If you rent you pay no property tax - gee, that's a good one. Where do you suppose the landlord gets the money to pay the property tax? At least if you own it's deductible. I suppose if you get a refund you don't pay any federal income tax either?

Thanks to all who have replied - I really appreciate the feedback. :) As far as living in Boston itself... as much as I like big cities, I think I'd prefer the 'burbs. Could I really afford a dent apartment in the city though with an $1800 max? I was under the impression that it would be more than that.

Sorry - that should have been "decent" apartment.

K, here's my two bits...I guess the person who lives in Lowell should be the expert, and I have heard that there are parts of it that are nice, but all my drive-throughs of it leave me the impression that it is a community that looks run-down.<BR><BR>We moved into the Greater Bos area last year ourselves, and in a drive around, I told my husband...anywhere but Lowell! I looked up national crime stats and Lowell was rated 5 (out of a possible 10, the worst), while neighbouring Tewksbury rated a 1. <BR><BR>Commuter rail from Tewksbury (catch it 10 minutes away in Billerica) takes about 35 minutes to Boston. A reasonable commute time I'd say.<BR><BR>If you can rent in Cambridge/Beacon Hill/Back Bay, for that amt, I'd do it in a heartbeat. We're currently paying $1600 WAY OUT in the 'burbs!<BR><BR>For communities served by commmuter rail, check out mbta.com They have a pretty thorough website.

I really doubt you would prefer the burbs. I don't know you, but I would still put money on it.<BR><BR>You can get a decent apartment by Boston standards for 1800. Either a 0ne bedroom downtown or a 2 bed in cambridge or equivalent. And you will really enjoy your life much more.

I'd vote for Melrose. It's a quaint more upscale town (not quite Andover, but close) about 5 miles North of the city. <BR><BR>The population is primarily white middle class but it borders more diverse towns like Malden. <BR><BR>It's minutes from the Orange Line's Oak Grove Station (a 10 minute ride to Boston) and the commuter rail runs through town. <BR><BR>You're in the burbs, but very close to the city. I lived there several years ago and loved the everything about this community. It's a dry town but has some great places to eat that serve beer and wine (my favorite is Turner's seafood) <BR><BR>It's also close to Wakefield where you can lay out or walk the 3 mile lake in the summer. <BR><BR>It's less than a 2 mile ride West to Rt 93 (an exit away from Rt 128) and less than a 2 mile ride East to Rt 1 (lots of shopping & food). <BR><BR>I have a friend who rents a great 2 bedroom apartment on W. Wyoming for $1,200/month. I lived in an apartment complex called the Cooledge (sp?) which was a school converted to apartments right at 585 Main Street. At the time they were $1,200/month for a two bedroom (6 years ago). The place was so big that I never even saw my roommate she was so far away. <BR><BR>Your best bet is probably to come to MA to check out a few neighborhoods.

as some one that was born in Lowell and grew up in tewksbury before moving to the south shore ( and eventually SF) ... they are great little towns... and within a reasonable driving distance to boston... and speaking of the south shore ... check out norfolk or towns in that direction.

U posted in the EUROPE FORUM!@!!!!!!!!!!<BR><BR>U are stupid and U will be robbed of all your facilities and worldly possessions.<BR><BR>Are you stupid iditic in real life? If so, you deserve all the shit that happens to U.

Europe - Of course Kelli is a moron, what other idiot would post relo crap to a TRAVEL FORUM.<BR><BR>