmont if nothing else worked, or if they offered amazing space and amenities for the price. Waltham has more young people but Belmont has better commute and it is safer.

[495neighbor]

And don't forget if OP decides to go a little farther out to Watertown and Waltham, there are bus line options between Harvard Square to those areas.

[scratchie]

Originally Posted by scifiwasabi

I'll be working near Harvard Square, so I guess that's central Cambridge? The earliest I think I'd be able to visit would be in June or July.

Harvard Square is good because it's a transportation hub. Lots of bus lines terminate in Harvard Square and the subway runs through it.

So if you're not committed to living right in the neighborhood, you could find apartments in parts of Watertown, Belmont, Arlington, Somerville, Medford, Allston, and most other parts of Cambridge that would be a single bus ride from the Square. You could also go as far away as Dorchester, Quincy or Braintree and commute via the Red Line (subway).

[G-fused]

Sommerville and Watertown would be my top 2. I also say be ready to pounce on a place. It's unfortunate that you won't really have time to get to know the neighborhoods and get a feel for what life would be like but it is what it is. A place moves fast these days. Sommerville will be more of a hipper, more urban feel. Watertown will offer better deals for apartments. Since you'll be working in HS, I don't know how much you'll crave the more urban feel. I'd probably go with Watertown, it's a bit of an easier place to live.

Best of luck with whatever you decide.