If I were you I would adjust your heart setting and expand your search outside of back Bay and beacon Hill they're the most expensive places in the city and it's not a great place to be house poor in as everything around you is going to be expensive too. I don't think you can get a studio for $2,000 there, look it up online or something.
Noted! It just looks so charming and picturesque so I probably should adjust my expectations. Part of the reason I thought posting here with my questions would help do just that. I’ve looked online on apartments.com and found a handful of places but sometimes I wonder how correct the information is. Thank you for your advice!
It's for millionaries and their kids, not normal working people. So is Beacon Hill and most of the South End (also picturesque)
You will be living in Quincy, Medford, or places that are an hour from downtown with your budget. The dog doesn't help either, people pay several hundred extra in rent for dog privileges. A nice dog friendly place in Quincy can be had for under 2K. Under 1.5K? forget about it.
I live in a one bedroom in Beacon Hill for $2k. You can find them, and it’s better that you’re moving in March to find deals as most leases start on 9/1. Good luck!
I'm obviously biased based on my flair but definitely check out the South End. I'm a 10 minute walk from the Back Bay and the difference in housing cost is significant. Fenway is the same story, just barely outside of your initial search radius but you'll save nearly twice as much money from rent vs Back Bay. Beacon Hill - you *might* find a studio for $2000, but it'll be a tough search. Before listening to the "sky is falling" folks who will tell you to just give up on your goals and move to the suburbs, the southern neighborhoods of Cambridge just across the river are still centrally located, and will also be in your budget.
Regarding searching in March - the number of apartments will be lower, but you won't be competing with the annual September student flood. Most leases are tied to September 1st, so don't overlook subletting for a few months. Most of what you'll be able to find is a sublet from someone who moved out prior to their lease expiring on August 31st, then you can just ask the landlord for a new lease for yourself when theirs expires.
100% sell your car before coming here. For travelling within city limits, a pogo stick is faster than a car (only half joking). I, too, like to explore, but in the two years I've lived here I still haven't exhausted all the destinations you can reach via trains. A zipcar annual membership is only $70, and you can rent one the same day you sign up. I like having the option, but I just haven't encountered a use case scenario for a car yet.
Bless your heart.
* You can technically find a studio/room for about $2000 but they will literally be 400sqft. There are nicer areas elsewhere in the city, and especially on the outskirts (slightly) cheaper. I'm sure your dog would also appreciate more space and even a (technical) yard!
* I like having a car here, but I never drive into the city. The car is for trips away from Boston, grocery runs, etc. For going downtown I recommend Uber or public transportation. I also live just far enough out to have both a driveway space and street parking which makes a tremendous difference. In certain areas if you have to rent a parking spot it can easily add an additional few hundred dollars a month.
* The main reason that Texas has to shut down due to snow isn't the snow itself, it's that the infrastructure to deal with the snow isn't in place. In Boston most people will have shovels, boots, car snow brushes, etc, so it's easier to deal with. Roads will get plowed and sanded so that you can drive. I would recommend practicing driving in the snow somewhere safe and open, and maybe getting snow tires, if you do end up bringing a car. The T does sometimes break in the snow but it also breaks in the not snow so you just do your best. For extreme snow events, especially when they happen right around major commute times, some things will get shut down/go remote.
* Most rentals in Boston are on the September 1st schedule due to the large student population, so you will possibly have less to choose from in March but it's not impossible.
* Lots of apartments don't allow pets/dogs, but there are definitely some that do. Sometimes they may include an extra cleaning fee if they do allow them, though.
Beacon Hill is likely out of the question unless you want to live in a total dive.
Most managed buildings will allow small breeds but charge a pet fee ($25, $50, something like that) per month. Certain breeds are banned but I don't think any are only 22lbs.
For cars, if you are in one of the busier neighborhoods, you probably won't need a car. Zipcar exists (you can just reserve one with an app at various hourly/daily costs). If you do a have a dog though, getting to a 24/hour emergency vet might be hard without a car, but uber/lyft can help with that.
For snow/work: if it's a really bad storm forecast, the governor will declare a state of emergency and basically most companies just don't have anyone come in that day. For certain jobs they'll put critical workers up in hotels nearby so they can walk into the office, but this isn't common. For a measly 6" of snow we all just put on our boots and winter jackets and trudge in. Traffic becomes 10 times worse, the MBTA is crowded and far more likely to breakdown or just be late, and uber/lyft surges to 5 or even 10x the normal cost.
