• Quick Search

  • Recent Blog Posts:

  • Blog Categories:

  • Blog Archives:

  • Login



  • i
  • Warren Rentals on Twitter

Archive for the ‘Cambridge’ Category

Check out all the fun and excitement near your Boston apartment at the House of Blues!Once becoming a resident of Boston, one of the most interesting places to spend time is the House of Blues Boston. Here you will find a music culture so deeply rooted in America, it spans centuries. Listen to Rhythm and Blues while you swing to the down home Rock and Roll. Stop in and listen to Martin Sexton, Brit Floyd or Mutemath. The line up of shows for spring activities will offer plenty of evening activity after a busy day.

Politics and boating are hot topics in this college town. Boston has its conglomerates but it is filled with quaint establishments ringing of history and culture. The House of Blues Boston is an intricate part of this community and its history. People meet and chat while musical notes float on the air of food and conversation. The House of Blues Boston welcomes visitors and residents, new and old to this city that plays host to education and culture.

Brighton Apartments are placed in a convenient setting. Close to shops and local places to eat. These apartments are within steps of the busy after hour spots including the House of Blues Boston. Starting out in the city of Cambridge, the House of Blues Boston is the place for meeting friends. Sit and listen to the mix of jazz, rock, and blues. Talk about the day’s activities and make plans for the future.

Not far away you will find Boston University Apartments and Fenway Apartments; favorites with students attending college in the area. Northeastern University Apartments offer many variations on apartment living, very convenient with great opportunities for social activities. Apartment Allston are lovely rentals with many additives; apartments with fireplaces, wood flooring and great locations. This quaint town with redbrick streets that whisper the first Congress is meeting is a wonderful place to live and study. Brighton Apartments are located in a great area granting easy access to transportation and college facilities.

Featured community - Cambridge MA apartmentsCambridge, Massachusetts takes its name from England’s renowned University of Cambridge. It is fitting, considering this Cambridge is home to its own respected schools of learning, Harvard University and neighboring Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

The area has a youthful vibe and there is a passion for the great outdoors. Bike pathways along the Charles River take in views of the busy harbor and historic Boston on the far shore. The Dr. Paul Dudley White Bike Path overlooks Harvard Stadium and some of the nearby Boston university apartments.

Students often find Boston college housing and then commute to Cambridge. A good percentage of Cambridge residents walk to work or school. The Weeks Bridge is pedestrian only and spans the Charles River, connecting Boston with Cambridge at the foot of Dewolfe Street.

Cultural endeavors abound in Cambridge and throughout the Boston area. Museums include the Fogg Art Museum and the Peabody Museum of Archaeology, both on the Harvard campus. Collections of public art, such as the large bi-plane-like rotating sculpture called “Gift of the Wind” are a common site on campus and throughout city streets. Some Boston college apartments and Cambridge-side residences have these artistic treasures within steps of the front door.

Catch a football game at Nickerson Field, home to the Boston University Boston Terriers or watch the Boston Red Sox play at Fenway Park. Both of these sports venues are an easy ride or drive from Cambridge. Some of the Fenway apartments are a draw for students and the young at heart.

On the Cambridge side of the Charles River, Allston apartments offer living space near trendy restaurants with names like Basta Pasta and Alive & Kicking Lobsters. The main Harvard campus is just a few blocks north and MIT is to the south, fronting the Charles River.

Cambridge has several “squares” rather than one downtown core. One of the busiest is Harvard Square, not only because of the university but because it holds the largest shopping area in Cambridge and is a major Red Line transfer point. Inman Square in Mid-Cambridge is party central, home to restaurants, pubs, nightclubs and boutiques. The area has a Victorian flair, dressed up with period street lights and strategically placed park benches. Inman Square even features an old fashioned ice cream parlor.

