Boston Apartments for Rent
The Somerville Theatre Presents The Slutcracker Burlesque Show In Boston
This Christmas, you may not be ready for another rendition of The Nutcracker simply because it’s boring and it’s been done over and over again. But there’s a better alternative this year. If you’re looking for Boston apartments for rent, however, you may be close enough to the action to check out what the Somerville Theatre has planned for everyone who wants more than just a ballet.
The Slutcracker Burlesque Show has opened to rave reviews that take The Nutcracker and the work of Tchaikovsky to a completely new – and inappropriate level. Scantily clad women replace the toy soldiers and the nutcrackers are definitely naughtier than they were in the original production.
The various Brighton and Allston MA apartments and nearby rental properties are the perfect place to call home in time for the holidays. Living in Boston has always been a dream of many, but when there are such productions as the Slutcracker, it makes the urge to move into the city that much greater.
You can find a Boston luxury property that is within minutes of walking distance from the Somerville Theatre so that you can buy tickets and find out what everyone is talking about. Sure, the tradition of taking the train into New York to see the Nutcracker on Broadway will be broken but there are too many Boston apartments that have residents raving about the bawdy Slutcracker that it simply cannot be missed.
Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the various weeks of December, the show goes on with one of two casts, with the final performance taking place on Christmas Eve. Upon seeing the show, you will have the infamous Nutcracker music stuck in your head, but the images that will be scrolling through your mind will be anything but innocent.
When you rent in the Boston area, you will be able to quickly get back home after the show in order to call all your friends to tell them about the spectacular show that you just watched. There are a number of Boston homes for sale, so after seeing this show, you may decide that Boston absolutely must be your next new home.
No other city offers the Slutcracker Burlesque Show and everyone is talking about it. Fox, the Boston Globe and everyone else has given it five stars to encourage people to go see it around the holidays. The Nutcracker may be traditional but the burlesque show is so much more fun. The actors and actresses are top notch and dance like their lives depend on it with raunchy moves that leave the crowd howling.
Whether you live or rent in the Boston area, you simply cannot pass up the Slutcracker. Anyone who is at least 18 years of age will be able to get in to see the show. Tickets are selling out fast as everyone learns about the show through friends and reviewers that have already seen all the performers in action.
Tickets are only $25 per person and the show times are predominantly at 8 in the evening, though there are one or two performances done as a matinee in case you’ve already got plans at night.
The costumes will be reminiscent of the original Nutcracker that you grew up with, except they will be much shorter and some of the tops will be replaced by pasties. And as for the Nutcracker and the dancing, don’t expect anything tame from this group of performers. There is thrusting, twirling and everything else that makes a good burlesque show.
While it may not be a traditional way to say ‘Happy Holidays’ it will soon become a tradition that many people won’t be able to pass up. The Boston apartments for rent nearby will get you into the seats a lot faster, so if you’re still deciding, think about all that you could be missing out on when Boston isn’t the place that you call home.
Featured Boston Neighborhood – Brighton
A “bright” spot in Bean Town, Brighton, Massachusetts offers the finest living and exciting amenities in the Northeast. When you’re exploring Boston homes for sale, make sure you check out Brighton, MA apartments to place yourself right in the midst of high-quality living.
Move in to a place with a long history of standing on its own. Brighton was annexed as part of Boston in 1873 and has been one of the hottest places to live since. Its proximity to schools such as Boston University, the Harvard Graduate School of Business and Boston College make it ideal for college students. If you’ve recently graduated and can’t bear to leave the area, you don’t have to. You’ll be so close to major employers such as St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, the Franciscan Children’s Hospital and the Brighton Branch Library that you can stay comfortably right where you are. You’ll find everything from startups to charities to big business, in every type of sector and industry, represented amongst the Brighton roster of companies. This means you don’t have to commute into Boston proper for work, but if you prefer to, your trip will be quick and easy door to door.
Whether you’re seeking the luxury of the most updated Brighton, MA homes or convenience of Boston apartments, you’ll find what you’re looking for. Everything from condos to multi-family homes is available, with something to suit your terms. Short-term lease to long-term mortgages mean you get to pick what you’re most comfortable with. No car? No problem. Many of the Brighton/Boston apartments for rent are within walking distance to the B line, the inner-express bus, and the Green Line. You’re also just a quick trip from up and coming and already-booming neighborhoods such as Cambridge, Newton, Brookline, and Allston, but won’t pay the premium for the zip code.
