Beacon Hill Real Estate

Winter Wonderland Fun in Boston on a Budget

Boston is a lively city year-round, and when the winter winds begin to blow, it’s time to enjoy some holiday cheer in Beantown. Enjoying Boston’s winter wonderland doesn’t have to break the bank– if you live in one of Boston’s apartments or are looking at Boston apartments for rent, the holiday season is a fantastic time to get acquainted with the city.

Ice Skating at Boston Common

From Allston Apartments to south end real estate, you can easily get to Boston Common by car or with public transportation. Enjoy an age-old holiday activity and skate the day or evening away for a mere few dollars. Snack on Belgian Waffles at the concession stand and warm up with good-old-fashioned hot chocolate.

Show your college ID on Tuesday evenings and get in for half-price, or just $2. Against a backdrop of trees clinging to the last of their autumn leaves, you can be active and enjoy the crisp cool air while ice skating at Boston Common.

Hop On/Hop Off Trolley & Shopping Tour

Whether you’ve come from your Back Bay Condo or were just out shopping for Beacon Hill real estate, a shopping jaunt may or may not be what’s on your mind. But the hip, iconic Newbury Street area is sure to make a shopper out of you. Get off at Stop #8 on the Hop On/Hop Off trolley tour to do some window shopping or buy gifts at Copley Mall.

Once you’re all shopped out or need a break from the cold, you can get back on the trolley and enjoy the 110-minute guided tour that will get you acquainted with all the highlights of the Boston area. You might even see some Boston apartments for rent along the way.

Boston’s iconic Prudential Center is also on the tour, providing you with more shopping options and a bird’s eye view of the holiday lights from high atop the building in the Skywalk Observatory.

Harvard Square on Christmas Eve

Boston property management teams are likely to point you in the direction of Harvard Square for a day full of budget-friendly holiday or winter time activities. Known worldwide, the Harvard University campus and surrounding area– known as Harvard Square — turn into a magical, winter wonderland between December 23rd and December 26th.

Get from your Boston rental property to Harvard Square easily by way of public transportation to enjoy winter time activities such as Christmas caroling, Christmas Eve services, holiday meals at one of the many Harvard Square restaurants or strolling around with friends and family.

Check for student discounts, if applicable, or save money with the Go Boston card to gain access to many of the Boston area museums and holiday activities all for one price. If you’re attending Harvard or will be soon, and already know how lively and beautiful the area is, make it the place to invite family members and friends for the holiday season.

“First Night” in Boston

Out with the old and in with the new. “First Night” is the world-famous Beantown New Year’s Eve celebration that starts early in the afternoon and rings in the New Year.

Bundle up for a day and night full of winter wonderland activities as you peruse museums and shops in-between stopping in to the local restaurants or pubs for a New Year’s Eve beverage. Enjoy music presented by First Night Organization who’s been bringing the arts to Boston for the past 35 years in an effort to bring art education opportunities to underserved teens and young children. After enjoying the activities all day long, you can start the New Year with a bang with a fireworks display.

Boston on a budget is no problem during winter time or any time of the year. No matter which Boston apartment you’ve chosen to rent, your neighboring businesses provide you with enough options to keep you busy for many winters to come.

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Boston Common Set for Upgrade

Residents of Beacon Hill Real Estate Rejoice

Boston Common, located in Beacon Hill Real Estate, is set to debut its new ‘face lift’ this summer, with free wireless Internet access, chessboard and checkerboard rentals, and an outdoor piano, among other various improvements. Brewer's Fountain located in Boston Common, Beacon Hill Real EstateCrews will break ground next month on the long-awaited face lift for the shabby plaza surrounding the Brewer Fountain near Tremont Street.

The $1.5 million initiative will replaced cracked concrete with granite, plant trees, and install a sprinkler system in Liberty Mall, the grassy area leading to the State House. That’s not all however;  sketches approved by the city show a newly invigorated piazza with 30 patio tables, umbrellas, and 70 movable chairs for residents to enjoy.

