Moving to Boston

[Anonymous]

We might be moving to Boston. I would be working at Dana Farber and spouse at BU. One daughter will need kindergarten next fall and we are open to private or public schools. It would be great to live right by work and bike or walk. Is that possible? Any school suggestions in the area? Currently we live in University Park in PG county. I can't stomach the fancy suburburban moms who lunch crowd so I don't necessarily want to live in the "best" neighborhood. Something like where I live now. Thanks for any suggestions.

[Anonymous]

Brookline

[Anonymous]

Budget? Brookline is great, but certainly not University Park. Do you want an apartment or home? Schools? Keep in mind in New England schools are by town, not county.

You've got lots of choices assuming a decent size budget...Chestnut Hill,Belmont, Brookline. Further out Newton. Great but pricey.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Brookline

+1

[Anonymous]

Brookline is lovely but it's wildly expensive - this is million dollar condo territory. Hardly University Park vibe - much more like downtown Bethesda. (Nothing wrong with that really, just explaining.) I'm from the Boston area but don't know the school systems well enough to say. But I'd look vaguely at a range of places - the South End or the Fenway if you want to be in the city; Jamaica Plain (also in the city, has a kind of Takoma Park reputation); Brighton if you want an inner suburb with a close commute and less posh vibe; Newton for the same but more posh; Arlington or Cambridge if you're willing to cross the river. Again, can't vouch for schools in any of these places but I'm sure others can.

[Anonymous]

Somerville

[Anonymous]

What's your budget and what kind of housing situation are you looking for? There are a lot more options if you are considering condo living and private school! Although that all depends on your budget. I grew up in boston and spent most of my 20s living in various parts of the city.

[Anonymous]

6:24 here...for neighborhoods somewhat similar to University Park I would suggest Forest Hills, Roslindale, and Dedham (basically out Washington Street). There are some so-so streets here and it borders some really bad areas, and the schools will be poo-pooed but they are funky, affordable, with good transit options.

Jamaica Plains is also excellent, but very much the hipster crowd now.

Brookline is the gold standard for Boston inner suburbs.

[Anonymous]

Brookline, West Roxbury, Jamaica Plain. Be aware that BPS offers school choice, so you may not end up in a neighborhood school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:6:24 here...for neighborhoods somewhat similar to University Park I would suggest Forest Hills, Roslindale, and Dedham (basically out Washington Street). There are some so-so streets here and it borders some really bad areas, and the schools will be poo-pooed but they are funky, affordable, with good transit options.

Jamaica Plains is also excellent, but very much the hipster crowd now.

Brookline is the gold standard for Boston inner suburbs.

Really, Dedham is considered funky now? I haven't lived near there is awhile, but that was not my impression. I have heard that Roslindale is becoming more like Jamaica Plain.

[Anonymous]

Hi, this is the OP. Thanks for the replies! We are very open to living in a condo in the city and using private school. Would either like an urban experience where we can walk to parks and cultural events or a more Takoma Park crunchy place. We can't afford to keep up with the affluent Joneses and I'd rather not try! Our current neighborhood is so great because you can buy a house for less than 600K, it is a charming neighborhood, safe, friendly, and the families are all well educated and invested in their children. The PG schools leave a lot to be desired and our plan, should we end up staying, is to go private. Anyhow, so under 600K is our budget.

Thoughts on The Learning Project School, The Chestnut Hill School, Kingsley Montessori, Park Street School, or others? How is the area around Fenway Park?

[Anonymous]

Hmmm. Under 600K will be a challenge for the neighborhoods near Fenway.

[Anonymous]

We are ok with a small 2 bed 1 bath 900 sq feet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi, this is the OP. Thanks for the replies! We are very open to living in a condo in the city and using private school. Would either like an urban experience where we can walk to parks and cultural events or a more Takoma Park crunchy place. We can't afford to keep up with the affluent Joneses and I'd rather not try! Our current neighborhood is so great because you can buy a house for less than 600K, it is a charming neighborhood, safe, friendly, and the families are all well educated and invested in their children. The PG schools leave a lot to be desired and our plan, should we end up staying, is to go private. Anyhow, so under 600K is our budget.

Thoughts on The Learning Project School, The Chestnut Hill School, Kingsley Montessori, Park Street School, or others? How is the area around Fenway Park?

Boston is a very different city from DC as the heart of the city has been a very desirable place to live for a long time and prices are generally higher than dc. Our beacon hill 1300 square foot duplex recently sold for more than $800,000 with a $400 a month condo feet (covered heat but not electricity). No common amenities. South End/Back Bay (where Fenway is)/North End/Waterfront, expect comparable prices. Brookline is actually a bit cheaper than the city but still expensive. Jamaica Plain may also be a good option. Neither will be walkable to work, but public transportation is good.

The area around Fenway Park is dominated by BU students.

[Anonymous]

I second or third checking Brookline first. Maybe rent for a while near Coolidge Corner/Washington Square/Brookline Village and see how your like it/what your budget will buy. The elementary schools are really great and it's super walkable and kid-friendly. And close to your workplaces.