When you make one of our Brighton, MA apartments your new home, you’ll be in great company. While we can’t promise you’ll bump into them, you’ll find famous folks such as actor John Krasinski, New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg, politicians Joe and Patrick J. Kennedy, and writer Dennis Lehane among your Brighton neighbors. With Brighton offering a big-town feel at a smaller level, you won’t have to deal with the hustle and bustle of major urban sprawl, but won’t feel like you’re so spread out and isolated, either.
Ready to unwind after a long day at school, work, or play? Why commute anywhere else when you’ve got Brighton’s bright spots within reach of your residence? Belly up to one of Brighton’s bars, including Castlebar, the Brighton Beer Garden, or the Green Briar Pub. You can also get your fill when you don’t feel like using your kitchen at restaurants such as Devlin’s, Tasca Tapas, Moogy’s Sandwich Shop, Sweet Pepper, and Smoken Joe’s Barbeque. You’re also a quick trip from necessities such as grocery stores, gas stations, and everything else you’ll need to make your Brighton residence truly feel like home.
Choosing where to live is a major commitment. Even after you trudge up and down the steps and streets of all of what Boston property management companies have to offer, you then have to be comfortable and excited about where you’re taking up residence. Choose Brighton and get the best out of living. Apartments and homes to fit your style, leases and mortgages to fit your budget, activities and entertainment to fit your life. Live bright with Brighton.
The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Boston’s Faneuil Hall
There’s nothing that quite says “Christmas” like a Christmas tree. It acts as a holiday decoration and sees over the gifts in a home. But it also has a place beyond the home. More and more cities and municipalities are getting into the holiday spirit with community trees and special ceremonies that accompany the lighting of such trees. One such east coast city is Boston. In it’s Faneuil Hall Marketplace, a massive Christmas tree is lighted annually. Located at 75 State Street in the heart of downtown, the marketplace is just a short commute from any Boston rental property and a manageable drive from several suburban locations, such as your Allston apartment and Brookline real estate property, where it will take you about 15 minutes to get into town.
The 2011 Christmas tree lighting at Faneuil Hall Marketplace took place on Saturday, November 19 and annually occurs on a Saturday in mid to late November. It’s a day full of holiday entertainment in downtown Boston. In addition to the big countdown at 5 p.m. and the 5:30 p.m. ceremonial tree lighting, it’s a day packed with shopping, food and drinks, Christmas caroling, dancing and more. Performers take to a community stage to entertain the crowd throughout the day. Even Santa Claus gets in on the fun by making a special appearance at the event. He’s even on hand before and after the festivities to take pictures with those in attendance and to put a smile on the faces of all the little ones in attendance.
The event begins at 11 a.m, and the fun isn’t over when the 300,000 lights are flicked on to illuminate the buildings and trees within the marketplace. A Capella groups, choir groups, dance groups and characters from the Boston Ballet Nutcracker are also scheduled to annually attend and perform. Other special surprise celebrities also make it down to the annual lighting to take part in the big day, but you’ll have to be in attendance to see who shows up each particular year. All in all, the event ends at around 6:30 p.m., allowing you plenty of time to hit up some other local establishments for more Boston themed nightlife before you head back to your Boston apartment or commute back to your south end real estate home. But just because 6:30 p.m. arrives doesn’t mean that the tree goes dim. You’ll have plenty of time to admire its beauty before it’s time to go home.
Although the entire marketplace is lit up at the annual tree lighting, the crown jewel of the lighting ceremony is Faneuil Hall’s 75 foot Christmas tree. It towers over the rest of the marketplace and weighs more than six tons. The tree is a Norwegian Spruce that’s some 70 years old. Originally grown in New York’s Rockland County, the tree was transplanted and installed at the Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Of the estimated 300,000 lights that are annually flipped on at the lighting ceremony, this tree is decorated with over 20,000 of them. It’s also decorated with 1,500 ornaments. There’s nothing else like it in the area to get you into the holiday spirit. Take a date, tag along with your friends or round up your family and head downtown for the day of Christmas fun. Just because the big holiday is still over a month away doesn’t mean you can’t get into the holiday spirit. In Boston, this event serves as the unofficial kick-off to Christmas.
Five Tips for Finding a Boston Apartment
Apartment tips 101
You have decided to find a new apartment in the Boston area. Now what? Where do you start? Finding the best Boston rental property depends on your price point, your social preferences and your transportation options.
Tip #1-Planning for your move.
Before you start looking at individual properties, make a list of the “must have” items for your new home. Decide how many bedrooms and bathrooms you must have in your new home. Do you need a garage? Do you need extra large closets? Do you prefer an upper floor or a lower floor?
This step should include all of the minimum requirements for Boston apartments or homes you will consider renting. It is a good idea to set budget limits during this planning stage, too. Also, define your move in window, which is your planned range of moving dates.