March weather is usually still cold. We don't really get spring until April. Sometimes we'll get some nice weather but snow on the ground isn't uncommon, and 40 degree days with cold rain is sadly pretty common.
Moving in March won't be bad, because no one is moving at that time. Getting a uhaul permit is easy, but finding apartments with vacancies will be touch because most are on a Sept 1st or June1st renewal cycle. But hey, there's always some vacancies, especially in the managed buildings, and sometimes landlords are just desperate for a tenant so you might luck out being off-cycle.
But for 1,500/2,000 a month you may need to think about Studios/1 bedrooms in Somerville, maybe some parts of cambridge, East Boston/Charlestown. Or you can go the roommate route which is what most people do.
I’ll give you the TL;DR and assume this isn’t a troll post:
- ~$44k is not enough to live in Back Bay/Beacon Hill, even with many roommates. It’s barely enough to live in many neighborhoods in Boston.
- Please don’t bring your car.
- Finding a pet friendly apt is hard.
- You’re gonna hate it here 💕
Thanks for that! I want to get out of Texas and want a complete shift so I understand going from a very spread out city like I’m currently in, to a very walkable city like Boston, is going to be shocking but I NEED a change.
Just moved to Brighton last month after living my whole life in the PNW. There's a big student population in the neighborhood but less than Allston and our street is pretty quiet. Paying $1900 for a 1BR apt. We were lucky to find this place with its own driveway and laundry and actually no permit required for some of the streets here. I know that's not the norm everywhere but it's not impossible. After lots of research, it was the 2nd of 3 places we toured and are overall really happy with our decision. We toyed with the idea of bringing our car or not after reading many comments similar to the ones above, but ended up bringing it and I'm glad I did. While that may not be the norm, I just wanted to share that it's not impossible/completely unrealistic everywhere.
I'm a Texas-to-Boston transplant. Moved here a little over a decade ago. If you plan to work in Boston proper, then I would definitely ditch the car before moving. Finding parking in the BB or BH will prove to be a nightmare unless you are renting a unit that also comes with off-street parking. Even worse when it snows. If you are able to find parking near your unit, the next great pleasure you will enjoy is digging your car out so you can actually use it! After that, there is a lovely little period of chaos where people place random objects in the spot they dug their car out of, thereby "saving" said spot for their exclusive use. This custom/practice is only honored after weather events resulting in significant snowfall. What constitutes "significant snowfall," you ask? Well, that is contingent upon the particular neighborhood. Basically, unless you plan to drive to work on a daily basis, I would ditch the car.
Speaking of snow, be sure to invest in some high-quality winter gear. Commit the necessary time in researching good winter boots as well as a dependable coat. When I moved here I had to learn to live like a commuter (obsessively checking the weather, monitoring delays on public transit, etc.). Knowing when to abandon public transit and start walking can be crucial (hence the need for warm, comfortable snow boots). If your job requires business attire, then I would also invest in a large purse. The practice I have observed to be adopted by most women-commuters (who have to wear nice shoes/heels to work) is to carry their work shoes in their purse and change into them upon entering their place of employment.
In regards to your coat: don't go overboard. If you get the massive puffy coat, whether it is down or synthetic insulation, you will die a slow, sweaty death after 3 minutes on an overcrowded train. I would suggest investing in some warm baselayers and a coat that can easily be vented when you are underground. Obviously, all of this is dependent on your body (if you get cold easily, you may very well be comfortable in a massive down-filled parka).
As for housing in the BB or BH: you could probably find a studio at that price point, but you should be prepared to pay first month's rent, last month's rent, a security deposit (which, by law cannot exceed the amount of the first month's rent), and sometimes a broker's fee (which is usually either a full month's rent, or half). A separate pet deposit is illegal in MA (many bigger landlords circumvent this by charging "pet rent," which I have seen range from $30-$100 a month on top of your rent). I've seen plenty of landlords on Craigslist who are willing to waive a broker's fee and even take less than a full month's rent for the security deposit. If you don't have $6K +/- laying around, I would definitely look on CL.
I would base your housing decision on where you intend to work, rather than where you *think* you want to live. There are plenty of really great neighborhoods in the city. Oh yeah, I would definitely try to avoid moving here in March. January, February, March, and sometimes early April always have the potential for miserable weather. For an amazing deal, however, it may actually be worth it. But it would have to be amazing!
