All moved in to my new apartment in Boston!

[smirkymonkey]

Some of you might remember me whining about how upset I was about having to leave my old place, the nightmare of looking for a new place in Boston and all the hassles that go along with moving. It was a nightmare of a month, but I am pretty much finally settled in.

I didn't think I would like the place at first because it's a little older and not very modern, but now that I am settling in and have my things in here, I am starting to love it. It is so cozy and homey. I have a balcony on the 3rd floor and I overlook a pretty garden w/ trees and flowers and it's very quiet. I am living on Beacon Hill on the flat of the hill, so it's a very lovely neighborhood with old fashioned street lamps and lots of trees and brick sidewalks. It's just very serene and peaceful.

There are a lot of dogs in the building and the people are really nice. I think I will be really happy here, but send me your good vibes as I ask for a raise to help afford it. I was kind of desperate as I had to be out in one month and needed something close to the Red Line since I don't drive so I took what came up. Just wanted to let you know that sometimes when you think life is sending you a raw deal, it's really a blessing in disguise!

[Ohiogal]

1. I am so happy

that a huge worry and headache turned out to have a happy ending for you! Your new place sounds just lovely.

I love older homes and buildings with warmth and character.

[smirkymonkey]

6. Thanks Ohiogal!

I just feel so much more at home! What a difference it has made in my mood. I have been so much more productive. I didn't even realized how down I was in my last place until I got out of there!

[JDC]

2. Good for you; and more upside, great restaurants in Beacon Hill

[smirkymonkey]

7. Thank you!

I know! I have a favorite little Thai place that is really good and pretty cheap! Will definitely be getting a lot of take-out from there.

[badhair77]

3. So happy things are going your way.

I remember when you were a bit panicked and I would have been also. A month is not much time to relocate. I’m glad you’re feeling at home. Good luck on your raise.

[smirkymonkey]

8. Yes, I was a complete mess at one point. I really didn't think I would get it

together by the time they wanted me out. I couldn't find anything acceptable. This came through at the very last minute.

[badhair77]

58. Amazing how things turn out sometimes.

I’m so happy you landed on your feet in such a great and comfortable neighborhood. Gives new meaning to the word “home,” doesn’t it. Enjoy.

[snacker]

4. The new place sounds wonderful!

Sending positive vibes your way. Good luck with the raise!

[smirkymonkey]

9. Thanks snacker!

I am going to ask this week. I haven't had a raise in a while, so I am hoping that my new manager will be better than the old one who was a cheapskate!

[Soph0571]

5. Good vibes my friend

Older is always better!!!!!

[smirkymonkey]

10. Thank you Soph!

Yes, it really is so much homier. I can't tell you what a difference it has made in my mood and peace of mind.

[Polly Hennessey]

11. It is nice to hear

that all is going well. Your new place sounds charming and peaceful. The bumps in the road will always be there to make sure nothing is taken for granted. Let us know how you are doing in your new digs. Cozy and homey make for a good start.

[smirkymonkey]

18. Thanks Polly!

The change in my mood has been remarkable. I am so much less stressed out here.

[madaboutharry]

12. I would take cozy and homey over modern.

I have always chosen cozy and homey. I think it is so much more calming to live in than some place modern.

Congratulations on being settled in. Sometimes things do work out for the better even if we don’t know it at the time.

[smirkymonkey]

19. You are right. Things always seem to work out for the best in the end.

Even though you sometimes go through hell getting there!

[spooky3]

13. So happy for you! Several years ago I had to move

To a pet friendly place. There were dogs all over the building but they were all nice and so were their pet parents!

Wishing you the best for your pay negotiation.

[smirkymonkey]

20. Today I ran into a tenant with two huge Bernese Mountain Dogs and they

were so adorable and friendly. One was so affectionate and a total "leaner". She did not want to let me go. Her owner had to pull her away. Seeing dogs just make my day. I am going to love this!

[MBS]

14. Congratulations

Sounds lovely. And so true about those blessings in disguise (though I've wished from time to time that some of those blessings haven't come so deeply disguised, I have eventually recognized them for what they really are ).

[smirkymonkey]

21. Thanks MBS!

We don't realize it when we are going through it, but when we come out on the other side, it's nice to look back at the struggle and realize that it was worth it!

[edbermac]

15. Beacon Hill? Pretty pricey.

Had an aunt that lived there many years ago. Building had a cage elevator that was probable built at the turn of the century. Nice area though. Hope you get your raise.

