Housing in the Davis Square area?

[magickcat.livejournal.com]

Hi all.
I currently live in the Dorchester/South Boston area, but would ideally love to move to the Davis Square area if possible.
I have looked on craigslist, responded to a few ads, but haven't gotten much in the way of a response.
I was wondering of perhaps anyone in this community might have any insight as to where to look/how to go about the hunt...

Here is
Okay. I have Section 8. My voucher is FROM the Somerville Housing Authority, which means that if I move to Somerville, my rental allowance would be slightly higher. (The only reason I am in Dorchester in the first place is because my voucher was about to expire and it was a "use it or lose it" sort of thing 5 years ago)

I have 3 indoor cats. All of them are fixed.

I need a place with a full bathroom.

I need a place with laundry IN THE BUILDING. (coin-op is fine)

First or 2nd floor is preferable, as I don't always do all that well with stairs, but depending on the scenario, I'll take a look.

As far as the "rules" go, I have to give my current landlord and the SHA 30 days written notice that I am moving, and I don't want to do this until I have a place secured, obviously, but I also want to get out of this place as soon as humanly possible, as it is not safe in any sense of the word.

I am on a fixed income, so I need a place that doesn't charge a fee (like a realtor's fee)

If utilities are included, that is a plus.

I am not sure of the exact amount they allow for rent, but I know that my voucher is for a one bedroom, or larger that happens to fall into the right pricerange. (which I believe is somewhere in the ballpark of $1100)

Any help/suggestions greatly appreciated.

Thanks very much.

Comments

[sundaisy-summer.livejournal.com]

I just wanted to say that it is very possible to get an apartment like what you described not far from Davis, you just have to know where to look! I live on Highland Ave about a mile from the square. I am right next to the bus stop for the 88 and 90 that run at least 2-3 times an hour during the busier parts of the day. Porter is also a short walk. I live in a building that welcomes both cats and dogs (there may be a cap, but perhaps flexible.) We have laundry in our building. I live on the 2nd floor and feel very secure in my building. Our rent is only $1100, including heat and hot water. The apartment is kind of old looking and smallish (for two people, it'd be perfect for one), but everything works so I don't particularly care. I don't know of any openings, but just offering proof that what you want is in fact out there. I would think of any of the streets that run buslines to the square, like the Ball Square, Teele Square areas or up Somerville Ave (though with all the construction that might not that desirable) would offer slighly lower rents, still with the convenience of Davis nearby. Elm near Porter might be nice too, I believe at least the 87 runs up it. I imagine once September 1st passes, landlords might start to lower rents too since it's hard to rent after the Summer/School starting rush.

Good luck! It is possible to find what you want!