Boston Housing

[cmuhooligan]

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I know, another housing info thread...I'm moving to Boston in a couple months and I'm finding the move to be a bit daunting. It seems like trying to find my own apartment is out of the question (thanks paltry internship salary!), so I've been looking for shares. Even those seem hard to find (maybe b/c I'm bringing my dog, which complicates things). I'll be working downtown, and won't have a car, so I need to be close to the T. I've been checking craigslist; any suggestions on other websites that may be good? Or relatively inexpensive (for Boston), safe areas that aren't too far of a T ride to downtown?

Many thanks!

 

[KillerDiller]

Try looking north and south of the city a little. Parts of Medford, Malden, and Melrose are all on the north end of the orange line (< 15 minutes away from downtown on the train). These are very safe places to live with most people in the area being people who are commuting into the city. Same with Quincey, which is on the red line and south of the city. Jamaica Plain near the south end of the orange line is up-and-coming and inexpensive, though the commute would be a bit longer.

 

[LM02]

I think craigslist is likely to be your best bet, but the problem is that it's hard to plan ahead with a resource like that. For example, June rentals will really only come up in April and May. Also, there's a big increase in the listings later in the spring, as things tend to turn over when schools get out for the academic year.

In the meantime, here are some other resources:

http://www.bostonapartments.com/

http://www.justrentals.com/

Good luck!

 

[PhishGirl]

CL is your best bet.

I live just outside of Boston right now, and I highly recommend staying just on the outskirts of the city as it is generally less expensive. I have a 600 studio that is a 5 min walk from the T. I say that KillerDiller had some great suggestions, and I will only say that you should avoid Allston, Brighton, and Dorchester. Unless you like your stuff to be stolen. 😉

 

[LeChatCalicot]

CL is your best bet.

I live just outside of Boston right now, and I highly recommend staying just on the outskirts of the city as it is generally less expensive. I have a 600 studio that is a 5 min walk from the T. I say that KillerDiller had some great suggestions, and I will only say that you should avoid Allston, Brighton, and Dorchester. Unless you like your stuff to be stolen. 😉

I disagree. I would stay out of Dorchester, but Allston and Brighton are HUGE student neighborhoods, close to the T, and reasonably priced. You have to make sure you're not accidentally moving into a frat house, but other than that its probably one of your best bets if you want to actually be in (or close to) the city. Brookline is great as well, it can be a little more expensive, but quieter and usually a little older crowd. There are a lot of up and coming (read: "hip") ares in Jamaica Plain as well, and the orange line goes downtown way faster than the green line. PM if you need any specific advice... I totally peruse Craigslist for dream apartments while procrastinating at work 🙂

 

[PhishGirl]

I disagree. I would stay out of Dorchester, but Allston and Brighton are HUGE student neighborhoods, close to the T, and reasonably priced. You have to make sure you're not accidentally moving into a frat house, but other than that its probably one of your best bets if you want to actually be in (or close to) the city. Brookline is great as well, it can be a little more expensive, but quieter and usually a little older crowd. There are a lot of up and coming (read: "hip") ares in Jamaica Plain as well, and the orange line goes downtown way faster than the green line. PM if you need any specific advice... I totally peruse Craigslist for dream apartments while procrastinating at work 🙂

Indeed, Allston and Brighton are huge student neighborhoods and that's why they would likely seem attractive. I just know that my experience with those places is that there is a good amount of crime and that living amongst so many students doesn't really give you any calm...ever. While some people like that action, if I was trying to do anything like grad school I wouldn't want that much of a noisy undergrad influence. And yes, they are reasonably priced, but there is a reason for that. "Reasonably priced" apartments outside the city might be that way because of a leaky faucet or two, but "reasonably priced" in the city usually spells much bigger problems.