[smirkymonkey]

24. Honestly, it used to be, but it is now one of the more affordable neighborhoods in Boston because

it is not that trendy. The millennials don't want to live here because it is looked at as an "old person's neighborhood", so a lot of deals can be found here.

Also, many of the buildings are older and the young people don't want those either. However, I kind of like the quaintness of the neighborhood and I prefer to be in a less trendy place. I am getting to the age where I am tired of young, hip people, so this works for me.

[FailureToCommunicate]

16. My two sons lived on Revere Street on Beacon Hill for a while. They loved all

the great restaurants, the history, and the walkability to everything Boston, especially over the pedestrian bridge to the Charles River parks, or the other way towards the North End and Boston Harbor.

Say hi to former Sec of State John Kerry when you see him around Louisburg Square.

Enjoy!

P.S. Where were you living before this?

[smirkymonkey]

25. He's just up the street from me. I am on Pinckney Street on the flat of the hill and

Louisburg Square is just up the hill between Pinckney and Mt. Vernon Street. I am sure I will run into him at some point. People see him all the time. I saw him at a restaurant years ago.

Before this, I was living on the other side of Cambridge Street in the West End around Mass General. In one of the high rises in Charles River Park. It was very close, but for some reason felt isolated and depressing as I looked over the river, but also the Leverett connector and all the traffic. I didn't realize how unhappy I was there until I moved back over here.

Years ago I lived on Chestnut Street on Beacon Hill, except for then I could afford a really nice one bedroom. Since then I had move to San Fran and then NYC. When I moved back here I was shocked that I could barely afford a decent studio, even though my salary had more than tripled. The real estate market here is insane.

[MBS]

49. Yes, please say hi to Sec. Kerry for us.

Just saw a video of his D-Day interview with a CNBC reporter at Normandy. Thoughtful as always, a statesman who represents the best of our country. (Needless to say, utterly the opposite of You Know Who). Sigh.

[flyingfysh]

55. the real estate market in Somerville has also gone insane

Several years ago, some people would call the area "Slumerville", but no more. If my wife and I were inclined to sell our house (which we aren't), we would be able to get more than 6 times what we originally paid for it. In my area, it's only going to get worse, partly because a new T station is being built a few yards from my house. And I just found out that the local gas station/repair shop has been bought out by a relative of Vidal Sassoon (??!), and we have no idea what he plans for the property. It's too bad we are losing that repair shop. It was a great, reliable place to fix cars. A restaurant a very short walk from my house has been called one of the best restaurants in the country by reviewers. (I've been there; it is very good, but it is very expensive.)

There is a lot of construction going on behind my house for the T extension, sometimes all night. It will be finished in a couple of years, and then it will be really easy to get into Boston.

The house across the street was bought out, gutted and rebuilt as two expensive condos. Another nearby house was converted into 4 condos; it was built in 1714.

There is a basement apartment near my house which is somewhat famous. Several years ago, a local student rented it while he was going to school, and he did pretty well after he got out. You may have heard of him; His friends called him Barry. A couple more details: the school was Harvard Law School. And his last name was Obama.

[smirkymonkey]

61. I know! Somerville is hot now! Especially the Davis Square area.

I lived there when I first moved to Boston a long time ago and it was kind of sleepy. Just Tufts students, but now it's really popular. Some great bars and restaurants. That's really cool that you live near Obama's old apartment! I wonder who is living in it now?

[Submariner]

101. I lived in Somerville when you could drive into Davis, Teele and Ball Squares

and actually find a parking spot without too much effort.

My Grampa would often give me a quarter, so I spent my Saturday afternoons in the Davis Square theater watching a double feature of Godzilla vs Rodan and Dracula Kills Everyone for 10 cents. With the rest of my quarter I got a coke, popcorn, and Turkish Taffy for treats.

Enjoy the Hill.

[flyingfysh]

104. It's hard to get to Ball Square from the east these days

The bridge on Broadway that would take you into Ball Square has been taken down. They are rebuilding it as a longer span to allow room for more tracks underneath, to accommodate the Green Line extension as well as commuter rail. It will be back in a couple of years, but for now local businesses aren't very happy. At least they will get a T stop out of it.

[Submariner]

100. Only 6 times what (you) we originally paid for it? How about 31 times

I grew up in Somerville. A couple of years after I left for the Navy ('65), my parents sold our home for $29K to move to the burbs.. It is now assessed at $915K. My sister an I are still upset they sold that house.