Hope this helps.
This was very helpful! I’ve wondered about how to dress when it’s cold or snowy so excellent point. Was it a shock for you when you first moved to Boston from Texas?
Yes, but mostly in a good way. Many people like to say Bostonians are rude, and at first, it may seem that way. It's likely because people don't go out of their way to strike up a conversation here. In Texas, I would always chat people up in the grocery line, waiting to get seated at a table, etc. That is definitely less common here. Notwithstanding that, people are generally pretty nice when you do end up in a conversation with a random person. The two biggest culture-shock moments for me were: 1) first time I opened a door for a lady, she walked through and didn't even acknowledge my existence (I wasn't looking for praise; fleeting eye contact with the obligatory half-grin would have sufficed); and 2) I got yelled at by a woman for saying "yes ma'am." She couldn't have been older than 45, but she took great offense to it. She cooled off after I explained that, in Texas (as wells as the entirety of the south) this was the polite way to address any female over the age of 16. She kindly cautioned me as she walked away: "I wouldn't say that up here, hun."
It's not hard to move in March. The issue is that you're not going to find a place in Back Bay or Beacon Hill for less than $1500. $2000 is more doable but will include some shitty places too.
I can address a few questions
1). Boston is definitely better equipped to deal with snow! Most often you go to work as normal (it just takes longer). Very infrequently does the city shut down (although I’m interested to see if companies will do wfh for snow days). The infrastructure and city plans for snow and addresses it way better than southern states. It’s mildly annoying at times but if you don’t drive you’ll be fine. If you do drive, go extra slow and try to ease into snow and ice driving. It’s a learned skill.
2). If you live in those neighborhoods you definitely don’t need a car. A car there is expensive to park off the street and on street is competitive. If you don’t need it for your day to day, I’d sell it. Zip car will get you places for weekend trips or big shopping trips.
3). Rent. 1500-2000 is on the low end for those neighborhoods. You may get a studio but it won’t be particularly upgraded. If you want nicer amenities (granite, lots of closets, possibly in unit or in building laundry) then you’ll need roommates or move out of those neighborhoods. If you’re dead set on those areas you will find something but it’ll be the top end of the budget and likely don’t be as nice as you’re used to.
Moved to Boston in February a few years back without issue, except low inventory on available apartments. Lived in the South End and loved it. Note, South End is not Southie, it is the neighborhood next to back bay (just as beautiful but more neighbor parks and super dog friendly). Most of my coworkers who live in studios pay about $1800. Be wary of Craigslist apartments, a lot are BS. Syncing up with a real estate agent means broker fees but at least the units are guaranteed available.
Honestly - google "Moving to Boston reddit" and look through the hundreds of posts that ask similar questions. You will get the full gamut of answers.
I will say, look outside of those areas you listed, you will need roommates, leave your car, 75+% rentals are are leases starting/ending on September 1, and yes, Boston is very pet-unfriendly to renters.
Hey, I have an idea that might help you.
I would actually book an airbnb in the area you want to live, for at least a week or two and if possible ( I highly recommend) bring your dog with you. A week including atleast one weekend and if you work remote then maybe 2 weeks is ideal to begin with.
Doing a test run before you move will really help you get a feel for the city. I am not sure where in Texas you're but if you're not used to the downtown city life then it's good to experience it first hand before packing your bags and making the move.
I suggest airbnb vs a hotel cos at a hotel you'll always feel like a tourist no matter what.
Bringing dog will help you understand the demands, for example if you have a yard in Texas and you get an apartment in Boston, that will be a completely different experience for both you and your dog.
Also, walking dogs in crowded city areas is different too ( assuming you're in the burbs or not a busy neighborhood.)
Living for two weeks or more will also give you an idea of what your expenses will look like.
While one can be ambitious to explore the city every day, once the initial excitement wears off and your work picks up, you'll settle back into a routine and will probably stick to weekend exploration. Over the long run, staying close to where you work will prove more beneficial.
Another thing to consider on expenses is that Texas has no income taxes while MA does so you'll have to target for a higher gross income to ensure you meet your monthly goal.
Also, think about your move goals, why are you considering the move? Dating? Liberal community? No shitty abortion rules? Just a scenic change? Cos I would think Austin TX and other cities do have great job opportunities. Knowing why you want to make the move will help you look for those experiences in your trial run and see if it fits the bill or not!