But that's just my opinion. 🙂

 

[turtlebutt]

You should also look at the bus lines. You could live in Watertown on the 71, Belmont on the 73, or Arlington on the 77 (check mbta.com). If your site is accessible via the commuter rail, you can find cheap places in Waltham (I live there now--lots of good restaurants but not necessarily the most "happening" area). I looked at apartments in Allston & Brighton this past weekend and was horrified by how little you get for your money (I settled on a place in Watertown).

 

[D0WNxSH1FT]

I went to Northeastern, lived in Boston for 7 years total.

How cheap are you looking? $700-1000k/month each?
Craigslist is your best bet. Just remember that Boston's real estate market is 100% dictated by college students. So, that means that in February 2010 they started listing apartments for September 2010...and they go fast.

Try these areas:

Allston - BU scene, bars, lots to do, Green Line, cheap/college style apts
Brighton - Just past Allston, lots of college grads, BU people, decent prices, Green Line
Charlestown - Up-in-coming, across bridge from The North End - Red line I think
Davis Square/Somerville - ghetto/college kids - Red Line
Jamaica Plains - more suburban, but cheap. bus to Green Line access
Roslindale - more suburban, but a lot cheaper. bus to Green Line access
Mission Hill - lower income multi-amily, mostly college students - On Green Line
Back Bay - In Boston proper, more expensive, in the heart of everything.

My preference is Allston. I also lived in the Back Bay and Roslindale.

 

[notfullyfathomd]

Since you have a dog, I'm going to make a plug for Jamaica Plain (JP). JP has an arboretum and paths around Jamaica Pond and along the orange line (called the Southwest Corridor). There are a lot of regulars who gather in these places after work, so you're certain to make friends with other dog owners. It's also somewhat easier to find a dog-friendly apartment share, and a lot of JP is <10 min walk to the orange line (stops you should look at are Stonybrook, Green St, and Forest Hills), and then it's about a 15-20 min ride into downtown.

I'd also recommend Cambridge and Somerville as places with cheaper apartments that are close to the T (red line). Harvard Square is a little pricey, but the areas around Central, Davis, and Porter are all great. There's also plenty to do in these areas -- restaurants, bars, live music.

 

[PsychApps2009]

I can speak about Boston... as I look at about 33 apartments before settling on mine.

If you live with roommates, it's totally doable... I refused to however for personal reasons.

Allston/Brighton: I am a single female and have found this area to be relatively safe. I would say that Allston can be a little sketchier than Brighton in some areas, and you may want to stay away from the apartments closer to Boston University and Boston College if you don't want to be around too many undergraduates. There are some apartments, like the one I live in, that make a point to rent to only young professionals and graduate students. Oh and there are pretty good restaurants in this area.

Coolidge Corner and Brookline are nicer and quieter areas, but more expensive.

Jamaica Plain: Had some decent places - closer to Jamaica Pond the safer and more upscale and more expensive it gets. Further away (i.e., west to east) it gets cheaper but less safe. I remember when I was looking middle JP was the place to consider.

Beacon Hill and Back Bay can be expensive due to location (as anywhere near Boston Commons), example $1500-1800 for a one bedroom. However, you can occasionally find an apartment building that rents a few apartments in its building based on income (i.e., normal rent is like $1800 but they rent a couple for $1100 due to a deal with the city). Tent City is one of them, but these type of apartments rarely come up.

Always remember real estate agents cannot legally speak to you about the crime rates or safety of an area. If you can, check the area out during the day and at night (and get the reports from the city).

Important Pet Information: BTW Boston is horribly NOT pet friendly. Please remember, however, I believe it is illegal here for landlords to charge pet rent or a pet deposit (please double check this information). This is partially why it is so hard to find someone who will allow a dog (cats relatively easy), but it can be done. Just expect to pay more. ALSO, remember that Boston has breed specific legislation/ordinance as well (in regarding to bully breeds); these breeds are allowed, but with restrictions - make sure you read it if it applies to you (a copy of the ordinance can be found on the Boston animal control Web site).

