Why are 1BR apartments so expensive here?

[guxx.livejournal.com]

Hidden behind the cut for those who don't care. To the rest, thanks!


I've been living near Teele Square since last spring, so am familiar with the general Davis/Porter areas but not the rest of the city. I'm currently in a roommate situation but am moving out when my lease expires June 1, and want a 1BR unit. The problem is the amenities I want and the budget I'm willing to spend pretty much limits me to Quincy, Malden, and parts of Allston-Brighton (to be on the subway anyway).

Somerville has 1BRs in my pricerange, but centered around Winter Hill and Union Square. I've driven through both areas (and eaten in the latter), but how safe are they to live? I've heard Winter Hill is ghetto-like (at least it looks that way) and Union Square isn't much better. Thoughts? And do the buses run frequently?

If anybody happens to know of a vacancy, please let me know. The folks at the apartment rental agency on College Ave (across from Store24) were unhelpful to me.

Thanks!

Comments

[surrealestate.livejournal.com]

Ghetto-like? What does that even mean?

Union Square is a nice area, but the lack of T would frustrate me.

[nalz.livejournal.com]

I would agree with the original poster's assessment of it seeming ghetto-like. Many times when either frequenting some of the local businesses or driving through the area, I've witnessed less-than-savory happenings (people throwing things at cars, or each other, or screaming at strangers for no apparent reason).

That being said - I have a few friends that live over there and love it, and have no complaints. I do think it is a little rougher around the edges than the davis/teele/powderhouse area..but that area in general is pretty nice, I think.