The plans also include a few unusual touches, such as a “reading room” that will be stocked with newspapers, magazines, and carts with 400 books, a high end food truck that sells hot meals, and the professional-grade electric keyboard (made to look like a piano on wheels), which will offer lunchtime entertainment for Boston apartments residents as early as July.

“These new upgrades will bring much-needed vitality back to this area and provide all of the amenities our residents and visitors deserve in this historic location.’’

–Mayor Thomas M. Menino

This is the latest phase of a renovation project that started with a rehabilitation of the fountain at the center of the plaza. The bronze sculpture had been imported from Switzerland by a wealthy merchant, Gardner Brewer, and was assembled on the Common in 1868. The fountain spurted water again last spring after a $640,000 repair project, and in addition to the piano and activities, the common is set to go beyond just granite and grass.

So just who is paying for all this? The current project will be funded by private donations, according to the Friends of the Public Garden, which has already raised almost $1 million. Those who donate $100,000 or more will be honored by having their names inscribed in a granite band surrounding the plaza, while lesser contributions will be recognized with benches and trees.

Whether you live in a Beacon Hill apartment, Brighton MA home, or Back Bay condo, this change is going to benefit everyone. To find your own Beacon Hill Real Estate or Boston Home for sale, please contact Phoenix Realty today to schedule a viewing.

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Boston Real Estate Market Still Doing Well in this Economic Climate!

Its no secret that this country is in a general housing slump, but what is somewhat surprising is the condition of the Boston real estate market: it’s doing well! Three distinct neighborhoods in Boston, Back Bay, Beacon Hill, and the South End, have had an excellent year, with strong sales volume and equal or higher median average sale prices that are comparable to anytime during the past six years.

Beacon Hill Apartment

While that may not seem like much, most parts of the country have experienced wide sales and home value fluctuations; relative stability is a much better alternative!

Residents have shown resiliency in the face of an exhausting recession that brought the state an unemployment rate higher than 9%. Despite the risk of everyone’s jobs, those with the desire or need to move into Boston found a way to do so, and with local prices cut nearly in half in many instances, relocating to a Boston home is more affordable than ever.

If you’re considering a move to the Boston area -and why wouldn’t you with this promising market- contact a Phoenix Realty agent today to begin the search for your new apartment, condo, or luxury building.

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Featured Listing: Luxury Beacon Hill Condo

Looking for a luxury pied-a-terre in the city?

Look no further than this fully loaded Beacon Hill condo!

It may be one room but it is loaded with amenities. There are extensive custom built-ins, including a queen-size Murphy bed that folds up into the wall in order to maximize the living space. The apartment features gleaming bamboo floors, a built-in desk, built-in surround sound and a flat panel TV. The kitchen was recently updated and now features brand new GE stainless appliances, granite counter tops, a breakfast bar, and maple cabinets. The bathroom has a rain shower head and radiant heat tile floor. There are custom moldings and a wine rack. A full size washer and dryer can be easily installed.

Due to its Beacon Hill location, this condo will leave you just steps from wherever you want to go. The condo lies right in the middle of the Charles/MGH T stop on the MBTA Red Line and the Bowdoin T Stop on the Blue Line. The Charlesbank Playground, Charles River Esplanade, and the Boston Common are also all within walking distance.

This is a great example of the Beacon Hill Real Estate we have available. Click here to view the listing or contact a Phoenix Realty agent to schedule a viewing.

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How to Save Money While Renting

Saving Money on Rent

While the cost of living and renting in Boston is not nearly as high as it is New York City or San Francisco, let’s face it- for a young adult trying to get by, it can get pretty pricey. Add that with student loans to pay off and low starting salaries, and the costs can seem overwhelming.

Here are some ways you can get creative to cut down on your rental costs and save some money.

Find the Right Agent

Relocating to or within Boston can be a stressful transition as much as it is exciting. Finding the right agent can make your experience go much smoother. At Phoenix Realty, we specialize in Boston relocations; we can recommend moving companies or hotel accommodations, as well as helping you find your Boston area apartment in the neighborhood that’s right for you.

