bakergirl

I'm not sure what "racial tension" means, but consider this food for thought: the citizens of Massachusetts overwhelmingly just chose a black man in the democratic primary to be the party's choice for governor in the upcoming election.

(That, despite the fact that, according to the latest US Census figures, the black population in MA is 6.8%.)

That doesn't sound like a racist population to me.....

wannabe3

I hope your few days in Boston helped you figure out answers to some of your questions. I spent the first twenty years of my live in Georgia and the last twenty in Massachusetts. When I retire I will probably divide my time between Georgia and Massachusetts. Like any place, it is the connections you make with friends, family, coworkers that make the place special. When I first came to Massachusetts, I too found the people a little aloof and cold, but now I sometimes see the Southern hospitality I grew up with as shallow. People you like and feel comfortable with will probably be much the same in both places. Housing is much higher in the Boston area than it is in much of Atlanta--of course there's always Buckhead to consider--but I find that I can find really good food cheaper in Boston particularly if a friends knows a good neighborhood place. Good luck to you.

sk84fungirl

Thanks so much wannabe.

While brief, my visit was very good. I stayed in Dorchester 1/2 block from the JFK UMass stop at the Doubletree. Great location to get around. Funny thing is, finding it was an adventure. It was easy to get to, but I left the directions in ATL. The ones I was given by the rental car agent were wrong. It was quite hilarious. A 10-minute drive took me an hour and half...LOL

It was not a problem though. Even with the crazy streets, it was not bad getting around. I have a very good sense of direction and found my way. It took me longer because I was trying to drive to my destination and look around at the same time. Spent most of my time South of Boston. Would love to come back to see what the North and West are like.

Had dinner in South End at Sibling Rivalry. Cool, yet pricey. Was $190 for three of us. Visited Roxbury, Dorchester, Quincy, Mattapan, Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, Randolph, Stoughton, Braintree and that's about it.

It was interesting as everything started looking the same. I could not tell the difference from Jamaica Plain and Roslindale. So, the visit was good for me. I needed to know what to expect in terms of housing. The concept of multi-family homes is new to me.

I appreciate all of your assistance. It was soooo helpful. We will see what happens.

sk84fungirl

Just an update.

I have decided to continue with discussions of my job opportunity in Boston. I doubt that I will ever truly know what to expect until I get there. If we can work through salary negotiations, I'm likely there. The good and bad part is that I will move during the height of winter. During the month of January. Can't get any better experience than that!

The next step will be to immediately look for an apt. I've heard that Jones and Savin Hill areas are nice and not far from my office location which is close to UMASS/Boston and JFK train station. I will be open to all options though as I will work with an assigned agent to help me find an apt. Have decided to rent, and not purchase at this time.

I am actually very excited about the prospect of this move. I'm considering some other locations with my company as well. However, I like large cities

I will keep you posted and want you to know I appreciate all of your assistance.

Using my southern ways....have a wonderful day!

shaz60

Hi sk84- The only things you need in MA are a sense of direction, some discretion, and a sense of humor. Sounds like you have them all. Please email us when you get here.
Sharon

gail

Thanks for the update - sounds like you have given a lot of thought to this and are moving in right direction.

I am not a Dorchester expert - there are some really nice areas and a few you would not want to live in - sometimes only separated by a few blocks. So when selecting a rental, seek advice from someone who knows area very well - since your employer is close by, perhaps someone there could give some advice.

mark99

A lot of talk about taxes, but I dont think many people give that a significant weight as compared to "culture shock".

I've not spent a whole lot of time in Boston...much less than Atlanta, but nevertheless, I have spent enough time that I would have to say you could experience a bit of a culture shock.

Between the two cities, Boston is fairly "conservative" as compared to Atlanta. I really would have to say that Atlanta can be fairly conservative itself.

It surely is no Miami or NYC that is for sure. I enjoy Boston for the history, the proximity to Nantucket and the eastern seaboard.

Quite frankly my wife and I find it a dull city otherwise when it comes to the ambience. Just the way people dress is rather dull...of course I am being quite general, but overall it just seems a very conservative city....food, nightlife etc. but this is just the way we see it....others may find it charming...so it is really about you.

So I guess it would come down to your lifestyle....what you enjoy.

I think Boston could be a great city to live in so long as it fits your lifestyle.

Racism in most cities is really about economic factors more than anything else.

If I were planning a move to ANY city, I would start spending a LOT of time researching and travelling there to get a feel for it.