The holidays are coming and its that time of year when we all need to make our lists and check them twice. Holiday shopping can be a nightmare, especially for the novice shopper who doesn’t understand the difference between Black Friday and Blue Moon. But there are relatives and friends who deserve to be recognized with a token gift, and the Harvard Square Holiday Craft Fairs may be just the answer to your holiday shopping needs.

The annual fair is housed in the First Parish Unitarian Church located at the corner of Church Street and Massachusetts Avenue, better known to the locals as Mass Ave. The location is especially convenient for apartment dwellers housed in Allston apartments, Boston University housing, Fenway apartments, Boston College housing, Brighton apartments and Northeastern University apartments. With several shopping dates and plenty of craft vendors, the Harvard Square Holiday Craft Fairs could become your one-stop shopping extravaganza this year.

Vendors selling unique wares include native New England crafters and world traveling importers. These original and affordable gifts are displayed within the confines of the church building and in the outside courtyard area. Though the dates of the fairs vary each year, it will typically be open to the public a dozen or so days during the month of December. This means affordability, convenience and just plain fun all under one roof and sky.

The shopping experience is unique in a host of ways. It is typical Harvard Square style with music blaring, energy bouncing and people bumping into friends old and new. The gift items are anything but run of the mill. In many cases, the crafter or artist is the exhibitor, so shoppers can put a face with a talent. This also opens the opportunity for asking questions and possibly negotiating special orders for a special someone on your holiday gift list. Unique one-of-a-kind items are the norm as opposed to the exception. This experience is nothing like a day at the mall – this is live energy, good karma and rare finds. So put aside any stereotypical visions you might have about performing the holiday shopping chore. This is a walk in the park – literally.

Last year, the Harvard Square Craft Fairs celebrated 25 years of this gathering of crafters. From handmade jewelry to hand-thrown pottery to carved wood, you simply cannot walk away without finding a few must-have items. Those who appreciate true craftsmanship will be mesmerized by the array of colors, textures and art mediums from which to choose. And somehow, the atmosphere also tends to bring out a little bit of the artist in every one of its visitors. Be prepared to walk away with not only purchased gift items, but a renewed sense of creativity.

This year’s annual fair dates are as follows:

Saturday and Sunday, December 3rd and 4th

Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 9th, 10th and 11th

December 16th through the 18th

December 20th through the 24th

On Saturdays, the fair is open from 10 am to 7 pm, and on Sundays the hours are from 12 noon to 6 pm. Weekday hours are from 11:30 am to 7 pm.

A sampling of this year’s offerings include beaded, glass and vintage jewelry, stoneware pottery, fleece for adults and children, cards, prints, calendars, novelty t-shirts, photography, bath and body products, candles, pewter, glass, wovens, chocolates, jams, woolens and honey. The variety and number of items means you can cross off every person on your receiving list including family, friends, professors, your manicurist and the little old lady who keeps your cat when you go out of town.

Don’t miss the Harvard Square Holiday Craft Fairs. It is an event to be remembered and revisited often. Happy holidays!

The city of Boston boasts an exciting and lively music scene.Boston is a vibrant city that takes pride in its multifaceted music scene. There are a lot of neighborhoods in Boston that are conveniently close to college campuses, as well as lively music clubs. When looking for apartments in the Boston area, it is great to know that there are so many music clubs with fantastic live bands to check out when you are ready for some excitement. The music scene caters to all musical tastes, so the Boston clubs have something for everyone. Although there are a ton of great clubs in Boston, here are 5 of the hottest live music clubs, along with additional info on apartments that are near them.

