edudom

I know Fodors is travel and this is moving, but maybe I find some information. I move to near Boston (it is called Somerville) in January for six months of work. I have already the apartment and the furniture (it is all included), and I am reading so much! It will be very cold when I arrive and I do not have a car (apartment is very close to the metro), and I want to know how people live in the cold, especially for the first days. My questions are about that. When I do my first shopping (the apartment has nothing), to get it on the metro will not be possible. Are there domicile services? Where? I see the metro closes so soon. Is there night buses for to go out?

I am so excited to go, but a little nervious about the change. Any information is so welcome!

Go Socks! (my new team)

socialworker

HI--what does domicile services mean? Can the place where you are working help with some of your concerns/questions?

Re: the cold. During the first days people buy warm coats, gloves, scarves and boots (for the snow) if they do not already own them.

The metro (the T, as it is called in Boston) stops running shortly after midnight and there are no night buses, only taxis if one wants to be out without a car later than that...

I hope that this is a helpful start...

wliwl

Dress warm! Get exercise! Go outside and get used to the cold weather. It's not that bad at all. Have fun.

gail

People without cars use taxis for big shopping trips. You will want to go to a big store close by - like a Target or Walmart - to get things for your apartment that are not included - sheets, towels, dishes, etc. At the store they will know what number to call for a taxi - and there may likely be numbers posted. You and all your stuff take the cab home. You will need to make similar trip at first for food shopping.

You might want to look, online, at landsend.com or llbean.com - these are 2 quality and reliable sources of cold weather clothing. You could have it shipped to your new address to arrive shortly after you do. But even if you do not buy from these places, you will get an idea of what you will need.

Where are you from?

laclaire

I did 5 years in Boston and am from Texas (where it does not get that cold) and can tell you it is cold but doable. Just spend your first day purchasing warm clothes and splurge on taxis (if you can) until you get oriented.

As for getting your apartment set up, perhaps you will get some kind of help from your work place. I can't imagine a company just slapping you into Boston and saying "go" with no help. Then again, I am an idealist.

By "domicile services" do you mean home delivery? If so, then check out peapod.com. When it gets really cold, it is so nice (though definitely more expensive that going yourself).

Also, as Boston is a college town, there are tons of options for really great food delivery. Visit nishnash.com to place orders online, or use the yellow pages.

As for the night transport, you are out of luck unless you take a taxi, but they are usually pretty easy to catch, especially in downtown Boston.

Good luck and stay warm!

edudom

This is good service! I have dinner and come back to everything!

I am sorry for not introducing. I am from Spain and I do work for a University for a semester. They gave me a tutor, but I wrote and he has no car and is not back from vacations until after my arrival.

Domicile service is when it goes to your apartment. Servicio a domicilio aquí.

I have heard of the store Target and I found one in Somerville. My parents went to Boston long ago and my mother says I must shop at Fillings Basement for my coat. She bought one but never puts them on because this is not Russia!

I am more tranquil now I know I will not starve at first. I will take taxis. Internet is so good for these things!

Thank everyone!

laartista

I also lived inBoston for 5 years in Somerville. Two main T stops Porter Square and Davis Sqaure, both on the Red Line. If I remember correct there is a Pier One in Porter Square just across from the T station. Make sure you get some tapas at Dali an awesome restaurant. Any other ? about somerville I'd be happy to answer.

capxxx

You mean Filene's Basement. The Macy company bought the Filene's company, so now Filene's is called Macy's. But they still have Filene's Basement stores.

capxxx

And its Go Sox!, not Go Socks! Welcome to Boston.

cigalechanta

http://www.ci.somerville.ma.us/secti...g=311&page=724

cigalechanta

http://www.somervillema.com/

gail

After a winter in Boston, you may start to believe you are in Russia - January is the worst winter month. It gets dark at 4:30 PM (16:30) and may still be a little dark when you leave for work. It is cloudy on many days and sometimes snows a great deal. After it snows, the streets are very sloppy or icey for a few days. The wind can make it feel colder. (Can you tell I hate the winter!)

But when spring arrives it is glorious, and Boston is especially beautiful in the spring.

Welcome to Boston - there are several regular posters on this board from Boston area who will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

sistahlou

welcome to Bawston!!! I will try to offer any advice I can. So far you have had excellent help!

cigalechanta

Filene's basement is still at downtown crossing and opened one on Boylston St. in the Back Bay/Copley Sq. area. Those two have all the Better clothes if you are ibto fashion.
Pier One is still in the old Sears building. Dali's remains a favorite.

kybourbon

Try the Christmas Tree shop in Somerville for things for your apartment. There is also a KMart in the same shopping center.

My daughter's favorite delivery restaurant is in Somerville - Mandarin.
http://www.campusfood.com/restaurant...79&restid=3247

Rebecka

edudom, I have lived in the Boston area for 19 years without a car and have never once had to take a taxi to go shopping. Unless you are buying furniture, I see no reason why you can't bring your purchases on the T or a bus. Taxis are expensive here and it seems to me you're better off using that money for all the things you'll need in your new home. Like a warm winter coat!

For instance, if you live in the Davis Square area of Somerville there is a Star Market grocery store (which is in the same shopping plaza as Pier One, a CVS drugstore and Burlington Coat Factory as well as various other restaurants and shops) within walking distance in nearby Porter Square. Unless you plan on buying food around midnight, there are several buses running between Porter and Davis Square and to other parts of Somerville and neighboring Medford where I used to live.

You are moving to a culturally and academically vibrant area, edudom. Even with the cold weather, I think you're going to enjoy it here! I wish you all the best.

edudom

Thank everyone for this help! My tutor told me about Dalí because it is close to my new apartment. He said it is in Duck Village, a neighborhood of Somerville. Maybe I will have my first dinner there, but I also know there is very good Hindu cuisine and I really love that!

I will have so many questions and I know where to come! This decision to go there was the right one I think. But now I have to work or maybe I don't go.

bennnie

Tags Hardware in Porter Sq is a good source for pots, pans, and other household stuff that you might need. There is a nice book store next door. This is the same area as the Pier One that was mentioned earlier. Enjoy your stay in Boston. I think you will enjoy it tremendously - especially as a student.