Might be moving to Boston...

blue goose

My husband might be hired as a professor in Boston starting this fall.  We are likely to move there in late summer. 

I've never lived outside of Texas, and I've never been to Boston!  I have all sorts of questions.  What's it like there?  How is it for families (we'd likely live in Jamaica Plain or Waltham or Newton)? 

I'm also pretty involved in local Democrat politics.  How do I begin getting acquainted with that community there?

What else should I be asking you?  

Thanks!!

anniebugg

Welcome! I relocated here from Ohio about 6 years ago. I imagine it will be an adjustment for you coming from Texas, as it's quite different, but it is a wonderful place to live. 

I work in higher education (staff, not a professor). I'm not sure where your husband will be teaching, but you might find a number of communities affiliated with the school -- my campus has a lot going on, so your (husband's) campus might be a good starting place for finding affinity groups, clubs, etc. 

It's hard to say where else you might find activities, groups, etc. until you know where you're living. JP, Waltham and Newton are very different areas, but all have things to do and get involved in. 

Regarding your question about "what it's like here," that's a tough one too -- more that where you are, I think it also depends on what you're interests are. If you're into sports, there are lots of recreational leagues, 5k's, etc; if you're into museums, there are tons of those; history, everywhere you look -- it really depends on you. Maybe try looking at Boston.com as a start or just google "Boston" and whatever interests you. 

Hope that's helpful! 

caranichole

I moved from Texas to Boston 3 years ago but I came as a young student and am getting ready to move back to Texas with my husband and our first baby shortly after s/he is born in May.

I wouldn't be able to tell you much about the political community here but I can tell you a little about areas and family life. There is a lot to do and see and a huge variety of great things to expose your kids too as they are growing up -- museums, other historical sites, parks, gardens, bodies of water, etc. I don't personally know any families living in Jamaica Plain or Waltham but my husband and I were looking at Waltham if we were going to stay here. I know many, many families in Newton. It's a very nice area to have a family in. A lot of the families I know there like it because it's probably one of the places that feels like you aren't in the city but is close enough to the city where you can go back and forth all the time quickly. Getting adjusted to living right in the city, if you aren't used to it, can be really overwhelming and I imagine more so if you have a family to take care of as well.

I hope all is well and I hope my thoughts are helpful. Like I said, don't know much about politics and things like that but I can do my best to answer any other questions you may have about Boston, the surrounding cities, etc. and if you have any other detailed questions about anything I can certainly get some info from people I know that have lived here a while. Blessings!

alegaga4u

blue goose:

My husband might be hired as a professor in Boston starting this fall.  We are likely to move there in late summer.  If you are renting, start looking in mid spring- fall rentals are in high demand (students & professors) and there are often fees associated with the real estate agent that can range from half to one month of rent.  Many students will set up their fall housing in the spring.

I've never lived outside of Texas, and I've never been to Boston!  I have all sorts of questions.  What's it like there?  How is it for families (we'd likely live in Jamaica Plain or Waltham or Newton)?  I think it is great for families in terms of the amount of things there are to do in the area.  The cost of living on the other hand may or may not come as a shock though... In terms of those towns, Waltham is the most suburban, Newton is suburban but easy public transportation access, and JP is fairly urban-depending on which part, and there are some parts of JP that I would personally avoid, and others that are super nice.

I'm also pretty involved in local Democrat politics.  How do I begin getting acquainted with that community there?  You are aware that Boston is located in Massachusetts, right ?  Not trying to be snarky here, but you could pretty much strike up a conversation with most anyone on the street, especially in the college communities, and find a like minded left leaner.  You will feel at home if you are a liberal.

What else should I be asking you?  

Unless you are a SAHM, you may want to consider the daycare costs and waiting list times for each of the areas you mentioned.  We live north of Boston and will pay about 1750-2k/month for a center, I know this can vary quite a bit based on town. 

Thanks!!

 

Good Luck with the move !

maggiedm

Welcome!!! Boston is a fantastic city to live in - its small and convenient to get around.

 I live in Boston and have been here since 1996 - Politics are easy to get involved in the closer you live to the city. Jamaica Plain is a great area to live in - they have civic associations that you and your family can join once you figure out where you're living - Boston is very small town with their elections and politics - you will easily be consumed with it all.

 You are going to love the city - the museums, the restaurants - winters are cold! but summer & fall is gorgeous!

 Safe travels and welcome to Beantown!

 

Tikat

It's a beautiful area to live in- 1 hr to the mountains and 1 hr to the Ocean- what's not to love...aside from the Winter...that can be a bit brutal especially coming from Texas...

Cost of living is fairly high and you may not get the kind of standard of living that you might be used to in your area- as many of the building are older and in need of upgrading. I recommend you also look at Brookline- it is right accross the way from Jamaica Plain- which has nice parts- but as PP mentioned parts that are to be avoided. I personally would not feel safe moving my family to JP as it is a little close to the Projects. As a college student it was great to live there- but on street parking is a nightmare and honestly I always had my keychain with a gazillion keys in hand and walked at a brisk pace in the dark...

Newton on the other hand is beautiful- high cost of living- but very family oriented and super close and convenient. Waltham or West Newton has a bit lower cost of living while still offering most of the conveniences of the city- like public transit.

Ditto PP on the demand on Apartments in the fall and spring due to School starting. 

 

 

blue goose

Thanks, y'all!  This is very, very helpful!!

 

ssg73

Hi

I lived in JP in the past, curently live in Waltham and teach in Newton.  JP is a great urban area with tons of great restaurants and things to do.  It is a wonderful diverse community with a wide variety of ethnicities and backgrounds.  It is one of the most diverse neighborhoods of Boston with a vibrant gay and lesbian (with many families) living comfortably with african american families, hispanic families as well as a nice student community.  It is in the city so yes there are some rougher neighborhoods but as a single woman I never felt in danger.  If you are into lving into the city then it is a great place to check out.  Newton is also a great family area and very liberal.  Rent will be higher there than in Waltham.  Both communities are great for young families but for school aged kids but Newton has much better schools.  Newton is on the subway but Waltham is not (it is on commuter rail).  You may want to keep that in mind when thinking about commutes to work.  As for the democratic party, you won't have trouble finding like minded people.  We like Waltham and live right on the border of Newton so we have the best of both worlds (lower rent but access to Newton's restaurants and other services)

meganmarieCA

In terms of community/civic-minded people, JP is very active, so may be a good fit for you that way.  There are also tons of great restaurants and lots of interesting things going on...and of course the pond and arboretum are huge pluses.  However, it's not the easiest commute (either by car or T) to many areas, so it would depend upon where your husband is going to teach.  For example, I work at Harvard with a woman who lives in JP, and it takes her quite a bit of time to T in each morning.  Also, if you're looking for a single-family home, they are few and far between in JP.

saraboston

I'm sorry for anyone who has to come here from somewhere warm. We have 50" of snow and probably another 15-20" before tomorrow night.