Phoenix Realtors are also experienced negotiators. Sometimes there is a sense of urgency on the landlord’s part to get their space rented as soon as possible.  If this is the case, he or she may be more willing to negotiate on the rent price or even give the first month’s rent free in exchange for a longer lease. Not all landlords are willing to negotiate, but Phoenix Realtors are very experienced in the Greater Boston real estate market and its trends, so we can help you negotiate a fair rent within your budget.


Consider Location

Choosing a location that is close to work, friends, or whatever places you frequent the most often will provide you with a shorter commute and thus will save you money.  Choosing a place that is near public transportation is helpful, too; employing the bus or the T to get around rather than driving will save you money on both gas and parking.

Location is also important because it is typically less expensive to live near colleges and universities.  For example, apartments that are located in Kenmore, Allston, Brighton, and Fenway are near Boston College, Boston University, and Northeastern, and therefore will not cost as much to rent as an apartment Back Bay or Beacon Hill.

Our agents can help answer all your questions about various neighborhoods and access to public transportation.  We’ll make sure we help you find an apartment that fits your lifestyle and needs.


Rent with Friends

This may seem obvious, but having a roommate will certainly help you save.  Sharing the cost of utilities, rent, and other incurred expenses will really make a difference in how much you are spending. If you don’t have a friend you can room with, there are plenty of websites and resources out there that will assist you in finding someone who would be compatible with you.  The more roommates the better!

You and your friends can also rent a ‘Split’ style apartment to save money. Split apartments have a layout in which the living room can be used as an additional bedroom due to extra entrances/ exits in the apartment to give each roommate access to their bedroom without entering their roommate’s private space. So for example, a ½ split apartment would have two bedrooms, but no living room.


Be a Good Tenant

Make sure you maintain a clean and undamaged living space during your time as a renter to ensure you get your deposit back when it’s time to move out. Not getting this back due to careless holes in the wall or a cracked window is money thrown away!

You also want to make sure you can get a good reference from your landlord for when you move to your next apartment. Paying your rent on-time and being courteous to your neighbors will help ensure your relationship with your landlord is a positive one, and having a good reference from your current landlord may help you save money on your rent in the future.

Phoenix Realty is committed to helping you find the perfect apartment that won’t put a hole in your wallet. Use our Rental Search Tool to browse our impressive selection of Boston apartments or contact us to speak to one of our experience agents!

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Featured Listing: Beacon Hill

Today’s Featured Listing is an apartment in Beacon Hill, Boston. Beacon Hill is a 19th-century residential neighborhood that is directly north of the Boston Public Garden and the Boston Common. Beacon Hill is approximately 1/2 mile square, and is bordered by Beacon Street, Cambridge Street, Bowdoin Street, Storrow Drive. Additionally, overlooking Boston Common is the Massachusetts State House.

The listing is located on South Russell Street, and is a prime piece of Beacon Hill real estate. This one bed, one bath rents at $1,595, and includes heat and hot water. There is common laundry available, and beautiful hardwood floors inside this gorgeous brownstone. Cats are allowed, and there is street parking when available outside.

To read more on this listing and to see additional pictures, click here.

Contact us today to schedule a viewing of this lisitng, or to inquire about more available Beacon Hill apartments!

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Beautiful Boston Apartment for Rent in Fenway

We are featuring a gorgeous apartment located on Park Drive in Boston’s Fenway neighborhood. The apartment is in a beautiful professional building that features property management services. Rent this newly renovated, sunny studio apartment and be in a prime Boston location. This Boston rental includes a modern kitchen with dishwasher–a luxury for many Boston apartments.

The Fenway area is within walking distance to downtown Boston and is located near many options of public transportation. Learn more about Boston’s desirable Fenway neighborhood.

Inquire about this property today and work with a professional agent at Phoenix Realty.

Phoenix Realty specializes in Boston real estate and rental properties in the most popular Boston neighborhoods including Allston, Brighton, Beacon Hill, Fenway, Mission Hill, South End and more!

Boston Apartment for Rent in Fenway Neighborhood

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