O’Brien’s Pub- O’Brien’s Pub is located in the countercultural neighborhood of Allston. Near many Allston Ma apartments, O’Brien’s Pub serves as a platform for new and established artists. The venue features live bands that cover all genres and styles of music for all to appreciate. The club is conveniently located near many restaurants, antique stores and music gear shops, making the neighborhood of Allston a great moving destination with lots to offer. The O’Brien Pub is located at 3 Harvard Avenue, Allston MA 02134-Phone 617- 782-6245
Great Scott- Great Scott is a music club that hosts live music, as well as DJ events. They are also located in Allston, which is good to know when looking for Allston apartments. The venue is open to all creative artists and musicians that want to perform live. Great Scott was mostly known for showcasing Ska and cover bands, but has since transitioned over to a more Indie and underground crowd. This venue gives back to the community by holding various fundraisers and benefits, such as the yearly Thanksgiving dinner for the homeless.Great Scott is located at 1222 Commonwealth Avenue, Allston MA 02134-Phone 617-566-9014
The Cantab Lounge-Whether you’re looking for apartments in Cambridge or Harvard University apartments, this venue is conveniently located right in the neighborhood.The Cantab Lounge features an entertaining open mic night for aspiring singer-songwriters who want to showcase their talent. Other nights host Poetry Slams, Classic Soul night, bluegrass jam sessions and accomplished fiddlers, which makes this venue a very eclectic and unique live music club. The Cantab Lounge is located at 738 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge MA 02139-Phone 617-354-2685.
T.T. the Bear’s Place-This venue has live music from local and national artist seven nights a week that range from rock to hip-hop. The small 270-capacity club has three stages, a restaurant, and an array of wonderful pool tables, for all around entertainment and enjoyment. Well known for its 80’s nights, the DJ spins a nice selection of old-school Indie Pop and New Wave music. This is a great music club to keep in mind if you are looking for Boston University housing, because it is also located right across the river from the school.T.T the Bear’s Place is located at 10 Brookline Street, Central Square, Cambridge MA 02139-Phone 617-492-0082
Club Passim-Another live music club that is located near a variety of Boston University apartments, is Club Passim. Considered mostly as a jazz and folk club, this venue has seen the likes of Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan. The club also is behind the Passim School of Music, which teaches musician and songwriting classes to over 500 students a year. Club Passim is located at 47 Palmer Street, Cambridge MA 02138-Phone 617-492-5300

Patriot wide receiver on the look out for Boston roommate

If you have an apartment in Boston and in need of a solid, reliable roommate, then look no further…  Patriot’s newly acquired wide-receiver, Chad Ochocinco, is looking for a new home.

“I’m going to do something different,” Ochocinco said to the press during a Q & A session after practice. “I’m actually going to stay with a fan, probably the first two or three weeks of the season.  So that should be fun until I get myself acclimated, learn my way around, and actually just find a place.”

Ochocinco’s roommate requirements are very simple – have internet access and an Xbox.  You also may want to know the layout of the city.  Ocho is new in town and just recently got lost leaving Fenway/Kenmore after the Sox and Yankees on Saturday.  So you’re going to want to show him around.

If you’re kind of crazy… it’s okay, Ocho told the press, “I rode a bull. I’m crazy. Same thing.”

So with all that said, if you’re a Patriots fan who is kind of crazy, and have internet access and an xBox, then you might want to get in touch with Chad Ochocinco.  It could be a roommate match in heaven.

But if you don’t have an apartment in Boston, then maybe it’s time to start looking.  Now, we can’t promise that you will find an awesome roommate like Ochocinco, but we are glad to help you in your apartment search.  We have agents knowledgeable in all Boston neighborhoods, from the Back Bay to Allston and Brighton.  So don’t waste another minute, contact us today!

Stay Cool and Save Money!

This summer has been an especially hot one, and it’s only expected to get worse.  If you are lucky enough to have an air conditioner, you have probably been coping with the heat, but you have also probably noticed a hefty spike in your utility bill.  There are many ways to reduce and even eliminate your need for AC without living uncomfortably.

Fans and Ceiling Fans

A Ceiling fan left can reduce the temperature of a room by 6-7 degrees.  Also, if left on for 12 hours a day everyday, a ceiling fan will only add about $10 to your monthly bill.  Even if you still want to use your AC, you can at least turn the thermostat up 7 degrees and save a lot more than $10 a month.  Portable fans are also a great idea and can be aimed right at you for maximum cooling, but ceiling fans are the most efficient way to cool an entire room.  Note: During the summer, ceiling fans should be set to push air downward.