[kiri]

71. Tre-mont is now only 1-mont

Originally there were 3 hills--hence Tre-Mont Street. Two 'monts' were torn down in mid 1800s and dumped into the Charles River, the Back Bay (using horses, shovels, Irishmen). Beacon Hill is the one remaining.

[smirkymonkey]

77. That's interesting! I wasn't aware of that, but I love learning about the history of historic

places. I know that the Back Bay is pretty much all fill and a lot of the river front over by Mass General Hospital is as well. I suppose they had to get it from somewhere.

[flyingfysh]

105. There is an essential book if you want to find out how the shape of Boston has changed

Get "Boston: A Topographical History" by Whitehill. It has all kinds of fascinating details about how the land has changed. For example, during the Siege of Boston, Washington set up cannons on Dorchester Heights overnight, and the next morning the British were surprised to find a new set of fortified positions with large cannons pointed at them. (Washington had sent an expedition to Fort Ticonderoga to grab the cannons from the newly-captured British fort). Now Dorchester Heights is gone completely, the dirt was all used for landfill elsewhere.
Also, the area called Back Bay really used to be a bay, It was underwater at high tide. It was filled in, partly because of sewage problems making the area smell so bad they had to do something.
On Beacon Hill, there is a monument where the original beacon used to be. (it was a pole on which an iron pot with a fire could be raised in case of danger). But the site of the beacon used to be 40 feet higher in the air; dirt was taken off the top of the hill for landfill.
You can find the book on Amazon. I just checked, and they have a new edition that I didn't know about. I read the book several years ago.

[smirkymonkey]

106. Thank you!

I will check it out.

[flyingfysh]

107. One of the original hills was called Mount Whoredom by the British

The others were Cotton Hill and Sentry Hill (now called Beacon Hill). The location of Mount Whoredom is approximately where Louisberg Square is located. Louisberg Square is the most exclusive and expensive area of Beacon Hill; John Kerry's house is there.

The Frog Pond on Boston Common used to be a natural pond, and probably benefited from the rainfall runoff when Beacon Hill was higher. At one time they used to hang Quakers by the Frog Pond. Now it is paved with concrete, and during hot weather the sprinklers are turned on for little kids to play in. And during winter, it has ice for free public skating.

[LisaL]

31. That looks really charming.

[kairos12]

17. Great vibes for you!

[smirkymonkey]

26. Thank you!

[dameatball]

22. Congratulations! Moving to a new place is always stressful. Sounds like a nice new start.

[smirkymonkey]

27. It has been enormously stressful.

When I was younger, I thought nothing of moving cross-country and back, but moving just takes it out of you. I really do feel like this is the nice new lease on life that I have needed. Thank you!

[MLAA]

23. Hurray!

So glad you found a wonderful new home!

[smirkymonkey]

28. Thanks MLAA!

I appreciate it!

[Sanity Claws]

29. What a pleasant surprise!

Good luck in your new abode.

[smirkymonkey]

35. Thanks Sanity Claws!

It was. I was expecting to be very disappointed, but it ended up to be a pleasant surprise!

[Laura PourMeADrink]

30. It is a great place too..so coincidental because I used to live on the top of beacon hill too

Is the Federalist bar still there? Think that was the name. Just remember them telling us they had some whiskey from the 1700s and it was $1500 a shot. Enjoy the summer! Oh and Kerry’s have a place close by too! Tell them I said Hi, lol

[smirkymonkey]

36. Really? Where did you live? I think the Federalist is over by the State House on the top

of the hill. Kerry lives in Louisburg Square which is one of the the most exclusive areas on the hill. I live just down the street from him on the flat of the hill. If I see him, I will tell him all of DU wishes him well!

[MBS]

50. Yes, please do! n/t

[Laura PourMeADrink]

59. 21 beacon condos top of hill. When you said flat, thought you meant top:). Ew just looked and

Federalist has closed. Boo..it was a great place to go and act like you owned something. . Been a long tome ago, like @2005ish. I loved it...my good friend still lives there in Southie. Are you from Boston? It actually wasn’t as blue as I thought it would be.

[smirkymonkey]

62. Wow, nice address! No, I am on the flat of the hill between Charles Street and the

river. I am actually in River House. I am not from Boston, I am originally from upstate NY, but I have now lived here for 15 non-consecutive years of my life so I kind of feel like an honorary Bostonian. I work in Southie, and that neighborhood has really changed! It's now one of the more expensive places to live in the city.

Boston is still pretty blue, we went for Hillary by 82% in 2016. We have a republican governor, but he's not really that republican when you compare him to the nut cases in Washington.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

65. Corporate deal on assignment...

Our first condo was even better, above Kitty O'Shea's near Faneuil Hall.

