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Archive for the ‘South End Boston apartments’ Category

Take a tour at Boston's Harpoon BreweryAnyone who has attended Boston University or the nearby Newton Campus of Boston College will agree that he got much of his education after class. Both campuses are located close to one of the most sophisticated cities in America.  An area that teams with fascinating things to see and do. Those who live in Suffolk University apartments or Berklee  apartments are fortunate to be near Chinatown, the Theatre District and, of course, just a short cab ride to the famous Harpoon Brewery.

The Harpoon Brewery is within blocks of several South Boston apartments which provide great UMass housing opportunities for students. When you get some time away from the books, take a ride down to this famous brewery. They love visitors and will happily give you a tour of the place.

The brewery is only open for tours on the weekend and visitors are encouraged to get their tickets early, because the tours sell out fast. That’s right, this place is so popular that you have to buy a ticket to get in. Saturday tours begin at 10:30 a.m., and a group is allowed in to start their tour every half hour until 5 p.m. However, the tickets are often sold out by 2 p.m. On Sundays, tours launch every half hour from 11:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. While you are waiting for your turn, you can visit the nearby Institute of Contemporary Art or lounge at a neighborhood pub or restaurant.

Tickets for the tour are $5.00, and the cost is well worth it. Your guide will take you through the brewery and explain each step in the beer-making process. No brewing or bottling is actually taking place on the weekend, but that gives you a chance to get close to the equipment. The best part is at the end where, if you are over 21, you are given a free souvenir glass and invited to indulge in some of the frothy stuff you just learned about.

Tasters are given samples of Harpoon’s two premium brands: UFO and Harpoon. Harpoon does not have an open bar; the tasting is part of the tour. It is narrated so that you will acquire a better understanding of what you are drinking. You will learn to appreciate the flavor of fine beer and to tell the difference in quality.

The tasting room is spacious and can accommodate up to 80 people at a time. It features a Brewhouse platform overlooking the brewery. For those who wish to see the factory in operation, Harpoon encourages visitors to come to their weekday tastings held Monday through Fridays at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. These events are free and include complimentary samples of Harpoon and UFO beers. These samplings are also narrated, and include a history of Harpoon and an explanation of the brewing process. Free beer is, of course, very popular with the local college crowd, so come early.

Whether you are taking the tour, or attending a tasting, Harpoon encourages anyone who can to come by public transit since parking spaces in the area are limited. This is convenient for those who are fortunate enough to live in the vicinity. If you want to be a part of the downtown culture of this vibrant, exciting city, browse through available  Boston neighborhood apartments through Warren Rentals and contact one of our expert real estate agents today!

Boston college students are always looking for ways to save money. Apartment living can be affordable if you share expenses with roommates. But living in Boston means putting up with Boston winters, and utilities can skyrocket during the cold months. Having a plan to beat high utility costs ahead of time can save you more money than you think.

Students looking for Boston college housing can take advantage of online tools to find affordable subleases and roommates interested in sharing rent and living expenses. When looking for an apartment, think ahead about the space and how it’s set up against extreme winter weather. Old windows with cracks in the caulking let in drafts and keep you cranking up the thermostat to stay warm. Apartments with too many windows, even though they may be newer, pose the same problem. Look for spaces that have plenty of light, without too much glass. Also consider the location of windows. North facing windows get all the cold, while southern windows warm your space with the afternoon sun.

If you’ve already found great Boston University housing, take time to tighten things up before winter. Set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature and keep it there. Raising and lowering the temperature can cost money you don’t have. Layering clothing and adding extra blankets to your bed will help you spend much less than cranking up the thermostat. If you have a programmable thermostat, use the program to lower the temperature at night and while you’re away, and to warm the apartment in the morning and right before you plan to be home. Using less heat when you’re not home can add up to big savings.

Get on a budget plan if your local utility offers one. Paying the same amount every month is much easier on your budget than coming up with a big heating bill right after the holidays. This is a great idea if you plan on staying in Brighton apartments or Fenway apartments during the summer months when classes aren’t in session. If your utility company doesn’t offer a budget plan that meets your needs, put yourself on a plan by figuring out how much your bill is for the year and dividing by twelve. Set that amount aside each month so you’re prepared when the winter bills come in. Another way to avoid utility bill surprises is to find Boston college apartments with heat and water included in the rent. The rent may be a little higher, but the savings add up quickly when you’re not budgeting separately for these two areas.

