Apartment Blog

ForRent.com is at it again. In the hopes of providing you with the ‘insiders scoop’ of another highly visited metropolitan area, we have decided to interview one of our own who was born and raised in the downtown Boston area. I picked her brain about the local scene to provide some useful tips for those of you planning a visit or relocating there soon.

Q. When is the best time to visit Boston?

A. Boston has all seasons so depending on what season you prefer, Boston has something to offer. The winter is cold with snow, but trees are lit in the Common, Garden and Faneuil Hall. In contrast, the summer can get hot but you can go sailing on the Charles River. And the Fall foliage in New England is pretty self explanatory.

Q. Where do you go if you want to eat cheap?

A. Try Faneuil Hall marketplace; there is a strip with about any type of food you could think of. There are even small diners around town that are worth it; the South Street Diner is open all hours as well as a slightly more posh diner on Charles street; “The Paramount”. Both of these are some of my favorite spots to dine in Boston and won’t be a large strain to the wallet. If you like Italian food, the north end has tons of great pizza/pasta joints…but be mindful that some get more expensive but are completely worth it.

Q. Where is there to go shopping?

A. I happen to love Newbury Street for shopping although it does tend to have your more high end designer shops as well as small intimate cafés and restaurants. The Copley and Prudential Malls are not far off, offering more to the general consumer.

Q. Where is the ‘hip’ place to live?

A. For college students and young professionals on a tighter budget, probably Cambridge/Allston-Brighton, and Somerville areas. If you are able to afford more expensive living arrangements, Back Bay and Beacon Hill are known for their Boston charm.

Q. Where is the best ’singles’ locations/clubs/bar/etc?

A. Again, since young professionals and college students all seem to swarm to Cambridge and Somerville, those bars offer a lot of opportunity to meet other singles. Personally some of my favorite bars/clubs etc, are Gypsy Bar, The Liquor Store, 33 Bar and Restaurant, Jose Macintyre’s, Coogans, and The Middle East. If you want to possibly run into some Boston sports players, Daisy Buchanan’s is known for that.

Q. What are some really cool attractions that would be considered ‘must see’ if visiting Boston?

A. Fenway Park; Old Ironsides; THE CAPE; Harvard Square; Freedom Trail; Sam Adams Brewery; Boston Tea Party

Q. And lastly, what is something weird or quirky about the city!?!

A. Truly considered “Americas College Town” with more than 100 colleges and universities.

The Big Dig (a project to eliminate traffic in Boston bringing major highways under the city itself) is one of the largest construction projects in the world, yes WORLD (as well as one of the most expensive).

Boston has quite a few firsts; including America’s first public school, The Boston Latin School (1635) (where I happened to attend), and first college, Harvard College (1636). Boston is also home to the first subway system in the United States, the T.

Special Thanks to:

Name: Jessica Lambert
Age: 24
Hometown: Downtown Boston

In one of the forums I participate in, I came across a question regarding renters insurance and whether it’s worth the extra cost. There were many answers supporting each side of the question. Some commented that it wasn’t worth the extra expense because, really, how often do you get burglarized, flooded or have your apartment catch on fire. Others noted that the benefits of having it outweighed the expense-even if you don’t ever have to use it. So let me interject some of my opinions….

I personally feel safer having renters insurance. The peace of mind alone is worth the annual cost of $140. With that being said, I’m about 80% sure I’m never going to need it. However, hearing the stories on the news about fires that have engulfed an entire apartment building reassures me that I made the right choice. Whether I actually use it or not, I know that I am covered and that gives me peace of mind. Also, as one forum participant commented “it’s not just the insurance on your stuff, but also covering you for liability”. This is important! If someone gets injured in your home, having renters insurance will protect you!

So what is your opinion? I’ve stated mine and clearly I am advocating that everyone should have renters insurance. So if you happen to be in the market for renters insurance, check out our website!

Anyone from Virginia can tell you that ‘Virginia is for LOVERS’ has been our tag line for many years. It’s on at least 80% of the tourist merchandise sold at Virginia Beach’s oceanfront!

Hand in hand, Virginia and Valentine’s Day truly is for LOVERS! This great state offers romantic settings and picturesque landscape for your special day. From the boardwalk at Virginia Beach’s oceanfront, to the nightlife in downtown Norfolk; from the spectacular scenery of the Appalachian Trail to the beautiful and historic inns of Williamsburg, Virginia has everything to offer you and your special someone during Valentine’s Day and all year long!

So what does the LOVERS state have in store this Valentine’s Day? There are Wine Country Tours of Virginia’s majestic Wineries taking place from February 9^th-17^th. At Breaux Vineyards there is a Chocolate and Cabernet weekend on February 9^th-10^th, bringing two enticing elements for Valentine’s Day-chocolate and wine! The Cooper’s Landing Inn Romantic Valentine Dinner, the James River Plantation Valentine’s Candlelight Dinner & Tour as well as the Land Rover America’s Polo Cup Valentine’s Gala which all take place on February 14^th.

Virginia has magnificent attractions for all LOVERS! So this Valentine’s Day celebrate it right, with the state that accommodates you and your special someone! Go to Virginia!

Source: Virginia.org