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“it's only for a few years”
After much heartache, I think that Stephanie and I have finally found a place to live in Boston. We may be in for a very rude awakening when we arrive since we had to do much of the shopping from Atlanta, but we have at least avoided sleeping in the snow. Our first introduction to Boston, I have to say, has not really done much to excite us about the upcoming move. In general, people in the rental industry followed very closely the stereotypes that Southerners expect from those who live in the Northeast; rudeness, deceitfulness and general disregard for others. We can only hope the characteristics do not extend outside of the real estate community, but we're already having to reassure ourselves that “it's only for a few years”.
The nightmare of finding a place to live in Boston begins almost immediately when you notice that rent is approximately four times greater than it is in Atlanta. I understand that there are indexes that report the cost of living to be about 30% higher in Boston, but I seriously doubt that quality of life is maintained. And if that isn't bad enough, the housing expenses do not stop there. Since much of the market is made of smaller buildings that include less than five units, finding them is impossible. They are literally scattered all over the city. And so enters the rental agent, a creature you would not allow into your home without first putting down newspaper. We talked to people who reported eventually finding a decent agent, but they may actually be harder to find than a decent apartment. Good or bad, they all live for the agent fee – an additional month's rent passed on to the renter. Nothing offends the agent more than having to show an apartment that rents for less than $2500 a month, and mention the word graduate student and they may stop just short of spitting on you. There is also parking to consider, which can run more than $100 a month.
As far as I can tell there are only two reasons to live in Boston: Harvard and MIT. I may change my mind when I get there and experience the more pleasant aspects of the city, but for now all I can say is: it's only for a few years.
Who needs divinities? Lawyers?? Although I did hear there was a decent medical school somewhere around there once&#hellip;
Yeah, moving to a dense place like Boston is going to take a lot of patience. Housing sucks, the roads make no sense, and I think that you may actually be in a dry county. But.. I can confirm that Boston's big enough, that there are in fact a few Southern restaurants in town (you can even get Chitlins).. Ain't nobody in California that knows what sweet tea and pulled pork is.
Personally, I think you should work on perfecting the southern stereotype.. Get a mullet, a pickemup-truck, and a cowboy hat. Then show up on campus for day one shouting out "Country Boy CAN Survive, yeeeehaw! I 0wn j00!".
-El Noodle
Welcome to the neighborhood. At least for you it's only for a few years.
I'll also bet that this time next summer you'll have a very different view of the place, in a good way.