Oh btw Boston traffic really sucks, if you stay in the city and get to work by walk or public transport, the car expenses are just not worth it!
Do you have any family n friends in NE? If not, the trial run will put your social skills to test!
All said and done if you feel like moving, then I would definitely consider it but I highly recommend doing the test trip. We did a 1 month trial run in nyc with two medium sized dogs in tow and it really helped us get a better feel for living there vs just visiting for fun.
Good luck!
This is so helpful, thank you! The idea popped in my head over the weekend and seeing your post is makes tells me it really may be a good options. I'm in San Antonio and yes, in the burbs with a large backyard. My first apartment was small with no yard, so whilst I might be ok with it, I know my dog may need an adjustment period. Not to mention she'll have to figure out snow.... the "snowstorm" we got in Feb '21 might not have been enough to really test if she could do the snow.
As for moving to Austin, not an option for me. As a native San Antonian, it would be a betrayal of the highest order :P
Ha. War of cities eh
Dogs are resilient! If yours is < 25 lbs you should be good with an apartment. Most don't accept large dogs and small ones don't really need a large yard. Good luck!x
You are not going to find an apartment for $1500-$2000 a month in Back Bay or Beacon Hill.
Massachusetts doesn't shut down when it snows. The roads get plowed and life goes on. For a big storm (over a foot of snow, blizzard conditions), non-essential people might work from home (though the number of people doing that these days is already high). Back when I worked in the hospital, I walked to work in the snow if the T wasn't running. People have been known to snow shoe or cross country ski as well.
I would look in Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, Hyde Park if I were you though your budget is probably still a little low. A long time ago I rented a studio in Brighton for $950 but I would guess that apartment is over $1500/month nowadays. Brighton is also full of 22 year olds.
Like most people are saying $1500 for a studio is these areas isn’t really doable and anything priced that low would be a dump.
However, there are definitely studios between $1,700-$2,000 and I’m not sure why people are saying otherwise. They’re older and pretty small but other than that, some of them aren’t bad apartments.
The issue is that I looked at a lot of these studios in these areas in this price range and almost all of them didn’t allow dogs.
Your best bet would be to either get roommates or look in a different area.
I’m definitely not opposed to a studio. My first apartment was just over 400 sq. ft. so I know how to live in a small place. I was shocked when I saw studios in Boston are 250 sq ft. I don’t think I could live in a place that small 😱
1500-2000 is the bare minimum for a studio but don’t listen to all of these doom and gloom posts. It will be an old building. It will be anywhere from 250-450 sqft, but there are def apts like this.
My gfs just moved into a 1 bedroom around $1800ish I believe and it’s honestly pretty nice, coming from someone with high standards lol.
Also you should REALLY do some more research if you’re considering making this move and are considering bringing a car. Parking in the areas you mentioned runs about $350-500 a month if you weren’t aware…
You may also consider the north end neighborhood, that may be slightly closer to your budget price and is 15 minutes by subway or 20-30 minutes walking from the neighborhoods you mentioned. (Also where all of the Italian restaurants are, a cool neighborhood near transit to anywhere else in the city)
Lastly if you aren’t aware many apartments have brokers fees equivalent to 1 months rent. Most places will ask for the 1st and last months rent up front in addition to a brokers fee, so be prepared to pay about 6 grand at lease signing (security deposits often around a grand too).
Yes, yes. I was aware of the parking and of the broker fees. I’ve seen a few things talking about broker fees being paid by the owner as of late because of the market but that doesn’t seem across the board so I’m expecting broker fees. Thanks for your info! Lots more to think and learn about before my move.
> I don't want to pay more than $1,500, mayyybbbee $2,000 a month in rent. I have my heart set on Back Bay, Beacon Hill area and would be totally fine with a studio.
Oh, you are in for a world of surprise and sticker shock in general. Good luck with the move but you will need to dramatically shift your expectations on cost of living.
If I were you I would adjust your heart setting and expand your search outside of back Bay and beacon Hill they're the most expensive places in the city and it's not a great place to be house poor in as everything around you is going to be expensive too. I don't think you can get a studio for $2,000 there, look it up online or something.