Tip #2-Choose your neighborhoods.
Select two or three neighborhoods that fit your lifestyle. Read local real estate blogs or reviews online to find a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle. Talk to friends at work or people who you have classes with to get their recommendation. Do some research. To get you started, here are a few pointers.
If you want to live near Boston Common, you might consider the Back Bay condo region. For $1800, you can get an apartment with paid utilities and easy access to the Copley T station.
If you want to live on the waterfront, looking for Boston apartments in the North End near the harbor are going to be more along your liking. Keep in mind that these areas are beautiful, but may be a little pricey for some college students and “twenty-somethings” just starting out in a new career.
South End real estate is affordable and offers many choices for shopping and dining. There are great places to eat and bars that offer a fun nightlife atmosphere. If you need easy access to public transportation, South End and Allston apartments are great choices.
Somerville, in the Davis Square area, is known as a “hip and happening” neighborhood. Most residents are in their mid-twenties to early thirties. This is a safe, affordable neighborhood with access to public transit. It has an artsy kind of atmosphere.
Tip #3-Contact a real estate agent or rental guide.
Working with a Boston rental property professional can save you time and money. Property managers, real estate agents and professional lease consultants all have insider information. These professionals can use your list (from step one) to find properties that fit your budget and your lifestyle. Working with a professional is faster than searching internet and newspaper ads. A lease consultant can put you in contact with decorators and give you tips on negotiating rental rates.
Tip#4-Look at several properties before you sign a lease.
Look at several apartments and then chose two or three that fit your lifestyle. Re-visit those locations at a different time of day. Sometimes a neighborhood is peaceful and quiet during the day and energetic and lively at night. If safety is a factor, consider Newton, MA real estate offerings. This suburb was named one of the safest communities in the nation! You can check with local law enforcement to ask how frequently they are called to a particular complex.
Tip#5-Negotiate your lease.
Remember that everything is negotiable. Whether you choose a neighborhood that is hip and energetic or friendly to young families, negotiate a price and terms that you can live with. With some planning and guidance, you will find a great apartment in Boston to call home.
Come Visit Plimoth Plantation in Plymouth, MA this Thanksgiving Season
Pilgrims enjoying a hearty meal
It all began way back in 1620 when the Pilgrims completed their overseas journey from England to America. The Mayflower landed in Plymouth, Massachusetts and America spread out from there. Today, Plimoth Plantation is an authentic recreation of the historically significant colony that was made up of the original first settlers of the new land.
Thanksgiving is a great time to reflect on our history and there is no better place to take in the meaning of the moment than Plimoth Plantation. Located approximately 40 miles south of downtown Boston along Route 3 in Plymouth County, the area attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists and vacationers every year. From the time the Pilgrims sat down to the first thanksgiving dinner up until today, it is a joy to follow the early history of our country.
One can see how tough a life the early settlers had to deal with. There were no modern conveniences, very little infrastructure and you had to have a true pioneer spirit and be able to fend for yourself if you wanted to survive. That same hearty stock still exists in Americans, but it is always good to remind ourselves of our humble beginnings.
Among the many attractions in and around Plimoth Plantation is the Plimoth Rock, supposedly a monument to the spot where the Mayflower touched land for the first time. There are also numerous historical monuments and statues paying tribute to some of the more famous officials of the early Colonial period.
Plimoth Plantation is close to many of the Boston area colleges, universities and other institutions of higher learning. In fact, there are 52 institutions of higher learning including research universities, junior colleges, 4 year colleges and specialty institutions. Among the most famous are Harvard, MIT, Boston University, Boston College and Northeastern. Students have a wide choice of housing options in and around the Boston area. If you go to school in Boston, you might want to look for Boston apartments. As most students are on a limited budget, they may need to consider sharing an apartment with several roommates. You can choose to live just outside of Boston and perhaps get an apartment for a little lower rent.
Brookline apartments are just outside of Boston and very close to the Chestnut Hill location of Boston College. Other nearby Brookline colleges include the liberal arts college, Pine Manor and the New England Institute of Art.
Students who may attend Wellesley College or Babson College about 12 miles west of downtown Boston can find excellent, modern Newton Ma homes and apartments for rent or sale. The more suburban setting is often preferred by students and young people who like the wide, open spaces that are hard to find in the middle of Boston.
No matter whether you choose to rent a Back Bay Condo near Fenway Park or choose one of the nice Allston apartments convenient to your school or place of work, be prepared for a bit of sticker shock. While you might be able to find a small, nicely furnished or unfurnished one bedroom for about $1200 per month, that is considered the low range in the Boston rental market. If you are on a tight budget, you may look to rent a room from a private homeowner or consider rooming with several others and splitting the rent.
