Renters and Rentals Greater Boston Area

General Landlording & Rental Properties
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Renters and Rentals Greater Boston Area

Account Closed
Medford, MA · Member since 2016 · 85 posts · 44 votes

I am seeking thoughts, advice and constructive criticism from anybody who knows about renting/rentals in the Greater Boston area, commuting in it too. My wife and I are looking for somewhere to rent that's 'affordable' while providing us commutes on average an hour or less; my commute is to/from Tewksbury and hers to/from downtown Boston (near capitol building) via public transportation. I realize this time of the year is horrible to do this but I don't have a choice. We don't have kids or pets, credit scores above 750+, two full-time positions with good salaries and good rental history and references.  

Our criteria needs/wants is <$2300 rent not including utilities, 900+ sqft, 2BR, on-site laundry, 1 off-street parking spot (2 preferably), kitchen for someone who cooks a lot and somewhere that doesn't have a ton of noise pollution like next to a heavily traveled road, train line, or the place shaking because a passing airplane, train or flushing of the neighbors toilet. Move-in between now and late January. 

Does this sound like something that is feasible or am I totally off-base? How does someone go about finding rentals around this area and are there ones that are found off-market?

Currently have searched the towns listed below and am using Craigslist, Zillow, Realtor.com, Apartments.com, and renthop. 

Tags: Boston, Somerville, Medford, Melrose, Wakefield, Reading, Winchester, Belmont, Waltham, Renter, Renting, Apartments, MBTA

Thanks in advance for taking the time to read this and even more thanks for your responses!

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Evan Cochran
Residential Real Estate Broker · Portsmouth, NH · Member since 2016 · 14 posts · 3 votes
9y

Hi @Account Closed...Malden is becoming more in demand every year and has a decent smattering of restaurants and good T access to Boston.  

One thing to expect-- you will probably need to sign a lease to 8/31/17.  Because this is a bad time of the year, most landlords will want to get back onto a more favorable cycle and then renew you for a year after that.  It is more than likely that your rent will go up a bit, but most "mom and pop" landlords won't go up more than $100/mo or so.  Larger companies/landlords are more prone to larger rent hikes as they operate in a more business-like fashion.  They view the situation more like you're getting a discount for 7-8 months due to the time of year, and would expect to go back to market rents as soon as they can.  

So yeah-- definitely doable for $2,300/mo.  Good luck, happy hunting!

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  • Steve Nowak
    Boston, MA · Member since 2013 · 99 posts · 28 votes
    9y

    It's feasible, but what's considered noise pollution is subjective. The Boston area, including towns north of the city, have had a lot of recent construction of apartment complexes. They tend to have good amenities, but noise can vary depending on your neighbors. Consider including Malden in your searches. You might also want to check with a realtor, and post on social media.  Good luck!

    0Reply
  • David BarnettPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Cambridge, MA · Member since 2016 · 634 posts · 415 votes
    9y

    Arlington might be an option as well.  Given your price point, you'd probably be priced out of most of Somerville.

    0Reply
  • Ricky Beliveau
    Investor · Boston, MA · Member since 2015 · 107 posts · 41 votes
    9y

    @Joe Parrish or someone in his office can find you something

    0Reply
  • Matt Hohrath
    Banker · Waltham, MA · Member since 2010 · 10 posts · 4 votes
    9y

    Hey Brian - I do a lot of rentals in the city..send me a pm and I'll see if I can find something that could be a good fit and if not, point you in the right direction.

    2Reply
  • Evan Cochran
    Residential Real Estate Broker · Portsmouth, NH · Member since 2016 · 14 posts · 3 votes
    9y

    Hi @Account Closed...Malden is becoming more in demand every year and has a decent smattering of restaurants and good T access to Boston.  

    One thing to expect-- you will probably need to sign a lease to 8/31/17.  Because this is a bad time of the year, most landlords will want to get back onto a more favorable cycle and then renew you for a year after that.  It is more than likely that your rent will go up a bit, but most "mom and pop" landlords won't go up more than $100/mo or so.  Larger companies/landlords are more prone to larger rent hikes as they operate in a more business-like fashion.  They view the situation more like you're getting a discount for 7-8 months due to the time of year, and would expect to go back to market rents as soon as they can.  

    So yeah-- definitely doable for $2,300/mo.  Good luck, happy hunting!

    3Reply
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