Boston Heat WaveShades, Drapes, or Blinds

Using shades, drapes, or blinds reflects light away from your condo or apartment that would otherwise help heat the interior.  The only cost of these items is purchase and installation, the upkeep is free! You might be very surprised just how much cooler a room or even your whole house can be with the blinds drawn even halfway.

Reduce Internal Heating

A lot of heat in your condo or apartment may be coming from inside rather than outside.  Electronics, especially computer and AV equipment, can heat up a room very quickly.  Activities like cooking and using appliances also can heat up a room significantly.  Try and minimize your use of appliances and electronics during the hottest hours of the day.

Strategic Plants/Shading

If your air conditioning unit is in direct sunlight or a hot place, it has to work much harder to cool air.  Do everything you can to keep your air conditioning unit cool, and you may notice a drop in your utilities bill.  For a standalone outdoor air conditioner, try placing plants nearby to shade it without blocking its airflow.  For a window-mounted AC unit, try installing a small awning above the window.

Can’t get cool enough?  Maybe you need a new condo or apartment.  Contact Warren Rentals today!

Boston has seen a lot of changes over the past 100 years. The majority of the land that the city sits on has been drained, dammed, filled, and flattened over the years. Similarly, the borders of the various Boston neighborhoods have seen adjustments throughout the city’s history.

Blurry BordersBoston Neighborhood Map

As in any other city, Boston residents tend to identify with the neighborhood that they call “home.” However, these neighborhood borders are a bit blurred and can vary significantly depending on who you talk to. If you talk to a resident of Allston they may be adamant about the fact that they actually live in Brighton… There isn’t a concrete line separating the two areas.  City officials remain on the fence regarding certain neighborhood borders and have been hesitant to draw distinct lines because of the threat of objections from city residents. Even Mayor Thomas Menino admits that the neighborhoods of Boston are “a hogmosh of undefined lines.”

Attempt at Definition

However, in 2003 a company known as Big Stick Maps, which has charted urban boundaries in cities throughout the country, finally completed an illustrated map of Boston. After two years of research for the project the company created a map which identifies over 100 neighborhoods throughout Boston.

Then this past spring, Boston Redevelopment Authority made a fresh attempt at clearly dividing the city into neighborhoods. Thanks to advances in digital technology, the agency resolved to create a map to correspond with the latest census data. The published map focused on 25 of the major sections of the city. While the “red boundaries were approximate, based on zoning and ZIP codes, and designed for ‘visualization purposes only,’” the agency still heard an outcry from local residents and publications.

Finding the Right Neighborhood For You

While the neighborhoods of Boston may not be clearly defined they are stubbornly defended by residents. Each area has its own distinct culture and atmosphere. Depending on your lifestyle you, too, may be defending one of these various neighborhoods. Whether it’s Back Bay, Fenway or Cambridge contact a Warren Rentals agent today to help find the perfect Boston neighborhood for you!

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.

It’s that time of year again – school’s out for summer! As the days continue to get warmer you may be looking for a way to keep your kids cool on those hot, sticky days. If you’re lucky enough to live in an apartment building with a pool you’re all set. But what’s a good solution for everyone else trying to keep their children occupied and refreshed during the summer months? Here are a few public swimming and wading pools in and around Boston that you might want to check out!

Frog Pond PoolArtesani Park

This recreational area in Brighton is perfect for families. With fountains and a large wading pool featuring different water toys, kids will be able to cool off while still enjoying themselves. Safety is never a concern since the wading pool is always monitored by a lifeguard.  Additionally, there’s a great playground for toddlers as well as older children and an ice cream truck which drives by frequently throughout the summer.

McCrehan

If you have older kids and are looking for a pool with a little more “depth,” McCrehan Memorial Pool in Cambridge may be the answer. Spray decks have zero water depth and may spray continuously or on deMirabella Pool North Endmand. With lifeguard’s on duty at all times you can relax and maybe take a dip yourself.