On average, expect a 1 bedroom apartment to run between $1500-$2000 per month, a 2 bedroom around $2200, 3 or 4 bedroom close to $3000 and anything bigger or in a prime location can set you back $4000 or even more.
Why You Should Live in Brookline, MA
Green line - The life line of Brookline to Boston
The history, the hangouts, the green spaces and its unique urban vibe are just a few of the reasons why you should live in Brookline, Massachusetts. There’s a wide selection of Brookline apartments or rental homes to choose from. Finding a home in Brookline may be less complicated that competing in the sought-after Boston rental property market.
Focus your search for Brookline MA apartments and condos near the town’s center and main streets. If you’re in the market for a Brookline, MA home for rent or purchase, check out the areas of South Brookline, Chestnut Hill, and Cottage Farm.
Here’s the top five reasons why you should live in Brookline, MA:
The Public Transportation
The city of Brookline provides convenient public transportation for students and others who need to a cheap and reliable way to commute downtown or across town. In addition to city bus lines, the historic Green Line above-ground rail system is the reason Brookline is sometimes referred to as a “streetcar suburb.” Lines C and D both run through town and make for an easy commute to work, but take the D if you’re looking for a quick trip into downtown Boston.
The Greenspace
According to Brookline Parks and Recreation there are almost 50 parks within Brookline – that makes for plenty of green spaces to relax, meet up with friends or enjoy some recreational activities. The 64-acre Larz Anderson Park may be the jewel in the crown of Brookline parks, providing stunning views of the city, lots of open space, picnic areas, lagoons, an off-leash dog park, skating rinks, golf, aquatics and other recreational opportunities. Young families will especially enjoy the seasonal activites the park sponsors.
The Hangouts
There are dozens of great places in Brookline to meet up with friends, grab a beer or a meal, discuss your day at work, and plan the next day’s adventures. Check out O’Leary’s on Beacon Street for an authentic Irish pub experience where you’ll find tasty grub and cheap beer. Families and students are drawn to the lure of “Breakfast Served All Day” at Zaftigs deli on Harvard St. Generous portions of traditional Jewish food at reasonable prices keep the place full with locals and visitors all day and night.
Fenway Park
You don’t have to be Red Sox fan to appreciate the rich tradition of baseball at Fenway Park. Stepping into the park is like stepping into sports history for many fans. No matter where you choose a home from in the Brookline real estate market, you won’t be far from Fenway. The park was first constructed in 1912 and renovated in 1934. Attending a game is like a rite of passage for those living in the Boston area.
The Vibe
Brookline, MA has produced the likes of John Kennedy, Frederick Law Olmstead and Conan O’Brien. The small community offers every amenity you could want from urban living without cultivating the big city attitude. The proximity of some of the best schools in the US – both public schools and higher-learning institutes — assures there are also plenty of coffee houses, book stores, cultural and intellectual events where you can connect with other students and professionals who enjoy exploring new ideas and the pursuit of knowledge.
If you’re considering a move to Massachusetts for school, work or to experience the amenities this great community has to offer and want to make the hunt for the perfect apartment as easy as possible, contact a Brookline real estate professional to help guide your search.
How to prepare your Boston apartment for the winter
Winter is on its way, Boston.
Let’s face it, winters in Boston can be kind of rough, and meteorologists are predicting a worse winter than usual this year (don’t they always?). How do you prepare for the bitter cold that dominates the next few months? If you own a house, there are lots of steps you can take to winterize your dwelling, but what if you’re in a Boston rental property? I’m sure the landlords of Brighton apartments, Allston apartments, or even the property manager for a Bay Back condo wouldn’t appreciate it if you started ripping open the walls to put in more insulation. Luckily, there are still some things you can do.
Before doing anything to winterize an apartment, it would be a good idea to check with the landlord or property manager and make sure of what is acceptable and what is not. The first thing a tenant can usually do is seal cracks in window and door frames using caulk. Speaking of doors and windows, it’s a good idea to check the weatherstripping around them, too. If it looks worn or if pieces are missing, most Boston apartments have a maintenance superintendent who can replace it for you. If not, the landlord may allow you to replace the weatherstripping yourself–it’s relatively easy and you can get the materials at any hardware store.
Glass patio and french doors are not terribly common in a Boston rental property, but if you have them, they can be a big source of heat loss. Putting some weatherstripping along the door frame (or the space where the doors meet for French doors) can help to keep things cozy. Another good trick is putting clear plastic (available in kits like a 3M insulating kit) over windows or unused patio doors in the winter. Putting a draft sock (a tube stuffed with insulating material) along the bottom of exterior doors can help, too, and it is mobile enough that the door can still be used.