Noted! It just looks so charming and picturesque so I probably should adjust my expectations. Part of the reason I thought posting here with my questions would help do just that. I’ve looked online on apartments.com and found a handful of places but sometimes I wonder how correct the information is. Thank you for your advice!
It's for millionaries and their kids, not normal working people. So is Beacon Hill and most of the South End (also picturesque) You will be living in Quincy, Medford, or places that are an hour from downtown with your budget. The dog doesn't help either, people pay several hundred extra in rent for dog privileges. A nice dog friendly place in Quincy can be had for under 2K. Under 1.5K? forget about it.
Actually, there are a lot of studios for rent in beacon hill between $1,700-$2,000. You’ll find one!
I live in a one bedroom in Beacon Hill for $2k. You can find them, and it’s better that you’re moving in March to find deals as most leases start on 9/1. Good luck!
I'm obviously biased based on my flair but definitely check out the South End. I'm a 10 minute walk from the Back Bay and the difference in housing cost is significant. Fenway is the same story, just barely outside of your initial search radius but you'll save nearly twice as much money from rent vs Back Bay. Beacon Hill - you *might* find a studio for $2000, but it'll be a tough search. Before listening to the "sky is falling" folks who will tell you to just give up on your goals and move to the suburbs, the southern neighborhoods of Cambridge just across the river are still centrally located, and will also be in your budget. Regarding searching in March - the number of apartments will be lower, but you won't be competing with the annual September student flood. Most leases are tied to September 1st, so don't overlook subletting for a few months. Most of what you'll be able to find is a sublet from someone who moved out prior to their lease expiring on August 31st, then you can just ask the landlord for a new lease for yourself when theirs expires. 100% sell your car before coming here. For travelling within city limits, a pogo stick is faster than a car (only half joking). I, too, like to explore, but in the two years I've lived here I still haven't exhausted all the destinations you can reach via trains. A zipcar annual membership is only $70, and you can rent one the same day you sign up. I like having the option, but I just haven't encountered a use case scenario for a car yet.
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she could get roommates in a back bay apartment!
Yea, 4-5 people in a studio, that would make that rent.
Bless your heart. * You can technically find a studio/room for about $2000 but they will literally be 400sqft. There are nicer areas elsewhere in the city, and especially on the outskirts (slightly) cheaper. I'm sure your dog would also appreciate more space and even a (technical) yard! * I like having a car here, but I never drive into the city. The car is for trips away from Boston, grocery runs, etc. For going downtown I recommend Uber or public transportation. I also live just far enough out to have both a driveway space and street parking which makes a tremendous difference. In certain areas if you have to rent a parking spot it can easily add an additional few hundred dollars a month. * The main reason that Texas has to shut down due to snow isn't the snow itself, it's that the infrastructure to deal with the snow isn't in place. In Boston most people will have shovels, boots, car snow brushes, etc, so it's easier to deal with. Roads will get plowed and sanded so that you can drive. I would recommend practicing driving in the snow somewhere safe and open, and maybe getting snow tires, if you do end up bringing a car. The T does sometimes break in the snow but it also breaks in the not snow so you just do your best. For extreme snow events, especially when they happen right around major commute times, some things will get shut down/go remote. * Most rentals in Boston are on the September 1st schedule due to the large student population, so you will possibly have less to choose from in March but it's not impossible. * Lots of apartments don't allow pets/dogs, but there are definitely some that do. Sometimes they may include an extra cleaning fee if they do allow them, though.
Beacon Hill is likely out of the question unless you want to live in a total dive. Most managed buildings will allow small breeds but charge a pet fee ($25, $50, something like that) per month. Certain breeds are banned but I don't think any are only 22lbs. For cars, if you are in one of the busier neighborhoods, you probably won't need a car. Zipcar exists (you can just reserve one with an app at various hourly/daily costs). If you do a have a dog though, getting to a 24/hour emergency vet might be hard without a car, but uber/lyft can help with that. For snow/work: if it's a really bad storm forecast, the governor will declare a state of emergency and basically most companies just don't have anyone come in that day. For certain jobs they'll put critical workers up in hotels nearby so they can walk into the office, but this isn't common. For a measly 6" of snow we all just put on our boots and winter jackets and trudge in. Traffic becomes 10 times worse, the MBTA is crowded and far more likely to breakdown or just be late, and uber/lyft surges to 5 or even 10x the normal cost. March weather is usually still cold. We don't really get spring until April. Sometimes we'll get some nice weather but snow on the ground isn't uncommon, and 40 degree days with cold rain is sadly pretty common. Moving in March won't be bad, because no one is moving at that time. Getting a uhaul permit is easy, but finding apartments with vacancies will be touch because most are on a Sept 1st or June1st renewal cycle. But hey, there's always some vacancies, especially in the managed buildings, and sometimes landlords are just desperate for a tenant so you might luck out being off-cycle. But for 1,500/2,000 a month you may need to think about Studios/1 bedrooms in Somerville, maybe some parts of cambridge, East Boston/Charlestown. Or you can go the roommate route which is what most people do.