If you like the vibes you get, then you will probably like it. Hang out at places you like, and try to meet some people which will help the transition.

One plus would be the proximity to New York, DC, Phil etc Surely gives you a lot of choice if you get bored!

wyatt92

I would really stay away from Dorchester as a new resident. There are some ok areas but there are some really bad areas with a lot of violence and you want to steer clear of those.

I'll recommend Southie again. It's more affordable than other parts of the city and has a lot of young professionals. It will be close to your work and the Seaport area is really up and coming with a lot of new restaurants and bars.

sk84fungirl

OK, is the JFK/UMASS area considered South Boston or Dorchester?

Thanks.

wyatt92

It's Dorchester although it is close to South Boston.

Anonymous

The JFK/UMass area is sort-of its own area, isolated from Southie and Dorchester.

South Boston is a smallish peninsula, traditionally very Irish but becoming gentrified. Dorchester is geographically a very major portion of the square mileage of Boston and encompasses several lovely neighborhoods and some very scary ones.

If I were you your position, I would plan my apartment-hunting around the transportation opportunities. It sounds like the subway system's JFK/UMass is the closest to your workplace. Since it's on the Red Line, you could work with your agent to identify neighborhoods where you can feel comfortable and have a reasonable access to any Red Line station, which owuld include not only Dorhcester sections like Savin Hill or Lower Mills but also areas of Quincy.

sk84fungirl

Update...

Thanks for all of your feedback and I will NOT be moving to Boston afterall. I was really excited about the move, but not the job itself...LOL. So everything worked out. I learned so much and like the city, so I will visit next summer.

Thanks again.

lmoneylsauce

Hmmm! In my opinion Boston is a very segregated city and while I don't think there is racial tension per se, it IS a very white town, very preppy and tends towards the conservative. Think lots of ex-frat boys wearing J.Crew sweaters and khakis! I'm not saying there is anything wrong with this, but it most definitely has a different vibe from Atlanta. Atlanta is much more diverse and has a huge population of successful African-American professionals---whereas I feel like in Boston this is not really the case--it is mostly white professionals. If you're looking at other cities and you want a diverse city try New York, D.C. or Philadelphia. Actually Philly is probably more affordable than NYC or D.C. and happens to be one of my new favorite cities. Tons of great new resturants, lounges and fun things to do...plus, it isn't as cold as Boston!

ParrotMom

Let me put it this way.. my Atlanta born niece (Sandy Springs) went to college in N.H... her father a southerner wanted her to get an education in North.. She is living in downtown Boston on Beacon Street and just told me she would never, ever go back to Atlanta....actually neither of my nieces are living in Atlanta..

starrsville

Ditto on the reverse as well.

fivestar

I was watching channel 4 news in Boston tonight and they did a poll as far as housing costs in Massachusetts. 61% of people have considered moving out of Massachusetts because of the cost of housing. (renting and buying)

I don't want to scare you away. We like people from the south up here. To tell you the truth we love the accent. Massachusetts is a VERY expensive. I think you may go through some serious sticker shock. Boston is very beautiful and so historic. We live about 7 miles north and go in town just to go walking. We never tire of it.

Best of luck with your huge decision.

You can check out the website:
cbs4boston.com

cigalechanta

That preppy look went out of Boston years ago!!! I worked 15 years at Brooks Bros. They had to update the look because the preppy was dead or they would be sold again. Rents are high, parking expensive so much so people buy their spacs like condos but it is no longer unhospitable to blacks like in the 50s. My friends never have problems visiting. Like any big city there are areas where you won't be visiting and there is no reason to.
I love Boston, and We do smile and welcome outsiders, though I think the new comers who moved here have that other "attitude." IMHO

veryvirago

HUGE culture shock!!! You're going to freak out when you see housing prices. As a lot of other folks mentioned, car costs are high, and many folks forego the car and utilize public transport for neighborhood to neighborhood travel. Best part is walking around the city, though. Definitely NOT suburbia, where you have to have a car. Good luck with the move!!! What an exciting adventure!!!

starrsville

OP is NOT moving -

Author: sk84fungirl
Date: 11/15/2006, 07:23 pm
Update...

Thanks for all of your feedback and I will NOT be moving to Boston afterall. I was really excited about the move, but not the job itself...LOL. So everything worked out. I learned so much and like the city, so I will visit next summer.

Thanks again.

starrsville

A first time poster revives at least 5 posts in less than 20 minutes and gives the same link?

Could this be a commercial promotion?