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.

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.

Commuter rail from Tewksbury (catch it 10 minutes away in Billerica) takes about 35 minutes to Boston. A reasonable commute time I'd say.

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!

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.

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.

The population is primarily white middle class but it borders more diverse towns like Malden.

It's minutes from the Orange Line's Oak Grove Station (a 10 minute ride to Boston) and the commuter rail runs through town.

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)

It's also close to Wakefield where you can lay out or walk the 3 mile lake in the summer.

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).

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.

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!@!!!!!!!!!!

U are stupid and U will be robbed of all your facilities and worldly possessions.

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.