Boston is one of the most exciting places in the United States to live while attending college, starting a career and making plans for the future. Unfortunately, making a New Year’s resolution to find a better apartment in the area might be more of a challenge than expected. Boston has a tight apartment market when compared to other cities, so it will require some preparation to find that great place to live.

Shortlist Locations:

Start the search by making a shortlist of preferred locations. For example, anyone who is interested in living near the Boston Common might look at Beacon Hill real estate or a Back Bay condo.

Having a few areas set aside on a shortlist makes it easier to find that great apartment by searching in only a specific area. Narrowing down the location results in a more limited search around the area.

For those who are unsure about which locations to consider, the best course of action might be working back from commuting or important features your desired area must have available instead. For example, anyone who is attending Berklee College of Music might consider looking at South End real estate to the south of the college or looking for a Back Bay condo to the north. Working around the areas that are within a relatively close commute to school or work is ideal to minimize the amount of time spent in transportation.

Set a Spending Limit:

Boston has a wide range of rental prices available, so having a set spending limit for each month is ideal when looking for a place to stay. In some cases, the amount of money available each month will determine the location because some areas are more expensive than others.

In general, Boston apartments are not inexpensive. The apartment costs might be less than cities like New York and San Francisco, but the amount is higher than many other cities within the United States. Renters should expect relatively high urban rent amount, so anyone setting a low spending limit should expect to look at studio apartments and one bedroom options due to the general price.

Apartments in the Boston area are generally more expensive the closer it comes to downtown. Brookline real estate, Back Bay condos or similar areas that move toward the center of the city are often more expensive than areas slightly outside. For example, it might be possible to find more affordable options in Allston apartments.

Consider a Roommate:

Looking for Boston apartments is difficult when searching alone. Young men and women who are still in college or have recently graduated and joined the workforce are often limited in available rental spending. In many areas, this lower spending amount might even mean that a studio apartment is out of reach. Fortunately, finding a roommate can solve some of these difficulties.

Roommates split the rent, so it makes that Back Bay condo or Allston apartment more affordable.

When working with a roommate, both parties should sign the lease and write out a written agreement regarding what will happen if one or the other defaults on the rent. The written agreement should also determine how the roommates will handle different types of problems that might arise, such as writing names on food or arranging times to use the shower to avoid schedule conflicts.

Finding a roommate in Boston is not challenging since many will advertise in The Boston Globe or through online agencies.

When the neighborhood is selected, the roommate is found and the budget is determined, finding a new apartment in Boston will require some patience. Boston apartments are at a premium because of limited availability. Patience is a necessity when looking for a better apartment in Boston, but it is rewarded when the great neighborhood and reasonably priced rental property becomes available.

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.

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.

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.

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.

That is a tasty burger.

When looking to rent a Brighton, MA homes or Allston, MA apartments, the first question on your mind might not be where to find the best burger, but the question might be high on your priority list when you move in and can’t find your kitchen gear. Here are five burger joints in the Allston and Brighton neighborhoods that will delight your taste buds and have you planning your return visit before you even pull out of the parking lot.

U Burger

U Burger, located at 1022 Commonwealth Avenue, is a funky little burger joint similar to a 5 Guys with absolutely the best burger selection conceivable, including veggie burgers, a spicy jalapeno burger and ever condiment you could wish for. The U Burger also offers take out and delivery to Allston apartments and homes.

Porter Belly’s

Porter Belly’s is a favorite among Brighton, MA apartment dwellers. Located at 338 Washington Street, Porter Belly’s is an Irish bar and local hang out for college students and young locals. While you wait for a mouth-watering burger and a beer, enjoy the live music, open mic night or watch a game on the plasma TV’s. Try the Buffalo Burger if you love hot sauce and blue cheese.

Eagle’s Deli

Eagle’s Deli at 1918 Beacon Street, is the home of the Eagle’s Challenge Burger. This is one huge burger and not for the faint of heart. Weighing over five pounds and topped with 20 pieces of bacon and 20 slices of American cheese, no one leaves hungery, and just in case the burger isn’t enough, it comes with a five pound side for fries. This is a must-visit place for Brighton, MA homes visitors and residents alike.

Moogie’s Sandwich Shop

Boston College students love Moogy’s Sandwich shop is a favorite for breakfast, burgers and sandwiches. Located on South End real estate, this restaurant has a cool chill vibe and prices that won’t leave you broke for the rest of the week. Not sure what kind of burger you are in the mood for? Try the Dumpster. The Dumpster is a third of a pound burger smothered in barbecue sauce, bacon, American cheese and chili. Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles and condiments come on the side.

Brighton Beer Garden

Nothing goes better with a burger than beer. The Brighton Beer Garden, located at 386 Market Street, is a sports bar offering a nice selection of beef, veggie and turkey burgers as a part of its full menu. Non-burger lovers will enjoy their Big Salads and Mexican dishes, and eclectic sandwich selections. Go for the food. Stay for the trivia, karaoke and live music.

Begin your search for a favorite burger joint in the Allston and Brighton Neighborhoods with a trip to these five spots, then expand your search through the dozens of other restaurants available to area residents. You’ll have a great time and might be surprised by the unique variety of burger recipes out there.

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.

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 belongings 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!

According to meteorologists June is going to be a month for the record books – the unrelenting high temperatures in the Midwest and Southern parts of the country are beginning to spread to the Northeast. If you’re living in an Allston apartment without central air, or even an air conditioning wall unit, you may have to just crank those electric fans and literally sweat it out. To help beat the heat in the coming months here are a few frozen dessert spots in the Allston/Brighton neighborhood you should definitely check out:

1. Chill – This spot features deliciously creamy frozen yogurt as well as a multitude of hard ice cream flavors. There are usually only a handful of frozen yogurt flavors (original, strawberry, banana, and coconut); however, the many different toppings help enhance “fro yo” experience.

2. Athan’s European Bakery & Café – This hidden gem is locally famous for its gelato. If you’re looking to add a little “European” flavor to your frozen dessert this summer, you’ve got to try Athan’s. They make their gelato in their own workshop – from scratch! Each is unique in flavor and texture.

3. Mixx Frozen Yogurt – The delicious, creamy texture of the different types of frozen yogurt is just part of this spot’s appeal… What really sets it apart from many other places is the expansive list of flavors (and the fact that you can mix any of the flavors together). You could have strawberry, cheesecake, and cookies and cream all at the same time! This place is perfect for those of us who are more indecisive when it comes to our frozen yogurt.

4. 3 Scoops – If you’re living in a Brighton apartment you’ve got to check this place out. With over 47 flavors on their list there’s always something for everyone! And with the portion sizes you can guarantee the best “bang for your buck.”

If you’ve just moved to a Boston apartment for the summer and are starting to miss your small town ice cream shop from home, try one of these spots. Maybe you’ll find yourself with a new favorite ice cream shop! If you’re in the process of weaning yourself off of your hometown ice cream and making the move to an apartment in the city for the summer, contact a Phoenix real estate agent today to help with the search process!