Overall: To give you an idea - I scoured the city, considering places up to an hour away by mbta from my job. Studios were around $900... and most were pretty bad to be honest. Most were basement apartments as well. One bedrooms will be around $1100, and some will still be bad. Two bedrooms will be around $1400. BTW, most of these prices are based in Allston/Brighton.

I really like my landlady - so if you are okay with the prices there for a one or two bedroom and are looking to live in Allston/Brighton (I'm on the Allston/Brighton border, right in front of the B-line and a short walk to the 66 bus), pm me (my building is pet friendly too, but she allows on a case by case basis and how many are currently in the building with dogs).

Please Note: The B-Line (green line) sucks. It takes forever because it has a ton of stops, not a big deal if you budget for it, or are going somewhere relatively near on it, or take one of the buses instead.

 

[PsychApps2009]

Since you have a dog, I'm going to make a plug for Jamaica Plain (JP). JP has an arboretum and paths around Jamaica Pond and along the orange line (called the Southwest Corridor). There are a lot of regulars who gather in these places after work, so you're certain to make friends with other dog owners. It's also somewhat easier to find a dog-friendly apartment share, and a lot of JP is <10 min walk to the orange line (stops you should look at are Stonybrook, Green St, and Forest Hills), and then it's about a 15-20 min ride into downtown.

I'd also recommend Cambridge and Somerville as places with cheaper apartments that are close to the T (red line). Harvard Square is a little pricey, but the areas around Central, Davis, and Porter are all great. There's also plenty to do in these areas -- restaurants, bars, live music.

Yes, I would say JP is better for dogs....

The South End is much more dog friendly too as an area (i.e., restaurants with outdoor seating) and has one of the few few few dog runs in the city (aside from Angell Memorial for example).

PS - Be safe and get your dog licensed when you come to Boston, they're a little more strict on it here. If you want advice on good vets, feel free to pm me too - I've gone to at least five different ones here. Oh! And budget for that - an appointment in Boston will range from $50-80 depending on the clinic (this includes low cost ones - and there is only one free animal clinic.... and it's next to where I live 😀).

 

[cmuhooligan]

Thanks everyone for the great tips! It's much appreciated. Just to add a bit more info, I'm looking to spend no more than 800-1000 for rent + utilities.

 

[D0WNxSH1FT]

Thanks everyone for the great tips! It's much appreciated. Just to add a bit more info, I'm looking to spend no more than 800-1000 for rent + utilities.

As long as you are looking for a two bedroom and that price is per-person you will find a ton of great apartments. Just start NOW as anything under $2,000 total for 9/1 move-in, is going to go fast.

 

[cmuhooligan]

As long as you are looking for a two bedroom and that price is per-person you will find a ton of great apartments. Just start NOW as anything under $2,000 total for 9/1 move-in, is going to go fast.

I'm looking at a June 1 move-in, does that change things at all?

 

[notfullyfathomd]

I'm looking at a June 1 move-in, does that change things at all?

Most tenants have to give 3 months notice if they are not going to renew their lease, so now is a good time to start looking. However, if you are looking at rooms/shares, people will continue to post up until June 1 for a June 1 move-in. Also, since Boston is a college city, June 1 and September 1 are the big moving days.

 

[chasingadream]

if you live in allston you will get robbed. it's like a rite of passage. seriously. you will get robbed.

also, the B line SUCKS all the students, traffic lights it goes through, and stops make it the WORST line.

if you want to be near fenway and all the bars allston has to offer and a quick ride on the C line from down town Brookline is in your 800-1000 budget but if you have a car there is no overnight on street parking.

cambridge is an AWESOME place to live and the Red line is really fast!

September 1 is the worst day of the year!!!!!!!! AVOID AT ALL COSTS!

 

[PsychApps2009]

if you live in allston you will get robbed. it's like a rite of passage. seriously. you will get robbed.

Lol.

