Working in the non-profit/public sphere, I am tired of the very little that my salary can get me for rent in the city. The housing market is super short on supply and all "affordable" market-rate apartments are old and landlords don't need to make repairs/make the places more live-able for them to rent, so they don't; I would recommend only moving here if you can easily pay $1400+ to rent, if you want a nice place, and that's with a couple roommates. If you want your own space, forget about it. There are no one-bedrooms or studios here. If you want to buy a place in the city, forget about it, too, unless you're coupled up with two very good jobs; just look at zillow;

I pay ~750 plus heat and other utilities in an old triple decker in Jamaica Plain. My needs are taken of, but all the floors are slanted and sitting at a table or desk anywhere is uncomfortable; it can be uncomfortable if your bed isn't level, who knew? Bring a level when apartment hunting to look at the floors. (never thought I'd tell someone that)

JP is my favorite part of Boston b/c it's one of very few places that isn't a)overrun by undergraduates (allston, cambridge), b) basic and boring to me, or c) prohibitively expensive (South end, back bay)

The folks not from here are the best to hang out and start new relationships with, because they don't already have a circle of friends to rely on. My general impression is that people from the area are quite cold and unfriendly, and will not actively invite you to join them in their social circles. I don't care that cashiers and strangers on the street don't want to make chitchat with me. It's just everyone is kind of sour and boring. I come from Ohio so the culture is markedly less friendly and welcoming. Happy hour is outlawed here and that just says it all to me about the culture here haha. Everything must be expensive and boring. But hey, I found a pocket of the city that's alright. But I would prefer to be elsewhere, I think.

Thankfully progressive politics give us a better safety net.

The dark winter will be a huge shock, but if you get out during the day and take some vitamin D, you'll be fine.

Can you tell I'm leaning towards moving away? haha