Yahoo Finance 9 Tips for Finding an Apartment in Boston
Apartment hunting is never easy, but it becomes even harder when you live in a big city where rental units are at a premium and thousands of people are vying for the same apartments. That's why, when it comes to apartment hunting in Boston, you have to be fully committed and quick to act -- just not so quick that you're stuck in a place you don't love.
If you're ready to start apartment hunting in Boston, here are nine tips to keep in mind.
1. Know your neighborhoods. Boston is a city made up of distinct neighborhoods, from beautiful Beacon Hill to trendy Jamaica Plain, so it's worth knowing where you'll fit in before you even get started. If you're new to the area or making a cross-country move, do some research online before setting up tours. Each Boston neighborhood has something unique to offer, but they also range in price, safety and opportunities for night life and recreation.
2. Start early. Once you've narrowed your search down to a few neighborhoods, it's time to start looking for places. Be sure to begin as early as you can -- Boston apartments get snatched up quickly, but they go on the market about four to six weeks before the lease date, which should give you plenty of time. Though it's not always possible, being flexible about the date or month you move may increase your chances of finding the perfect place.
3. Be realistic about budget (especially near the T). Boston may not have the rental rates of New York City, but small-town America it is not. In fact, Boston is consistently listed as one of the most expensive cities in the U.S. to rent, which means you can expect to pay nearly $3,000 for a one-bedroom apartment. If that's not within your budget, you may want to opt to live with roommates or find a place farther away from the city center for more affordable rates. Living by the T is convenient, but remember that apartments near the train are by far the most desirable -- and that means you'll be spending a lot more on rent each month.
4. Visit the unit. In any city, it's important to visit an apartment before deciding to commit to it. Visiting an apartment is kind of like test-driving a car; you want to make sure there aren't any glaring issues before you lock yourself into a lease. Come prepared with plenty of questions for the leasing agent or apartment manager, and take your time checking out the space and testing the appliances.
5. Be flexible on laundry. Finding an apartment with in-unit laundry in Boston is like winning the lottery. The majority of Boston apartments don't have in-unit washers and dryers, but many (if not most) have in-building facilities. Try not to pigeonhole yourself by requiring this particular amenity in your dream apartment.
6. Be cognizant of safety. Some Boston areas are safer than others, but no matter what, it's important for your apartment building to feel secure. As you're visiting apartments around the city, make sure there are safety features, whether it's a doorman in the lobby, an intercom system or even an extra dead bolt on your door -- whatever you need to feel safe.
7. Consider heating and cooling. Everyone knows winters in the Northeast are brutal, but summers aren't exactly a picnic either. Make sure you're prepared for extreme temperatures on either end of the spectrum. Check if the apartment you're viewing has a heater and air conditioning, and ask if heating and cooling is included in the cost of rent. If you have to pay extra, you'll want to know upfront to make sure it fits in your budget. You should also check that the windows close fully and are fairly well insulated -- even the slightest crack can make your bills go way up during the winter and summer.
8. Check for storage. Boston is one of the oldest cities in the U.S., which means that many buildings were built decades -- if not centuries -- ago. Because of the age, many apartments may be on the smaller side and won't have much in the way of storage. If storage is a priority, check on closet and cabinet space as you're doing walk-throughs. If the apartment doesn't have as much bathroom, kitchen or general storage space as you'd like, see if there's room to bring in your own shelves and bins.
9. Arrive prepared. When apartment hunting in Boston, it's important to be ready to fill out an application on the spot. Have your credit score, employment history, references and enough money for a deposit and fees ready to go so you can commit to your dream apartment as soon as you find it -- that way, nobody will be able to rent it out from under you.
Niccole Schreck is the rental experience expert for Rent.com, a free rental site that helps you find an affordable apartment and provides tips on how to move.
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