Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Branches New England those in the Boston area

My cousin will be taking a job with TJX, (company that owns TJ Max, Marshalls and one other store chain) in Boston. He starts in August so he has some time to look for a place to live in the area.

He'd like to find a nice place that he can rent or lease not far from the city. He'll likel be looking for a room mate since rents are pretty high in the area sourrounding the city.

If any of you know a place that he can go to get more information that would be a big help.

I'll see what's around.

What I'd recommend is that he take a look at www.boston.com, and check out the real estate stuff there.

The cities he should look at, depending on income, without it being a major hassle to get in town are Somerville, Cambridge, Medford, Malden, maybe Arlington. Arlington can be pricey, but, it's got tons of hidden gems. Medford and Malden are pretty affordable. Somerville (where I live) has TONS of off-campus student housing, so, roomies in the area are easy to come by. Actually, there's an apartment building where Robin used to live that has a pretty decent turnover rate. Cambridge, while it has lots of student life, can be pricey, and the affordable places you may not want to go to. ;-) But, like arlington, you'll find some hidden spots.

Allston and Brighton are ok, too. Smaller living spaces for the most part, but, not terrible by any means!

i live in Melrose, which is a very nice, residential city. close to a lot of things, and still on the Orange line (Oak Grove). IIRC, TJX's offices are in the Back Bay, near where I work. So the Orange is the line to be on. we pay $1250/mo for a big 2 bedroom in a 2 family. very quiet. we paid the same for a 3 bedroom in Medford that was half the size and on a busy street.

but if your friend wants to live "in the city" cambridge, south end, somerville, brighton, and allston might be better options. rents a bit higher, but if he finds a roommate or 2, it should be managable.

i also have a friend who lives in Brookline for $2100/mo 3 bedroom with 2 other roommates. but he's on the Green line which is SOOOOO SLOW.

also tell your friend to check out Craig's List to apartments. and some of the college housing sites. he might get a chance to room with a nice college co-ed!

Thanks for all your inputs.

He is expecting to pay about $1000/month for rent, and he has learned that rents are more as you go out of the city.

If he doesn't mind living in Lexington, the two bedroom place beside me is up for rent. It's huge. 10 mins to Alewife. 2 mins to 128, quiet, and safe. I think they are asking 1300 but I'm sure they would take less.

PM me if anyone wants some more info.

John

Oh, parking in front and back, attic, and basement.

Aren't TJX's offices right off I90 in Framingham ??

yes, but i think they have an office in Back Bay too...

And I think Marshal's Corp. Office is in Andover, where they have the biggest X-Mas tree in the nation every year.

i always thought that tree was in front of the Andover IRS bulding...
well, i guess Marshal's Corp offices could be in there too.

the funnything about that tree, the actual live tree inside all the lights is only a couple of stories high, the rest is all wire framework and strung up lights!
schneaky schneaky