Once you’ve got your utility budget set, look for ways to maximize your heat and electrical use. Use decorative draft protectors under doors to block cold air. Install shrink-wrap plastic over all windows. Shrink-wrap kits are simple to use and available at local home supply stores. Replace old light bulbs with fluorescent alternatives for long winter nights, and add an electric blanket to your bed if you like it warmer while you sleep. Do your studying in public places or at the library whenever possible to take advantage of lowering your thermostat while you’re away.

Talk to your roommates about ways to save money on utilities during the winter months in Boston, and be sure you all agree on how best to keep warm without spending too much money. With a few tweaks to your environment and a good budget plan, surviving Boston winters can be more affordable than you think.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re heading to Boston for the holidays or if you call it your home, there’s a variety of activities that cater to the young adult crowd to make your four- or five-day Thanksgiving break an enjoyable one.

Boston Nightlife

Nightlife
The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is the biggest bar night of the year. All of your friends are back home and you’re all ready to meet up, knock a few cold ones back and reminisce about your respective schools, jobs, families and lives. And if you’re living in Boston University Apartments or other Boston college apartments in the area, you’re within walking distance from a number of college bars that cater to the younger crowds. Such establishments include Great Scott, Our House West, The Kells, T Anthony’s and the Paradise Rock Club and Lounge. There’s also things to do if you’re living further away from the city in the west-side neighborhoods of Allston and/or Brighton, such as the Deep Ellum and Draft Bar and Grille.

Boston sports activities

Sports
Living in Boston College or Boston University apartments? Then you’re close to one of Boston’s professional sports franchises, several of which are hitting full stride around Thanksgiving. If hockey is your thing, be sure to catch the 2010-11 Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins. The Bruins host the Detroit Red Wings and Winnipeg Jets on back-to-back nights starting November 25 at the TD Garden. The defending champs are more than enough excitement to help you get over the Red Sox’s September collapse!

Boston duck boat tours

Take a Tour
Just because you live in Boston doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy all that it has to offer. Don’t take your city for granted, leave your apartment and head downtown to take a “duck boat” tour. The tours show you the sights and sounds of the city, both by land and by sea. Or tie one on with a tour of the Sam Adam’s brewery, which depart every 45 minutes from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. most weekdays. Boston is a place that literally just has an aura of history. You might even choose to make your own tour. Take a walk down to the Boston Harbor where the Boston Tea Party took place or past Fenway Park, the oldest ballpark in the MLB.

Boston Common. Enjoying the outdoors of the city.

Enjoy the Outdoors
Just 0.2 miles from the city center is the Boston Commons. What Central Park is to New York City is what the Boston Commons is to Boston. The 50-acre park is the among the oldest in the country and serves as the starting point for a system of connected parks that wind throughout the city’s neighborhoods. If you’re looking to get out of your apartment and wind down, head to “the Common” It’s perfect for walking, jogging, people-watching or just taking in the city that surrounds you. You shouldn’t be thinking about that term paper on your Thanksgiving break, but if you’re looking for some writing inspiration, the Common might be able to help. Martin Luther King Jr. and Pope John Paul III have given speeches at the famed park.

Culture and shopping on Boston's famous Newbury Street.

Take in the Culture
Head over to Newbury Street and browse 15 art galleries that line either side of the road. While you’re there, be sure to stop into Newbury Fine Arts, where you’ll see paintings by Ronnie Wood, the famed Rolling Stones guitarist/artist. It’s a great way to kill some time in between your other stops throughout the city. Plus, as an added benefit, it’s free to browse the galleries. What’s more is it’s just a short commute from downtown apartments and also manageable from west-side Allston and Brighton rentals
.

If you have an apartment in an urban area like Boston, space can be a hot commodity.  It is often difficult to furnish an apartment tastefully without crowding the available space.  Here are some tricks to boost the feeling of spaciousness in your apartment:

Armless Furniture

Armrests on couches or chairs divide space and close their piece of furniture off from the rest of the room.  Armless furniture is more open to the rest of the room.  The feeling that the furniture can be accessed from all sides makes the entire area seem more accessible as well.

