escargot

Ok on the emails/realtor contact info.
Instead of flipping back and forth, I will add here:
Trilogy location would be ok for you, Wyatt gave you good info on location/T/etc -

I would think you'd rather live closer than Cambridge - but that is up to you- your commute will be longer and being new to Boston, I would rather see you have your work and neighborhood within easy access of each other but maybe not right on top of each other, so you feel you have some space between them

I also read that posters comment to mean South End was up and coming - which depending on where you put the border is true or not - the Washington/Harrison Ave end is still a work in progress in some areas and side streets, the section near Tremont/earlier alphabet streets more established, etc - which is why you need to walk the neighborhoods and with a trusted realtor.

Also, once you walk a few neighborhoods and more congested/business/tourist attractions areas you may be able to better decide if in fact you want more of a 'neighborhood' feel , a place with small coffee shops and not the chain Starbucks so much, etc -

You've got a good start though, but definitely walk the streets in these areas and keep your eyes open and look around to get a 'feel' for what would surround the immediate area where you are looking at a rental.

Anonymous

As you walk through the neighborhoods this weekend, remember that many residents are celebrating religious holidays, rather than conducting their usual activities, and many students have gone home for the holiday. So some places are going to seem much less lively than usual.

gail

If you see anyplace during the day, it is well worth a drive-by or even cab-by at night. As with many cities, places can look great during the day but really creepy at night. Thirty years ago when I first moved to Boston area I rented an affordable apartment in Fens area of Boston - being told by realtor that it was close to Fenway Park, walking distance to supermarket and MBTA - it was all of these things, but at the time it was also dangerous and creepy after dark (different now). That would have been readily apparent if I had seen the area after dark.

Anonymous

LOL, gail, as you know, some of those neighborhoods that were skanky and creepy are now the locales of million-dollar condos! Oh, for the rent controlled days of yore, when I rented a two-bedroom apt on Beacon Hill on my student budget, albeit on the side that was then known as "the backside of the Hill." But your advice is still true today for anybody investigating a new city. Especially in areas like the South End or Cambridge, there are wonderful parts and some that are shaky.

cigalechanta

rvacca, after 40 years on Newbury Street, Now, I'm almost across from Sidney st. You can take a bus or do as I do in summer walk across the bridge to Newbury St, or, when I do downtown to Filene's Basement, I take the subway.

rvaccha

Hi friends,

I am finally in Boston. I saw a few apartments today and two potential options are:

1) A one bedroom apartment in the Trilogy (180 Brookline Avenue)

2) A two bedroom, two bath apartment in 2 Claredon street, the Church. This apartment is owned by a couple and is being rented out. It is not newly renovated and had an old kitchen.

The building was formerly a Church which burnt down in a fire 20-30 years ago.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Andy

Anonymous

Well, the 2 Clarendon location would be far more convenient. Around here, a 30-year-old renovation IS new!

rvaccha

Hi,

Thanks for the replies. Unfortunately the 2 Clarendon seems to have an application on it.

I saw the Avalon at Copley which was a bit old but definitely very convenient. Another option that I am strongly considering is The Trilogy at 180 Brookline Avenue.

In the case of the Trilogy I would take the Green Line from Fenway to Copley Square.

Are there other high rise options near the Prudential Center?

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Andy