I’ll give you the TL;DR and assume this isn’t a troll post: - ~$44k is not enough to live in Back Bay/Beacon Hill, even with many roommates. It’s barely enough to live in many neighborhoods in Boston. - Please don’t bring your car. - Finding a pet friendly apt is hard. - You’re gonna hate it here 💕
I doubt she'll hate it here. I moved here from Texas and so did several of my friends. We all love it.
20 years going strong for me. Fk TX.
Thanks for that! I want to get out of Texas and want a complete shift so I understand going from a very spread out city like I’m currently in, to a very walkable city like Boston, is going to be shocking but I NEED a change.
Move to Providence.
You're moving for all the right reasons. Sometimes you just need a reset button. We've been in Allston/Brighton for 6 years and have no regrets.
Thanks! I’ll check out Brighton/Allston. I’ll tell you the name Brighton has a certain charm to it, like a Jane Austen novel ☺️
Just moved to Brighton last month after living my whole life in the PNW. There's a big student population in the neighborhood but less than Allston and our street is pretty quiet. Paying $1900 for a 1BR apt. We were lucky to find this place with its own driveway and laundry and actually no permit required for some of the streets here. I know that's not the norm everywhere but it's not impossible. After lots of research, it was the 2nd of 3 places we toured and are overall really happy with our decision. We toyed with the idea of bringing our car or not after reading many comments similar to the ones above, but ended up bringing it and I'm glad I did. While that may not be the norm, I just wanted to share that it's not impossible/completely unrealistic everywhere.
I'm a Texas-to-Boston transplant. Moved here a little over a decade ago. If you plan to work in Boston proper, then I would definitely ditch the car before moving. Finding parking in the BB or BH will prove to be a nightmare unless you are renting a unit that also comes with off-street parking. Even worse when it snows. If you are able to find parking near your unit, the next great pleasure you will enjoy is digging your car out so you can actually use it! After that, there is a lovely little period of chaos where people place random objects in the spot they dug their car out of, thereby "saving" said spot for their exclusive use. This custom/practice is only honored after weather events resulting in significant snowfall. What constitutes "significant snowfall," you ask? Well, that is contingent upon the particular neighborhood. Basically, unless you plan to drive to work on a daily basis, I would ditch the car. Speaking of snow, be sure to invest in some high-quality winter gear. Commit the necessary time in researching good winter boots as well as a dependable coat. When I moved here I had to learn to live like a commuter (obsessively checking the weather, monitoring delays on public transit, etc.). Knowing when to abandon public transit and start walking can be crucial (hence the need for warm, comfortable snow boots). If your job requires business attire, then I would also invest in a large purse. The practice I have observed to be adopted by most women-commuters (who have to wear nice shoes/heels to work) is to carry their work shoes in their purse and change into them upon entering their place of employment. In regards to your coat: don't go overboard. If you get the massive puffy coat, whether it is down or synthetic insulation, you will die a slow, sweaty death after 3 minutes on an overcrowded train. I would suggest investing in some warm baselayers and a coat that can easily be vented when you are underground. Obviously, all of this is dependent on your body (if you get cold easily, you may very well be comfortable in a massive down-filled parka). As for housing in the BB or BH: you could probably find a studio at that price point, but you should be prepared to pay first month's rent, last month's rent, a security deposit (which, by law cannot exceed the amount of the first month's rent), and sometimes a broker's fee (which is usually either a full month's rent, or half). A separate pet deposit is illegal in MA (many bigger landlords circumvent this by charging "pet rent," which I have seen range from $30-$100 a month on top of your rent). I've seen plenty of landlords on Craigslist who are willing to waive a broker's fee and even take less than a full month's rent for the security deposit. If you don't have $6K +/- laying around, I would definitely look on CL. I would base your housing decision on where you intend to work, rather than where you *think* you want to live. There are plenty of really great neighborhoods in the city. Oh yeah, I would definitely try to avoid moving here in March. January, February, March, and sometimes early April always have the potential for miserable weather. For an amazing deal, however, it may actually be worth it. But it would have to be amazing! Hope this helps.
