Looking at neighborhoods

[redbird]

I'm in Arlington for a few days, visiting adrian_turtle.

cattitude and I are planning a move to Boston sometime next Spring*. Adrian generously did some research, trying to find neighborhoods that meet our criteria; this afternoon, she and I took the orange line to Forest Hills so I could take a look at Roslindale. Based on that relatively quick look, I think it would work: there's a reasonable mix of stores (including a grocery store near some of the residential bit we might be looking at), some parks and other open space, and decent bus service to the T. The neighborhood also looks somewhat missed racially and ethnically, from the people I saw on the bus and the nature of some of the businesses; that's not essential in the same way that T access is, but it will help me feel comfortable.

Other neighborhoods we're considering include East Arlington (near Alewife), where I may walk around a bit tomorrow, and the area of Malden near the other end of the orange line.

The basic criteria (other than being something we can afford) are a nearby park we can walk in; good transit access; few or no stairs (in case my knees act up again); and that we can bring the cats. We're thinking in terms of renting for a year or two while we figure out more about the area, and then maybe buying.

In terms of transit, near the red or orange lines would be nice, but a reliable bus would also do, and apartments closer to the T are more expensive.

*No, you haven't missed an announcement here. We've gradually settled on this over the last several months, and I realized recently that we've told people in person but not said anything online, with the odd result that the people I know in Seattle are already aware of this, and the ones I know in the Boston area, who I want to see more of and may be asking for advice** aren't.

**We plan to pay movers, but will be looking for recommendations for things like dentists, once we have settled on a neighborhood.

Comments

[jenett]

I approve of this plan! And if you do end up in Arlington, I have a rec for an excellent dentist I have not yet followed up on, ditto a vet, and have an excellent doctor who I like a lot.

You might also consider Watertown, within walking distance of either the 70 or 71. (Or there's another couple of buslines through there.)

[anne]

I'M IN ROSI!!!! Sometimes spelled Rozzie. It's great. Weekly farmers market, even in winter. The library is by the square. Tons of buses. No Thai places, but a really good Indian place. I'm never moving.

[ironed_orchid]

Hope you find a nice place and the move goes smoothly.

[nanila]

This sounds exciting! I hope you can find a suitable and comfortable place.

[switterbeet]

Good priorities! :D Best of luck finding a place.

[bibliofile]

Ah! Glad I didn't miss an announcement. Is there something ironic about New Yorkers who don't feel Seattle is their forever home? Usually it's so much harder the other way around. (And usually people who aren't New Yorkers have cars -- including other differences.)

[kiya]

Well, hi! :) (Unfortunately, my most recent dentist is in Waltham, which isn't really convenient to me either.)