Lose the Armrests and Save Space with Shallow ShelvesShallow Shelves

Rather than mounting standard shelves on your walls that are approximately a foot deep, mount shelves that are just a few inches deep.  They still serve most basic practical purposes, and they do not cut into the room as much.  Try setting pictures on them that lean against the wall as a clever way to decorate your space.

Multipurpose Ottomans

It is very easy to find fashionable ottomans that double as storage and/or a coffee table.  This is a simple way to eliminate another small piece of furniture only needed for storage, such as an end-table.  Even if you do not have furniture that a storage-ready ottoman can replace, it can be an easy way to cover up clutter that complicates the room.

Mirrors

A well-placed mirror can create the illusion of increased space.  In a way, mirrors make it seem that there is a whole other room that can be looked into.  A mirror placed between two bookcases create a subconscious feeling of an added window.

Lighting

Make sure that the room is evenly and sufficiently lit.  Ample lighting opens up a space.  If your apartment suffers from a lack of light, you could replace current bulbs with higher wattage ones.  Adding lights is often helpful.  If you are not allowed to install or change built-in overhead lighting in your apartment, look for space-efficient floor or surface lamps.

Still not enough space?

Maybe you just need a new place!  Contact Warren Rentals for information about apartment listings in the Boston area.

Conveniently located right in Darmouth Square, this beautifully updated one bedroom condo is a great example of our South End apartments for rent.  It has recently undergone a fantastic renovation.  The newly updated kitchen features stainless steel appliances, a dishwasher, garbage disposal, and a built-in microwave.  There is also central heat and air conditioning.  The building has a concierge, athletic facilities, laundry facilities, as well as high-speed internet.

With easy access to both the MBTA bus and trolley lines, as well as its proximity to Boston Medical Center, this South End apartment is a perfect choice if you’re looking for a January 1st, 2011 apartment.

To learn about this listing, view the listing or contact a Warren Real estate agent to schedule a viewing.

Find the neighborhood that's right for you

When choosing an apartment in Boston, it is paramount to consider how you plan on getting around.  Most often, your Boston apartment won’t have an included parking spot, and off street parking can get expensive.  Boston’s transportation system covers almost everywhere you could possible want to go, whether it is by trolley, bus, or commuter rail. Prices of apartments can vary based simply on their distance to public transportation.  While Boston is pretty well equipped to get you where you need to go, a big plus to living in the city is its “walkability”.  According to WalkScore.com (a website that ranks cities and neighborhoods based on how easy it is to forgo a car), Boston is the #3 most walk-able city in the country.  It then broke down the city into individual neighborhoods and ranked them on the same scale.

Back Bay and Beacon Hill came in first.  With a Walk Score of 97, the neighborhoods contain only 4% of Boston’s residential population but most of the tourism and many of the commercial landmarks. While this area can be pricey, there are plenty of college apartments filled with Suffolk University and Emerson College students.

The South End is tied for first place, also obtaining a 97 on the Walk Score Scale. The South End is much more affordable than the luxury condos of Back Bay and is filled with flourishing restaurants and workplaces.  Because of the proximity, there are some Northeastern University apartments in the South End.

The Fenway-Kenmore area came in third place with a score of 96.  This neighborhood is a walker’s paradise.  If you have a Fenway apartment, you are in luck.  With every amenity you can think of at your fingertips and rents that are much less expensive than Back Bay or South End apartments, Kenmore/Fenway is the perfect balance of affordability and “walkability.” This combination might be why this area is one of the most popular areas for student apartments in Boston.  (It also probably helps that Northeastern, Boston University and all of the Fenway Coalition colleges are right around the corner!)

Central Boston (Including Chinatown, Government Center, the North End, and Faneuil Hall) ranked fourth with a Walk Score of 95.  This area is a center of industry, politics, and tourism, so it’s no wonder that it ranks high on the list.  It may not be a center of college apartments, but Central Boston is definitely a great walking neighborhood.

The fifth ranking walk-able neighborhood is Allston-Brighton.  With a score of 86, it isn’t quite as walk-able as the first four, but it still is a very accessible area. Allston apartments and Brighton apartments are usually filled with college students and a younger crowd, so the amenities are overflowing.  With restaurants, bars, and boutiques scattered around the center (Allston Village) and radiating out, the area is always bustling.