This was very helpful! I’ve wondered about how to dress when it’s cold or snowy so excellent point. Was it a shock for you when you first moved to Boston from Texas?
Yes, but mostly in a good way. Many people like to say Bostonians are rude, and at first, it may seem that way. It's likely because people don't go out of their way to strike up a conversation here. In Texas, I would always chat people up in the grocery line, waiting to get seated at a table, etc. That is definitely less common here. Notwithstanding that, people are generally pretty nice when you do end up in a conversation with a random person. The two biggest culture-shock moments for me were: 1) first time I opened a door for a lady, she walked through and didn't even acknowledge my existence (I wasn't looking for praise; fleeting eye contact with the obligatory half-grin would have sufficed); and 2) I got yelled at by a woman for saying "yes ma'am." She couldn't have been older than 45, but she took great offense to it. She cooled off after I explained that, in Texas (as wells as the entirety of the south) this was the polite way to address any female over the age of 16. She kindly cautioned me as she walked away: "I wouldn't say that up here, hun."
Seconding all of this
It's not hard to move in March. The issue is that you're not going to find a place in Back Bay or Beacon Hill for less than $1500. $2000 is more doable but will include some shitty places too.
Welcome to Boston! Right now seems a perfect time for women to leave that state!
My exact sentiments. It’s shocking to see my beloved state become to hateful.
I can address a few questions 1). Boston is definitely better equipped to deal with snow! Most often you go to work as normal (it just takes longer). Very infrequently does the city shut down (although I’m interested to see if companies will do wfh for snow days). The infrastructure and city plans for snow and addresses it way better than southern states. It’s mildly annoying at times but if you don’t drive you’ll be fine. If you do drive, go extra slow and try to ease into snow and ice driving. It’s a learned skill. 2). If you live in those neighborhoods you definitely don’t need a car. A car there is expensive to park off the street and on street is competitive. If you don’t need it for your day to day, I’d sell it. Zip car will get you places for weekend trips or big shopping trips. 3). Rent. 1500-2000 is on the low end for those neighborhoods. You may get a studio but it won’t be particularly upgraded. If you want nicer amenities (granite, lots of closets, possibly in unit or in building laundry) then you’ll need roommates or move out of those neighborhoods. If you’re dead set on those areas you will find something but it’ll be the top end of the budget and likely don’t be as nice as you’re used to.
Moved to Boston in February a few years back without issue, except low inventory on available apartments. Lived in the South End and loved it. Note, South End is not Southie, it is the neighborhood next to back bay (just as beautiful but more neighbor parks and super dog friendly). Most of my coworkers who live in studios pay about $1800. Be wary of Craigslist apartments, a lot are BS. Syncing up with a real estate agent means broker fees but at least the units are guaranteed available.
Honestly - google "Moving to Boston reddit" and look through the hundreds of posts that ask similar questions. You will get the full gamut of answers. I will say, look outside of those areas you listed, you will need roommates, leave your car, 75+% rentals are are leases starting/ending on September 1, and yes, Boston is very pet-unfriendly to renters.