The outlets on the outer walls of an apartment sometimes allow cold air to get in. The best way to solve this is to get some insulating gaskets for outlets and light switches. They cost about a dollar for a multi-pack at the hardware store and they install in seconds with a screwdriver. If your landlord or other Boston property management team member allows you to make any of the changes discussed so far, ask them if you can deduct the cost of the materials from your rent–it never hurts to ask.
Perhaps the easiest way to deal with winter in Boston apartments is to reduce the area that has to be heated. Closing off vents in rooms that don’t require a lot of heat, like bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchens (as well as any bedrooms that are not currently in use) can focus the heat more directly in the areas where it is needed. Another way to reduce heating area is to keep closet doors closed.
Finally, assuming you are in the process of moving, it would be a good idea to keep winter in mind when looking at Boston apartments for rent or even Boston homes for sale. Ask other tenants in the building or the real estate agent what the heating situation is like and what sort of modifications you might be allowed to make to improve it. Winters in Boston can get rough, and if you plan to spend the winter in a Boston rental property, you would be wise to do what you can to winterize it.
Moving into your Student Apartment? Don’t Forget These Simple Tips
Moving into your new apartment as a student is an exciting time, but before you get to all the fun, make sure you take care of a few simple things.You will be glad you did later!
Tips for Moving Into Your Student Apartment
For security, check that all of the windows that can be opened also have locks, especially if you are on the ground floor. If any of the windows cannot lock, tell your landlord immediately.- Think about a fire escape plan and discuss it amongst your roommates. Know all of the doors and windows suitable for a safe exit from the apartment in the case of an emergency. Make sure that fire-escape windows are not screwed or stuck shut. If they are, have your landlord make them openable immediately.
- Learn where the gas and water shutoffs are. In the case of an emergency or a pipe burst, knowing exactly where to go to shut off gas or water can save lives or at least costly damage to the apartment and your personal property.
- Inspect the apartment and make sure that everything is as you expected and matches the contract. It is good to catch any problems that you may not notice immediately. It is not uncommon that a landlord did not tell you about a problem, either because they wanted to get a tenant or they did not know. If anything is unsatisfactory or does not match the contract, make a note of it and contact your landlord.
- If you and your roommates pay for utilities independently from the rent, record the meter readings as soon as you move in. Tell the utilities companies the readings and the dates you moved in. You would not want to pay for extra utilities that were used when you were not even occupying the apartment. While you are at it, give all of the names of the apartment’s occupants to the utilities companies to avoid any confusion with billing.
Featured Luxury Building: Archstone Watertown Square
Are you looking for the perfect luxury apartment that’s convenient to the city without all the hustle and bustle? Look no further! The luxury apartments at Archstone Watertown Square are a great fit for the Boston professional searching for a little peace and quiet during their downtime.
Situated less than a mile from the MassPike, these apartments are extremely convenient to downtown Boston (less than 10 minutes away). However, location isn’t the only benefit that Archstone Watertown Square has to offer – each apartment features almost any amenity you could ask for. For instance, each unit is equipped with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, in-unit washer and dryer, extensive closet space, custom-tiled kitchens and baths, and more! Additionally, the building itself offers great features to residents such as a fitness center, a media-screening room, and on-site parking.
If you’re searching for the perfect balance between the excitement of living in downtown Boston and the tranquility of living in the suburbs you should check out the apartments at Archstone Watertown Square. Or if you’re searching for a luxury apartment closer to downtown Boston contact a Phoenix Realty agent today to help with your search!
Back to School in Boston
Labor Day weekend in Boston is always classified by hundreds of college students moving into dormitories or apartments throughout the city. If you walk along the streets in Brighton, Brookline, Fenway, or Kenmore Square over the weekend don’t be surprised to see a lot of U-Haul trailers and students carrying all of their b
elongings into their new buildings.
There are more than 100 colleges in the Greater Boston Area contributing over 250,000 students to the city’s population just in Cambridge and Boston alone. The city’s biggest universities include Boston University, Northeastern University, Suffolk University, and Boston College. The influx of students in the fall attending these schools significantly contributes to the city’s economy – an estimated $4.8 billion annually. Not only do these students add to the economy of the area they also add to the atmosphere of the city. Despite being one of the country’s oldest cities, Boston has a very youthful feeling. Boston is the perfect place to live as a young professional.
If you’re planning on moving to the city contact a Phoenix Realty agent today to help you find the perfect Boston apartment!
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