Looking for housing

[gilana]

My landlord is putting my house up for sale October 1. Crap crap crapitty crap crap. I've been here for 7 years now. I hate moving.  And I really loved this house.

Crap.

So. Looking for a new place. Here are my parameters, in case anyone knows of anything:

• I'd love to live alone, but I doubt I can afford it. But I don't want more than 1 other roommate, preferably female, and one who won't expect me to be social.
• Must be within 10 minutes walk of the Davis or Porter T. (I can't leave the area or I wouldn't be able to do Theatre@First!)
• Big bedroom.  Really big bedroom.  I have a *lot* of stuff I fit in there, and I spend most of my time in my bedroom.
• Lots of kitchen storage space. I keep kosher, I have two of everything.
• Dishwasher would be really really nice -- it would be hard to go back to not having one, but not impossible.
• Right now, I'm paying $800/month, heat included.  I can't really go much above that right now.  In this economy, of course, cheaper would be better.

So if you know of a place, or have pointers of where to look, I'd appreciate it.

If anyone is willing to help me go through my piles of crap and get rid of some of it, that would be exceedingly helpful.  And I will very much welcome packing help when that time comes.  I'm hoping to hire movers and spare all of you that bit at least, but we'll see.

Comments

[kalliejenn2.livejournal.com]

"If anyone is willing to help me go through my piles of crap and get rid of some of it."

....yeah, that'd be me ;)

sorry to hear this, though, that really sucks! i'll keep my eye out for good apartment opportunities for you, though.

[sapphira-altair.livejournal.com]

Seconded, on all fronts. If anyone is used to (and good at!) weeding, packing, and moving... it's me. :)

[ceo]

Do you have a lease? If so, the new owner is required to honor it.

[gilana]

It ended Sept 1, and we went to tenant at will. He still has to give us the official 30-day notice, but yeah, no lease.

[palmwiz.livejournal.com]

or you could just buy this...

[aimelyn.livejournal.com]

Gilly--so sorry to hear about your house being sold. I'm not a fan of moving either!I'll keep my eyes peeled for any potential apartments.

On a different note--in response to your "psst"--I am a married lady now with a house to boot! :) Mike (the new husband) and I got married on August 1 in Boothbay Harbor (Maine), and we recently moved to a house in Nahant (a little island just off the coast, near Revere, MA). If you get bored, here's a link to our online picture album! http://aimeeandmike09.shutterfly.com/

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

I'm sure I can help with sorting and packing. I'm so sorry to hear this, and I totally understand the need to live within walking distance to T@F and this neighborhood (I remember the frustration of well-meaning friends saying "But it's a great deal and it's right nearby in Shrewsbury!")

I just poked on Craigslist, and I'll think you'll find something soon. There are do-able options out there. Also, there are used portable dishwashers out there if the place you pick doesn't have one.

Aw crud!

[hahathor.livejournal.com]

Sorry to hear about this. I'll keep my ears and eyes peeled.

I think rental prices are softening a bit, but you may have some challenges given the parameters you've listed. You may want to think about if you HAVE to give up one or more of them, which would be least painful:

• Can you trim down your personal belongings so that you can be in a smaller bedroom?
• Can you deal with taking the T to get to T@F, or would bicycling be a possibility? (I realize this makes Friday night shows more difficult, unless you can get can find someone nearby willing to put you up - I certainly would be).
• Would you be able to live with more roommates?
• Would you be able to keep some or all of your kitchenware in your room if there's limited kitchen space?
• Are you willing to walk 30 minutes, or maybe more, to the T and to Unity?

Hopefully you won't have to make any of these concessions - but it's probably a good idea to think about which ones would be deal breakers and which would be livable before you're in major crunch mode.

[palmwiz.livejournal.com]

Oh, that doesn't give the address, does it. 9 Nashua St #2, which a touch over a mile from Porter, Davis, or Unity.

[greenlily.livejournal.com]

Oh no. How upsetting. I'll keep my ears open. Let me know when you're planning an organizing/packing session; I might not be able to fit it in around my PMRP commitments, but I'll do my best.

[eclecticavatar.livejournal.com]

Thirded. I love trimming the chaff! :)

[eclecticavatar.livejournal.com]

I've always had great luck with Craig's list, personally. October 1st is a good time to look. All the students are already back, so you're not competing with them for the crappy slums out there. You'll be able to get something great!

[palmwiz.livejournal.com]

Yeah, the Globe recently ran an article (quoting Irene Bremis and perennial arts supporter Thalia Tringo) about the much higher than usual inventory of rental units post-September 1.

(ETA link)

[mercurysparkle.livejournal.com]

Also, try bostonapartments.com. I ran a quick search under somerville and cambridge and there were several large studios that popped up at 950 near davis (cambridge and/or somerville side). i know it's a bit over - but negotiation will probably get it down to 900 esp since it's after sept 1.


i'm also around if you want help with boxing/stuff sorting.

*hugs*

[muffyjo]

I'm happy to help with the moving bits, I can pack things well, loads of experience and come with recommendations. Seems like you have lots of help paring things down which has never been my forte anyway. :) I'll also keep an eye and ear open for apartments.

[chanaleh.livejournal.com]

Ooh. :-} Interesting.

[http://users.livejournal.com/urban_faerie_/]

I don't have any advice all I want to say is that i'm really sorry this is happening to you and i will keep my eyes open for any leads!

Sounds like you have lots of help

[sweetmmeblue.livejournal.com]

but if you need more let me know. I'll also keep my eyes open. And have an icon...

[metahacker.livejournal.com]

From a coworker; slightly above your price range, who knows re: negotiation.

"Posting for a friend. She really needs to find a roommate and is awfully sweet, pass along of you know anyone looking! Contact her directly at rjbard78@gmail.com or let me know if you have any questions.

Room for Rent - $900

Looking for a roommate for a beautiful, spacious, bright, newly renovated, owner-occupied 2 BR condo in Somerville. The condo is the top floor of a three family house. It is about an 8 minute walk to both Davis and Porter Squares (Red Line). It is directly on a bus line. The available bedroom is 15'-5" X 12'-5" has exposed ceiling beams, a very large closet and a view. There is a comfortable sized living room and a huge bathroom and kitchen. There is a washer/dryer in the unit and central air.

I am a 31 year old female professional and am looking for a considerate, clean and independent roommate. I have a 1 year old male cat that is well-behaved, mildly curious and fun. Pets will be considered. No smoking please. Rent is $900 plus utilities (gas/electric/cable & internet) and will be available tenant at will Oct 1 (date negotiable)."

[gilana]

Thanks, might look into that, although I'm somewhat allergic to most cats. But I appreciate the forward!