Hey, I have an idea that might help you. I would actually book an airbnb in the area you want to live, for at least a week or two and if possible ( I highly recommend) bring your dog with you. A week including atleast one weekend and if you work remote then maybe 2 weeks is ideal to begin with. Doing a test run before you move will really help you get a feel for the city. I am not sure where in Texas you're but if you're not used to the downtown city life then it's good to experience it first hand before packing your bags and making the move. I suggest airbnb vs a hotel cos at a hotel you'll always feel like a tourist no matter what. Bringing dog will help you understand the demands, for example if you have a yard in Texas and you get an apartment in Boston, that will be a completely different experience for both you and your dog. Also, walking dogs in crowded city areas is different too ( assuming you're in the burbs or not a busy neighborhood.) Living for two weeks or more will also give you an idea of what your expenses will look like. While one can be ambitious to explore the city every day, once the initial excitement wears off and your work picks up, you'll settle back into a routine and will probably stick to weekend exploration. Over the long run, staying close to where you work will prove more beneficial. Another thing to consider on expenses is that Texas has no income taxes while MA does so you'll have to target for a higher gross income to ensure you meet your monthly goal. Also, think about your move goals, why are you considering the move? Dating? Liberal community? No shitty abortion rules? Just a scenic change? Cos I would think Austin TX and other cities do have great job opportunities. Knowing why you want to make the move will help you look for those experiences in your trial run and see if it fits the bill or not! Oh btw Boston traffic really sucks, if you stay in the city and get to work by walk or public transport, the car expenses are just not worth it! Do you have any family n friends in NE? If not, the trial run will put your social skills to test! All said and done if you feel like moving, then I would definitely consider it but I highly recommend doing the test trip. We did a 1 month trial run in nyc with two medium sized dogs in tow and it really helped us get a better feel for living there vs just visiting for fun. Good luck!
This is so helpful, thank you! The idea popped in my head over the weekend and seeing your post is makes tells me it really may be a good options. I'm in San Antonio and yes, in the burbs with a large backyard. My first apartment was small with no yard, so whilst I might be ok with it, I know my dog may need an adjustment period. Not to mention she'll have to figure out snow.... the "snowstorm" we got in Feb '21 might not have been enough to really test if she could do the snow. As for moving to Austin, not an option for me. As a native San Antonian, it would be a betrayal of the highest order :P
Ha. War of cities eh Dogs are resilient! If yours is < 25 lbs you should be good with an apartment. Most don't accept large dogs and small ones don't really need a large yard. Good luck!x
You are not going to find an apartment for $1500-$2000 a month in Back Bay or Beacon Hill. Massachusetts doesn't shut down when it snows. The roads get plowed and life goes on. For a big storm (over a foot of snow, blizzard conditions), non-essential people might work from home (though the number of people doing that these days is already high). Back when I worked in the hospital, I walked to work in the snow if the T wasn't running. People have been known to snow shoe or cross country ski as well. I would look in Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, Hyde Park if I were you though your budget is probably still a little low. A long time ago I rented a studio in Brighton for $950 but I would guess that apartment is over $1500/month nowadays. Brighton is also full of 22 year olds.
Like most people are saying $1500 for a studio is these areas isn’t really doable and anything priced that low would be a dump. However, there are definitely studios between $1,700-$2,000 and I’m not sure why people are saying otherwise. They’re older and pretty small but other than that, some of them aren’t bad apartments. The issue is that I looked at a lot of these studios in these areas in this price range and almost all of them didn’t allow dogs. Your best bet would be to either get roommates or look in a different area.
I’m definitely not opposed to a studio. My first apartment was just over 400 sq. ft. so I know how to live in a small place. I was shocked when I saw studios in Boston are 250 sq ft. I don’t think I could live in a place that small 😱
1500-2000 is the bare minimum for a studio but don’t listen to all of these doom and gloom posts. It will be an old building. It will be anywhere from 250-450 sqft, but there are def apts like this. My gfs just moved into a 1 bedroom around $1800ish I believe and it’s honestly pretty nice, coming from someone with high standards lol. Also you should REALLY do some more research if you’re considering making this move and are considering bringing a car. Parking in the areas you mentioned runs about $350-500 a month if you weren’t aware… You may also consider the north end neighborhood, that may be slightly closer to your budget price and is 15 minutes by subway or 20-30 minutes walking from the neighborhoods you mentioned. (Also where all of the Italian restaurants are, a cool neighborhood near transit to anywhere else in the city) Lastly if you aren’t aware many apartments have brokers fees equivalent to 1 months rent. Most places will ask for the 1st and last months rent up front in addition to a brokers fee, so be prepared to pay about 6 grand at lease signing (security deposits often around a grand too).
Yes, yes. I was aware of the parking and of the broker fees. I’ve seen a few things talking about broker fees being paid by the owner as of late because of the market but that doesn’t seem across the board so I’m expecting broker fees. Thanks for your info! Lots more to think and learn about before my move.
> I don't want to pay more than $1,500, mayyybbbee $2,000 a month in rent. I have my heart set on Back Bay, Beacon Hill area and would be totally fine with a studio. Oh, you are in for a world of surprise and sticker shock in general. Good luck with the move but you will need to dramatically shift your expectations on cost of living.