But don't exaggerate. I've lived here in Allston for two years (granted a nicer area, as I'm on the Brighton border) with nothing like that ever happening. Edit: Granted, I can't say what would happen if I lived here another two or more... as I won't be here past July 😀.

Hell, worse stuff went down in Coolidge Corner a couple of months back.

Also, there are plenty of parts in Cambridge that can be plenty sketchy (if not sketchier; case in point, near the Charles River after dark; or close to some areas of somerville). Granted, nothing ever happened to me there either (I lived there for four years)...but then again, I tend to be somewhat careful (i.e., take a cab if you're getting back late and are alone). [Note: you may not have a choice if it's after midnight, trains stop running ^_^]

You just have to keep your head about you where ever you live: well-lit areas, that are well kept, and, if you're concerned, regularly patrolled. For example, there are plenty of dog owners in the area I live, and they naturally patrol the surrounding area at most times of the day and act, with other permanent residents of the area, as a community to keep things safe. The police station is also a couple of blocks away, and community members are pretty good about calling them (and they're pretty good about driving around).

I will have to agree though, along the red line (Alewife to Park st. side) is one of the better places to live (in terms of commute to a lot of places esp.) - but prices spike up a lot.

 

[chasingadream]

Lol.

But don't exaggerate. I've lived here in Allston for two years (granted a nicer area, as I'm on the Brighton border) with nothing like that ever happening.

Hell, worse stuff went down in Coolidge Corner a couple of months back.

Also, there are plenty of parts in Cambridge that can be plenty sketchy (if not sketchier; case in point, near the Charles River after dark; or close to some areas of somerville). Granted, nothing ever happened to me there either (I lived there for four years)...but then again, I tend to be somewhat careful (i.e., take a cab if you're getting back late and are alone). [Note: you may not have a choice if it's after midnight, trains stop running ^_^]

You just have to keep your head about you where ever you live: well-lit areas, that are well kept, and, if you're concerned, regularly patrolled. For example, there are plenty of dog owners in the area I live, and they naturally patrol the surrounding area at most times of the day and act, with other permanent residents of the area, as a community to keep things safe. The police station is also a couple of blocks away, and community members are pretty good about calling them (and they're pretty good about driving around).

I will have to agree though, along the red line (Alewife to Park st. side) is one of the better places to live (in terms of commute to a lot of places esp.) - but prices spike up a lot.

ya, the stuff that happened at coolidge is crazy and i totally agree -you have to be smart and safe and take cabs or walk with others late at night almost anywhere in the city. i think living in a "safer" area can almost be worse b/c people let there gard down more. my friend lived there and my husband and i always insisted on walking her home and she would mock us and that stuff happened right on her street. GIRLS- NEVER WALK ALONE AT NIGHT! call campus security if you can!

as far as allston i think i meant more getting your place robbed. it tends to be worst over the summer and on breaks so if you live there be extra careful during those times. it was only a slight exaggeration- i was robbed twice, by husband (then BF) was robbed, many of my friends were robbed, our neighbors were robbed, a girl was held up at gun point on my street.... the list goes on.

another factor in allston is drunk college kids- we often had vomit and urine on our doorstep, drunk guys love to run around smashing peoples car mirrors, it's loud till pretty late, and the T and bus system out there SUCKS! i took cabs to class before b/c i had waited and hour in 20 degree weather or was in danger of missing an exam but the 66 buses JUST KEPT GOING OUT BOUND!!!! (i may be a bit biased but i lived there for 2 years and had many many many sketchy/miserable experiences).

 

[PsychApps2009]

as far as allston i think i meant more getting your place robbed. it tends to be worst over the summer and on breaks so if you live there be extra careful during those times.

