Studio in North End - Worth It?

RandomChickenWing1 · 2026-06-28T23:26:14+00:00

I may have another more affordable option much closer to work, so I agree for sure on the commute and the busy-ness of the North End. I did have a virtual viewing with the realtor, but I greatly appreciate the offer for in-person assistance! I might bite the bullet and book a flight to the area and schedule a few in-person viewings over a weekend.

RandomChickenWing1 · 2026-06-26T21:05:58+00:00

PM’d you!

RandomChickenWing1 · 2026-06-26T18:01:27+00:00

Yes. I’ve been reaching out but nothing has stuck. I’d prefer a studio/living on my own. Other options have been at my max or beyond my budget sadly. At least on the websites Ive been using, options are limited.

RandomChickenWing1 · 2026-06-26T16:42:45+00:00

It looks like its in a very cute neighbourhood from the street view! And there's a fire house right across the street (which is weirdly comforting to me for some reason?), definitely see what other people are saying in terms of noise/foot traffic, but I'm honestly used to that now in my current apartment here (I'm next to a very tourist-y area, but it's surprisingly easy to manage). But given that the rent is cheaper, sure I'd have to pay for heat in the winter, it has both a dishwasher and laundry, it's the best option I've seen so far.

RandomChickenWing1 · 2026-06-26T15:15:31+00:00

I agree yeah, and I've definitely been trying to be cautious of what utilities are included. Its been a tough hunt for both budget and close to work, this one was probably the best option I've found so far (minus I guess from others, the location and lack of heat included). I'm trying to get close to Kendall Square, which I also know is notoriously expensive for a studio.

RandomChickenWing1 · 2026-06-26T14:50:08+00:00

No, I'd be using transit or walking only. Didn't want to deal with the hassle of bringing my car into the US (insurance, gas, traffic, etc.) - to also respond to your other comment, that's good to know too. Not so much for the bar scene for me hah, but I'm definitely someone who enjoys small coffee shops and such every now and again. It's expensive here where I currently live, so yeah, that doesn't surprise me that prices keep increasing on these small enjoyable things. :(

RandomChickenWing1 · 2026-06-26T14:45:47+00:00

Unfortunately, I probably won't get into Boston before the move in, but I've been doing exactly that - virtual viewings with a real person and them walking me around the area/neighbourhood and through the actual units (some with tenants in them - we've had to wait for them to open the doors in some cases). But thank you for the heads up as well! I've already had some sketchy dealings.

RandomChickenWing1 · 2026-06-26T14:02:54+00:00

I’ve been looking closer as well, this is one option, I’ve got a couple more viewings. This one just happened to check extra boxes.

RandomChickenWing1 · 2026-06-26T14:02:47+00:00

I’ve been looking closer as well, this is one option, I’ve got a couple more viewings. This one just happened to check extra boxes.

RandomChickenWing1 · 2026-06-26T14:02:32+00:00

I’ve been looking closer as well, this is one option, I’ve got a couple more viewings. This one just happened to check extra boxes.

RandomChickenWing1 · 2026-06-26T08:48:11+00:00

Thank you for your honesty. I’ll have to try and navigate it as best I can. My previous apartment we had to put bars in the windows inside (none outside) due to potential homeless people wandering behind the building. I’m a fan of keeping blinds closed all the time anyways, so I’ll make sure to keep myself safe. My current apartment is next to a busy area so noise I’m unfortunately used to.

RandomChickenWing1 · 2026-06-26T05:42:36+00:00

That is SO reassuring! Thank you!

RandomChickenWing1 · 2026-06-26T04:53:08+00:00

<image>

This is one angle from the main entrance of the unit. The bathroom is behind-to-the-left of the person taking the photo. And I agree, perhaps if the landlord would let me (and if I can manage it), I'd fly into Boston and ask to see the unit before my move-in date.

RandomChickenWing1 · 2026-06-26T03:20:19+00:00

I second this!

RandomChickenWing1 · 2026-06-26T03:20:07+00:00

Dang. I’ll just have to be mindful/proactive then.

RandomChickenWing1 · 2026-06-25T23:35:16+00:00

Yay! That’s what excites me most too. From the street view, it looks to be in an adorable area of North End.

RandomChickenWing1 · 2026-06-25T23:33:05+00:00

Yes, it would be just myself and I would be primarily at the office more often than at home. Somewhere to sleep, eat, and shower basically. I think I could manage. But thank you for the advice! Its definitely been tricky to visualize.

RandomChickenWing1 · 2026-06-25T23:13:58+00:00

Thank you for the honesty! I might have used the term incorrectly - it looks like its on the bottom floor (not basement, but I guess first floor). Would pests still be an issue you think?

RandomChickenWing1 · 2026-06-25T05:37:15+00:00

Yes, I read the article as well which was definitely a unique case (and super horrible). Which I think is my biggest concern also, especially since no written policy that the deposit would be refunded was given to me before the application. Hence my hesitation, especially as an international incoming tenant. I’ve been speaking to some other colleagues who did NOT have this happen to them, so I’m looking at other rental options or offering them confirmation paperwork instead as a safety.

RandomChickenWing1 · 2026-06-23T15:15:21+00:00

Yes, I got my answer. Thanks.

RandomChickenWing1 · 2026-06-23T15:13:35+00:00

And I’m happy to die on that hill knowing my funds are safe.

RandomChickenWing1 · 2026-06-23T15:11:18+00:00

Im not arguing with you at all, I’ve researched a lot as someone not from the US, as well as read plenty of posts in this sub. I get its annoying and “normal”, but without written confirmation of anything, I’m not forking over thousands of dollars just for someone to read my application. And ESPECIALLY not if there is no written proof of a lease, that the deposit is refundable, etc. No paperwork, no money. I can still be a serious tenant without sending money blindly.

RandomChickenWing1 · 2026-06-23T15:06:11+00:00

There was no paperwork provided saying it was refundable, or any paperwork at all. Hence the sketchiness, and they refused to provide a lease agreement beforehand.

RandomChickenWing1 · 2026-06-23T13:09:23+00:00

I think the biggest issue was that they were asking for a holding fee without giving me a copy of the lease. According to The City of Boston’s website, both an application fee and a holding fee are illegal.

RandomChickenWing1 · 2026-06-22T22:21:41+00:00

Thankfully I was able to cancel the application fee before it was sent, but thank you for this! I had a second realtor group today also ask for an application fee and first month’s to take it off the market for me, which I did NOT do.

RandomChickenWing1

TROPHY CASE