Looking for a neighborhood

[voodoocheese.livejournal.com]

Hi everyone--

This isn't a post about looking for an apartment, I just wanted some suggestions on neighborhoods.
I'm a Florida native who is planning a move to Boston at the beginning of November. I came to Boston last October, and I fell in love with Davis square- and immediately decided that's the area I wanted to live in. However, in my obsessive searching for apartments, I've noticed that there are far more availabilities in the Allston/Brighton area. I did pass through there on my visit, but I only got off the T in a couple of spots- so I didn't really explore.
So, the real question I am posing- to you that live in and love Davis square; is there any other area that is comparable to Davis-- but still near a T stop?
On a completely other note, can anyone tell me if Cambridge School of Culinary Arts is as cool as it seems to be online?
Thank you so much!

Comments

[closetalker11.livejournal.com]

Coming form a place with no public transit, I was thrilled when I had ANY options here, be they bus or train.

However, having been here for a while now, I have found that relying on the bus to have you be on time is rough. I love my many different bus options when I can come and go at anytime, but when I need the bus to get me somewhere at a specific time, I often find it to be a struggle. This is someitmes due to an inconvenient schedule, and more often due to the bus just being off-schedule.

Having said that, many of the neighborhoods that ron_newman and cemeterygates listed are basically in the Greater Davis area, and are totally walkable. I personally think this includes Powderhouse, Teele Square, North Cambridge, Clarendon Hill, and Ball Square (though Ball is more of a 15-20 minute hike).

[voodoocheese.livejournal.com]

I live in FL now, so I don't use any public transportation! I have a car that I intend to bring to Boston, but I'm terrified of driving in the snow-- and besides; why drive if I can take the T, right? I've heard horror stories about driving in Boston...

[ron_newman]

If you move to Davis, you may want to leave the car behind, or promptly sell it. Parking here is very crowded.

[closetalker11.livejournal.com]

If you live near transit and don't think you'll need to go out of town all the time, I would HIGHLY recommend selling the car. Driving and parking here are both nightmares.

I got rid of my car when I came here in '99 from Louisiana, and don't regret for a second. The only times I miss it are when I need to make a big Target trip, or go to some random place in Connecticut. However, there are easy solutions for both of these things (friends, Zipcar, cabs, busses, etc).

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

Actually, Ball Square is just 10 minutes. I make it from my house to the T in that much time (I'm on the cusp of Powderhouse, but still technically Ball).