Aw yes, this I have heard of more than let's say straight up getting mugged on the street. I'd also probably be more conscious about it if I had a garden level or first floor apartment (I'm on a third floor now and have a dog, so I don't worry as much). I would also not leave my purse lying around or lend my iphone to someone on the train (some guy did that and the guy he lent it to took off running)...You know. Little things.

another factor in allston is drunk college kids- we often had vomit and urine on our doorstep, drunk guys love to run around smashing peoples car mirrors, it's loud till pretty late, and the T and bus system out there SUCKS!

Haha. Okay. I totally have to agree with this part. I live a little further out from the drunk college kids, but you can *definitely* tell when summer hits cause the B-line clears out and you don't have to watch random people throwing up as often.

Yeah I'd say if you live in the area you have to budget your time well when it comes to transportation. I've gotten used to it by now, but it's my biggest complaint. I live maybe two miles from work and it can be a 40min. commute normally via bus.

PS - No one has mentioned the MICE. Be ready for them *anywhere* you move in Boston (and roaches at times). I have been extremely lucky to have only had one roach two years ago and a landlady who takes care of this building like no one's business. I also imagine that my dog and cat keep any bugs or rodents away during the day. However, all of my coworkers have had mice problems both living in Allston and living in swanky Beacon Hill.

 

[firsttimepsych]

PS - No one has mentioned the MICE. Be ready for them *anywhere* you move in Boston (and roaches at times). I have been extremely lucky to have only had one roach two years ago and a landlady who takes care of this building like no one's business. I also imagine that my dog and cat keep any bugs or rodents away during the day. However, all of my coworkers have had mice problems both living in Allston and living in swanky Beacon Hill.

+1

I lived in one apartment for two years and we caught upwards of 50 mice I'd say. It was there I learned that peanut butter works best on mouse traps.

My apartment now, a "luxury" building in the heart of Coolidge Corner, has roaches.

 

[chasingadream]

+1

I lived in one apartment for two years and we caught upwards of 50 mice I'd say. It was there I learned that peanut butter works best on mouse traps.

My apartment now, a "luxury" building in the heart of Coolidge Corner, has roaches.

ohhhh yes, the mice! i have several horror stories but i will give you 2 the gems:

*** not for squeamish eyes ***

1) lovely spring day. my roommate pulls out a blanket from the shelf in her closet so we can go study in a park. 6 dead baby mice fall out of the blanket onto the floor. EWWWWWWWWWWW

2) complain to landlord for months about mice. weather gets colder. we no longer hear little mice running around in the ceiling. we then hear rats. large rats running around and fighting with each other. landlord decides to take action. we then SMELL rats. again, EWWWWWWWW

 

[PhishGirl]

+1

I lived in one apartment for two years and we caught upwards of 50 mice I'd say. It was there I learned that peanut butter works best on mouse traps.

My apartment now, a "luxury" building in the heart of Coolidge Corner, has roaches.

This reminds me of when I lived by the public garden and a mouse ran ACROSS MY PILLOW one night while I was reading.

Supposedly, the Big Dig displaced all the mice and the rats, so there are indeed everywhere, from swanky joints to hideous apartments.

You know, thinking of this, and the added expense, and the congestion, and the lack of peace and quiet, and living in small spaces, and having to rely on public transportation...why exactly do people want to live in cities so much?

I can't wait to ditch Boston.

 

[chasingadream]

You know, thinking of this, and the added expense, and the congestion, and the lack of peace and quiet, and living in small spaces, and having to rely on public transportation...why exactly do people want to live in cities so much?

good sushi?

 

[firsttimepsych]

good sushi?

marathon monday 😉

 

[iheartkraepelin]

..

 

[lexicon]

+1

I lived in one apartment for two years and we caught upwards of 50 mice I'd say. It was there I learned that peanut butter works best on mouse traps.

My apartment now, a "luxury" building in the heart of Coolidge Corner, has roaches.

this makes me want to cross Boston off my list of acceptable cities to live in

 

[firsttimepsych]

I didn't mean to make it sound bad. I love Boston. I've been here seven years and I'm really sad to be leaving, but school is calling me elsewhere.