Frog Pond

Head out onto the Boston Common and make an event of going to the Frog Pond to dip your toes in the refreshing wading pool. During the summer children can often be seen running and squealing underneath the 70 foot water fountain. After you’re done playing in the water take the kids across the way to Tadpole’s Playground to enjoy the swings and slides.

Mirabella Pool

If you’re willing to pay a small fee for pool access it might be worth it to go to Mirabella Pool in the North End. While there is a fenced-in wading pool with a sprinkler outside that can be accessed for free, to get in to the Olympic-sized pool area you need to pay. A season’s pass is $15 and a day pass is only $3.

So whether you’re living in Allston, Fenway, or Beacon Hill there are plenty of public pools where you can cool off on those hot summer days. To help you find the perfect Boston apartment close to one of these refreshing spots contact a Warren Rentals real estate agent today!

Explore Boston like never before. Shown is a Schooner from the Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships sailing the harbor.

School is out and Summer time is here.  With the sun shining and the heat rising, now is a better time than any to get out of your college apartment in Boston and explore all that Boston has to offer.  And what better way to do that than by water?

Now, it’s a little known fact that Boston has a famous harbor and it also has a great river flowing alongside it as well, so the city isn’t short on water activities by any means.  If you’re the kind of person who loves to live next to the water, but still want that urban sophistication, then Boston is your town.  Whether you’re looking for a Brighton apartment, Allston apartment, Fenway apartment, Back Bay apartment or anywhere within the city, a waterfront is not far away.

If you’re in the mood for a cruise along the Boston waterways, there are plenty of cruise companies around that offer boating tours.  You can take a 60-minute sightseeing trip along the Charles River and 75-minute tour of the Boston Harbor and Charles River Locks with the Charles Riverboat Company.

If you want a more sailing experience, maybe the Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships might be the way to go with their 125-foot schooner, the Liberty Clipper, for a two-hour journey the  explores the Boston Harbor and its islands.

The Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships typically set sail three times a day with departure times at noon, 3 and 6 p.m., from the Long Wharf located in the North End. They also offer unique experiences like Friday night steak and lobster sails, Sunday brunches, and sometimes offer wine tasting sails.

Another fun and entertaining way to experience Boston are the duck-boat tours.  If you’ve lived here long enough, you’re probably more than well-aware of these duck-quacking-tourist transporters.  They’re amphibious vehicles from the World War II-era that have been restored, each with a unique personality and tour, seeing everything from the Public Gardens to splashing waves in the Charles.  So if you’re student new to the area or plan on finding an apartment in Boston soon, this might be a great activity for you and/or your family when they come to visit.

Let’s say for a moment, you and your friends want to get out of your Boston College apartments and take a daycation, but would like to do it on the cheap.  Try taking a $14 ferry ride out to the Boston Harbor Islands.  They may not be a palm tree paradise, but there is a lot of beauty to be found in the Boston Harbor Islands.  It’ll give you a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of urban living and enjoy the great outdoors like exploring historic sites, observing wildlife, hiking, kayaking, fishing, swimming, and much more.  All of which are just within reach when traveling aboard ferry service that finds port at the Long Wharf-North Pier in Boston.

If fairing the seas are not your thing, you just can’t seem to ever get your sea legs, you could always enjoy scenic views of the Boston waterways by taking a stroll on the HarborWalk.

The HarborWalk is a public walkway along the waterfront, with parks, public art, seating areas, cafes, exhibit areas, interpretive signage, water transportation facilities, and a whole assortment of other amenities along its path.   It is certainly a great way to exercise and experience beautiful scenery when enjoying the day outside of your Boston apartment.

Now that you’re ready for the high seas, go set sail and see all there is to see from the sea.  You’re going to love it.

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

Copyright © 2010 Warren Rentals. All rights reserved.