According to CityWalk.com, the following criteria make a neighborhood walk-able:

  • A center: Walkable neighborhoods have a center, whether it’s a main street or a public space.
  • People: Enough people for businesses to flourish and for public transit to run frequently.
  • Mixed income, mixed use: Affordable housing located near businesses.
  • Parks and public space: Plenty of public places to gather and play.
  • Pedestrian design: Buildings are close to the street, parking lots are relegated to the back.
  • Schools and workplaces: Close enough that most residents can walk from their homes.
  • Complete streets: Streets designed for bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit.

If you’re interested in finding the perfect Boston apartment in a “walkable” neighborhood to meet your commuting needs, don’t hesitate to contact a Warren Agent!

The South End is one of Boston’s greatest gems.  Located just south of the Back Bay, this vibrant community is characterized by mid-nineteenth century red brick apartments and plenty of sprawling residential parks.  Truly a great place to live for those searching for  those looking for Northeastern University apartments.

This property (Listing ID: 50213) is a beautiful 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment which features an updated kitchen with modern fixtures and appliances. For $3200 a month (heat and hot water included), you can have this gorgeous South End apartment with high ceilings and hardwood floors.  It also has a common roof deck with breathtaking views of Boston.  This apartment is conveniently located close to the Orange and Green lines and within walking distance to Northeastern University and Symphony Hall.

See additional photos and read more about this South End apartment, or contact us today to schedule a viewing of this listing.

While we here at Warren Rentals offer both rentals and sales, this article by Jim Wang provided for a very thought-provoking stand on renting vs. buying. Many are advising, in this economic climate, to purchase a home: that interest rates have never been lower, and you should act now. However good advice this may be, there are also great advantages to continue to rent. Whether you are a student seeking Boston College housing, or a recent graduate eyeing that Fenway apartment, the following are some advantages to renting that you should keep in mind when searching for your next home (or apartment!).

The Flexibility of Renting
While renting,  you can potentially pick up and move almost whenever you want to, with very little consequence: probably in the form of an early termination fee. But when you own, selling a home can often take a great deal more time and effort. Much of your flexibility is lost when you “put down your roots” – for example, if you want to look for a new job, chances are that you are forced to look in the geographic area around your home. So if you ever get a job offer in a new location, you must go through the lengthy process of selling your home before you can really commit to this opportunity. Whereas if you rent, you can just terminate your lease, rent a moving van, and go!

Personal Repairmen
Owning a home,  things will break, and you will have to fix them. When something breaks and can’t be fixed, you have to generate the cash to buy a new whatever. Fridges cost thousands, a washer and dryer is easily another thousand, and a new dishwasher comes in a close couple-hundred:  and that’s just the cheap stuff. While a tenant, landlord (hopefully!) will remedy all of your situations, fixing broken things, and replacing parts or entire appliances.

Cheap Rental Insurance
Homeowners insurance is expensive, and renter’s insurance is much cheaper. An individual can get renter’s insurance for $7 per month while homeowners insurance can be set at $55 per month – which gives a difference of $576 each year.

Read the rest of this article here.

And be sure to check out our great selection of rentals in Boston!

South End Loft!

The South End is one of Boston’s most vibrant communities. Home to elegant Victorian brick row houses, many dating from the 1800s, and one of the most diverse populations in Boston, the South End blends many of the best elements of the city. Some of the city’s finest dining can be found lining Tremont Street and the arts shine at the Calderwood Pavilion and the Boston Center for the Arts.
This tree-lined neighborhood is a great scene for recent college grads or young professionals!

South End Loft

Today’s featured listing (pictured above) is an edgy, one bed loft and is in a great location in the South End. It’s available on May 15th, 2010, so get a jump on this property! Rent is set at $1750 for this spacious apartment, which has newly renovated bathroom and kitchen. It has a city view, as well as a quiet view of the complex’s courtyard. The kitchen has a dishwasher, and there is a washer and dryer in the unit.

Contact us today to speak with an agent, or click here to read more on this great property listing!

Warren Rentals | 138 Newbury St., 4th Floor | Boston MA 02116 | Tel: 800-279-4728, Fax: 617-247-1020 | Email: contact@warrenrentals.com

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