There's a cool little area called Audubon Circle which is on the border of Boston and Brookline where I lived for a few years. Convenient to the T, close to hip restaurants/bars, and affordable if you can find roommates. You could easily find a nice two-bedroom for under $2000. There's a lot of younger people on the scene but it does not attract the types that roam Allston looking for a night of debauchery. Similarly, a little down the road is an area called the Fens, where a lot of Northeastern/Simmons students live.

There is of course no guarantee that crime won't happen, but as a female I never felt unsafe walking alone there, even at night. If you have a car that's not registered in MA, you will need to get a private spot as opposed to resident street parking which can run up to $150/month. There is free street parking (no resident sticker needed/no meter) around there, but it can be a hit-or-miss type of deal.

I work in the South End and although I know there are nice areas, I personally wouldn't live there. Maybe it's just because I work in an area with a lot of poverty and homelessness. There seems to be a huge dichotomy between who lives in the brownstones and who hangs out on the sidewalk.

 

[PsychPoet]

this makes me want to cross Boston off my list of acceptable cities to live in

This wasn't "The Soverign" by any chance was it?

 

[chasingadream]

I have lived in Quincy, JP and now the South End. I have never had a problem with mice, roaches, etc. I'm not sure if anyone mentioned but I know a lot of people who live in the North End and love it. Boston is a fun city with lots of students and "young professionals", great restaurants, culture, nightlife (even if it is a little on the early side), its close to beaches and not as bad as some posters are making it seem.

The bottom line is suck it up and pay a realtor's fee they have the best deals that don't go on craigslist. PM me and I can give the name of an awesome guy. I live in a great three bedroom in the South End for $600 not including utilities which are pretty reasonable.

I wasn't hating on Boston I was hating on ALLLLLLLSTON. To clarify- I LOVE BOSTON! I have lived here almost 8 years and love this city! There are so many great things to do and great people from all over the world. ANDDDD it's the most dog friendly city- BONEus nyuck nyuck!

DO NOT cross Boston off your list it a great town, just don't live in allston if you can avoid it.

p.s. YES MARATHON MONDAY IS MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY!

 

[LeChatCalicot]

+ 1 (or like a million) for Marathon Monday! Also, St. Paddy's day!

On the mice issue -- we had 'em in my old apartment (actually in the Audubon Circle are mentioned) but in my new place (Coolidge Corner) my roommates got one of those little electronic things you plug in (some sort of ultrasonic sound waves) before I moved in and I haven't seen a mouse in the house once... might be something to try!

 

[PsychApps2009]

ANDDDD it's the most dog friendly city- BONEus nyuck nyuck!

I can't tell if you were joking. I hope you were.

Boston is seriously one of the most unfriendly dog cities in the country. This is pretty much objective: based on rent biases, breed specific legislation, few low cost clinics, lack of dog runs or dedicated dog parks, lack of community events for dog owners, less than ideal public transportation, expensive pet sitter and dog walker prices, irresponsible dog owners, among other things. (Note: I will add more drawbacks as I think of them).

There are some benefits like access to Angell MSCPA (though this does not come cheap). Even holistic pet stores are few and far between and it can be a headache to not just get to a vet (taxi drivers are not pet friendly) but to even get to a pet store without a car.

[Note: The city of Cambridge might be slightly different, as they have their own animal control laws and separate licensing rules etc.].

Now in terms of people - they're probably as dog friendly as any group of people is in any city. You'll get those who scream at you when they see your dog on the bus and those who will fall all over themselves wanting to pet your dog.

I could probably rattle off a list of other cities which are far more pet friendly. Actually, just for fun, and based off a Forbes.com 2007 article, some of the most dog friendly cities in America include: Colorado Springs, Portland, Albuquerque, Austin, Charlotte, Virginia Beach, Kansas City, St. Louis, Seattle, and Denver. Personally, I like this Forbes article because it took into consideration expenses, number of vets in the city, pet-friendly retailers, and dedicated dog parks (per person and pet), etc. Other articles where NY and Boston show up are either about visiting the city or don't take these factors (including breed laws) into account.

