Neighborhood question

[amandawk]

I found a townhouse for rent that I really like and had a question about the neighborhood. It's on Washington Street, and looks like it's in between Upper Washington/Spring Street and Dedham. I tried to do some searching online, but couldn't find much. Is this a nice, safe area? Anything else anybody could tell me about the area would be great. Thanks!

[mcc]

What town are you looking in?

[mcc]

Nevermind I just realized you're looking in West Roxbury. I'm not familiar with the area but that's because it's not a place where I would live.

[LoveTrains]

Do you mean this area (highlighted in red)? I put it into google maps and this is what popped up!

[LoveTrains]

Mar 2, 2015 20:53:42 GMT -5 mcc said:

Nevermind I just realized you're looking in West Roxbury. I'm not familiar with the area but that's because it's not a place where I would live.

I think you and I were google mapping at the same time.

I am not familiar with that area at all.

Did you say your H would be working in the financial district? It looks convenient to the West Roxbury commuter rail stop which is on the Needham line and would go straight to South Station, so that is good. 

[mcc]

Are you looking there because of budget or because you want something new? Boston isn't a new city so you'll have to adjust expectations if that's the case. In terms of budget, we might be able to help you narrow down an area that's closer to his work and the city. It doesn't look like an area with much going on and a some areas close by don't have the safest reputation. I would probably keep looking.

[LoveTrains]

Mar 2, 2015 21:06:35 GMT -5 mcc said:

Are you looking there because of budget or because you want something new? Boston isn't a new city so you'll have to adjust expectations if that's the case. In terms of budget, we might be able to help you narrow down an area that's closer to his work and the city. It doesn't look like an area with much going on and a some areas close by don't have the safest reputation. I would probably keep looking.

I agree with mcc, although the OP did say she wanted something a little more suburban than urban. So I understand that she might not want something like Beacon Hill, Back Bay, parts of Cambridge, etc because it would be too urban. 

That being said, I agree that there are some areas close to there that don't have the best reputation, although Dedham proper itself is fine. If you want suburbs, I think Dedham has decent public schools, too. 

[mcc]

Ah, ok, I missed the suburban part LoveTrains. What about like Newton or Watertown?

[LoveTrains]

Or maybe something red line adjacent since he will be working in the Financial District. He could drive to Alewife. How about Arlington?

[janegold]

I'm not very familiar with West Roxbury but in general it is considered a fine place to live. Like the others said, it definitely has more of a suburban feel even though it's in the city and it's quite a hike from downtown but wouldn't be so bad if you were within walking distance to the commuter rail.

[amandawk]

I was looking in this area mostly because I found a nice townhouse for rent in our budget and with what we are looking for. We are trying to stay under $2500, 2+ bedrooms (preferably 3 or a den or something, since I work at home), and hopefully a basement or garage. My H will we working in the financial district, but he would be willing to travel about an hour by public transport. I would like somewhat of a suburban feel, but not out in the boonies. Also, we were told that we also had to pay the realtor a commission of 1 months rent. Is this normal for Boston? Thanks for all your help! 

[LoveTrains]

Yes, a realtor fee of 1 months rent is standard.

You want a basement and/or garage? Those are tall orders. Like attached garage? Because we are old city with old housing stock, attached garages are VERY hard to come by, although I know RockNVoll has a sweet one.

[LoveTrains]

Also, do you really a need a 3 bedroom or 2 bedroom plus den? That is probably why you are having such a hard time finding something.

[Deleted]

I'm not familiar with that area but I want to second that there are many towns just outside the city that could give you a more suburban feel without being in the boonies.

Do you want access to the T or would commuter rail work? Medford would give you access to the commuter rail and it would be a quick trip in to North Station. I live in Winchester which is one town up from Medford on the commuter rail but generally doesn't have much in terms of rentals and definitely more suburban feel.

Or you could try Arlington which has access to the red line and a great downtown area. Somerville would also be a great location with access to the red line.

I'd also second that finding an attached garage or actually a garage in general is difficult in this area. Most homes just don't have them.

[5kcandlesinthewind]

West Roxbury is perfectly fine - I have friends who live there, and they really like it. They have a 5 year old, and their neighborhood is full of kids, with big group tag sales and block parties. The only concern is if you'll be dependent on public transportation - the bus runs through there to the orange line, but I believe it's pretty infrequent outside of rush hour, and may even stop early. (I just know that before my friend had a car, she would have to rush out of dinner to make the bus.) And the commuter rail is a quick ride to South Station, but you'd have to check to see how frequently that line is delayed. I do feel like it's one of those neighborhoods that's a bit convoluted to get to, though.

I'd look into Arlington or Belmont before West Roxbury, personally.

[Deleted]

amandawk, Newton might be a great alternative for you. Very easy to get into the city and tons of great neighborhoods/ restaurants in the area.

Check out the listing for 1560 Washington St. In West Newton on Trulia.com- looks like it's in your budget with all your "must haves".

[elfinia7]

Mar 3, 2015 12:59:38 GMT -5 @lorelaireadsagain said:

amandawk, Newton might be a great alternative for you. Very easy to get into the city and tons of great neighborhoods/ restaurants in the area.

Check out the listing for 1560 Washington St. In West Newton on Trulia.com- looks like it's in your budget with all your "must haves".

That condo looks really nice! Also, West Newton is nice. My sister and her H and kids live there and they like it. It's also a pretty convenient commuting area too.

[amandawk]

Thanks everybody for your input. I think we are going to continue looking. Thanks again!

[5kcandlesinthewind]

I'm not sure what the rental market is like, but you may want to add Melrose to the list to check out. It's just north of the city, (maaaybe 10 miles?) has at least 2 or 3 commuter rail stops (brings you to North Station), but is also close enough to the orange line that you can just hop on there. It's got a cute downtown area with some coffee shops, restaurants, etc., and a Whole Foods and Shaws right there. Traffic during rush hour to/from Boston is a bit of a nightmare, (I live one town over and drive to Cambridge) but on off-hours, you can be in downtown Boston in 20 minutes, so it doesn't feel as isolated as some of the suburbs.