From the same Forbes article, "New York is also the most expensive city in which to care for a pet, followed by major metros Boston and San Francisco."

 

[chasingadream]

I can't tell if you were joking. I hope you were.

Boston is seriously one of the most unfriendly dog cities in the country. This is pretty much objective: based on rent biases, breed specific legislation, few low cost clinics, lack of dog runs or dedicated dog parks, lack of community events for dog owners, less than ideal public transportation, expensive pet sitter and dog walker prices, irresponsible dog owners, among other things. (Note: I will add more drawbacks as I think of them).

There are some benefits like access to Angell MSCPA (though this does not come cheap). Even holistic pet stores are few and far between and it can be a headache to not just get to a vet (taxi drivers are not pet friendly) but to even get to a pet store without a car.

[Note: The city of Cambridge might be slightly different, as they have their own animal control laws and separate licensing rules etc.].

Now in terms of people - they're probably as dog friendly as any group of people is in any city. You'll get those who scream at you when they see your dog on the bus and those who will fall all over themselves wanting to pet your dog.

I could probably rattle off a list of other cities which are far more pet friendly. Actually, just for fun, and based off a Forbes.com 2007 article, some of the most dog friendly cities in America include: Colorado Springs, Portland, Albuquerque, Austin, Charlotte, Virginia Beach, Kansas City, St. Louis, Seattle, and Denver. Personally, I like this Forbes article because it took into consideration expenses, number of vets in the city, pet-friendly retailers, and dedicated dog parks (per person and pet), etc. Other articles where NY and Boston show up are either about visiting the city or don't take these factors (including breed laws) into account.

From the same Forbes article, "New York is also the most expensive city in which to care for a pet, followed by major metros Boston and San Francisco."

wow i have not done this level of research haha. i had heard Boston won awards in the past but i have no clue how it was evaluated. didn't look into all the factors you mentioned so it was just an off handed comment based on what i have heard in passing and how much fun i have accosting peoples pets around fresh pond. i have a dog in cambridge and have had great experiences and nothing to complain about, but we have a great, dog-friendly landlord and live near a Vet. but i guess when it comes to dog friendly cities, you'll have to take PsychApps2009's judgment cause she did her homework on this one 🙄 i just love dogs so much my brain just turns to much when i even think about them haha.

 

[PsychApps2009]

wow i have not done this level of research haha. i had heard Boston won awards in the past but i have no clue how it was evaluated. didn't look into all the factors you mentioned so it was just an off handed comment based on what i have heard in passing and how much fun i have accosting peoples pets around fresh pond. i have a dog in cambridge and have had great experiences and nothing to complain about, but we have a great, dog-friendly landlord and live near a Vet. but i guess when it comes to dog friendly cities, you'll have to take PsychApps2009's judgment cause she did her homework on this one 🙄

lol. You know I <3 you Chasing.

If you can tell I'm reallllllly into pets too - specifically, dogs. So I definitely looked into all of this before I adopted mine. However, with all of that said, if you are prepared for all of the difficulties of owning a dog in Boston, then you can learn to manage it and you won't have to give it much thought on most days. I have never regretted having my dog here, but (coming from the South and previously living in Cambridge not Boston) there was a sharp learning curve.

PS - I've heard good things about Fresh Pond and thought of taking my dog there once... until I read that your dog has to be licensed in Cambridge (not Boston) to be technically allowed. Boo! 😉

i just love dogs so much my brain just turns to much when i even think about them haha.

PPS - Me too! My dog has been staying with my parents during interview season and I still stop by my closest park to visit the doggy regulars that I know as a way to get my fix until they can drive my dog back to me! 🙂 Talk about mush muahahaha.