Think I met a lot of people who lived north of Boston at work. It's like all the Republicans moved toward NH!

Have you seen the Dem Rep city maps on 538? Greater Boston

https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/republicans-democrats-cities/

[smirkymonkey]

66. Yes, they are all either north or south.

Here is Boston...

[Karadeniz]

32. This sounds delightful! I think you'll be very happy! Maybe you can work in some dog walking?

[smirkymonkey]

37. I am thinking about it! I love dogs and the dogs in the building are adorable.

I may try to pull in some extra money by dog sitting on weekends. I have to work during the week, but could take care of them when people are away over weekends.

[applegrove]

33. Love Boston. Enjoy your new place and the view to that garden.

[smirkymonkey]

39. Thank you applegrove! It is so healing to look out on to green things, especially living

in a city. My last place looked out on to the river, but also on to highways and tons of traffic. I didn't realize how much it was bumming me out until I left.

[applegrove]

43. Oh man. My favourite restaurant in the world was Sam's American Cafe around the corner from the Ritz

Is it still there? It has been 30 years? My mom and I went back again and again on a trip there.

[smirkymonkey]

60. I don't think so. I don't know of it.

Are you sure it's not Joe's American Bar and Grill? That is still there.

[applegrove]

64. Pretty sure it was Sam's.

[yardwork]

34. It sounds heavenly. Good for you for asking for a raise, too!

[calimary]

38. Yep, sometimes that raw deal turns out to be fresh sushi!

Glad to hear that’s how it’s turning out for you, smirkymonkey!

[smirkymonkey]

40. Aboslutely! Thanks calimary!

This was one of those things that I thought was going to be horrible and it turned out to be the best thing I could have hoped for!

[gristy]

41. Yes, Beacon Hill is the place to be!

Congratulations!

[smirkymonkey]

69. Thanks! It's a very pretty area.

A lot of tourists on weekends though. However, I can't complain.

[rebe303]

42. T town

Welcome to my town. It's got alot of great things on offer; the very best hospitals, schools and historical interest of course. But the "T" is the oldest in the country and looks and sounds like it. You are lucky to be near red line though; it is the most efficient and reliable one.

[Niagara]

44. Home Is Where the Heart Is, Dearest SM

Now that all the stress of worrying about moving and finding a place is over, I hope that you get to enjoy your new digs and take delight in watching the birds and squirrels while on the balcony.


I'm glad to hear that it's cozy and homey, and don't forget, there are temporary things that you can do to your new place to make it prettier or more personal. Contact paper is a great way to cover unsightly items like backsplashes, countertops and cabinets doors. You can remove it if you ever have to move again. Let's hope you don't have to move again anytime soon.

What a relief for you. Sending happy home decorating and organizing vibes to you!

[smirkymonkey]

67. Thanks Niagara!

I appreciate it!

[appalachiablue]

45. Congratulations on the move, many happy times ahead

in the new place, sounds warm and inviting!

[smirkymonkey]

80. Thanks appalachiablue!

[Honeycombe8]

46. It sounds wonderful. Boston's expensive, isn't it? But then, your salary is probably high...

compared to many other areas in the country.

[mnhtnbb]

47. Congratulations on settling in

to the new place. Sounds like you really got lucky.

I am in a modern high rise overlooking a 4 acre park and the old (1914) brick city market area of downtown Raleigh. Walk to everything. I love it. Lots of dogs in my building, too. My Snowy loves getting petted in the elevator and seeing her doggie friends.

You should have a great little side business pet sitting on weekends!

So glad that stressful move is over for you and turning out to be a blessing in disguise. I will be sending good vibes for a positive response to the request for a raise!

[smirkymonkey]

68. Thank you! Sounds like you have a great place too!

It's great to be able to walk everywhere. I love being right in the middle of everything!

[democrank]

48. As the saying goes....

Bloom where you’re planted. Sending positive vibes.

[smirkymonkey]

81. Thanks! Very kind of you!

[Kurt V.]

51. I'm glad the stress has passed .yay! sorry you live boston.

[smirkymonkey]

83. Why are you sorry?

I take it you don't like it here very much. That's ok, not everyone does. Anyway, thanks for the nice comment!

[Kurt V.]

90. 2004 n 2013 world series. life long cardinals fan here.

we still have more ws wins tho.

[smirkymonkey]

97. Oh, I see! It's a rivalry thing! Now I get it!

Sorry, I am not a huge sports fan and I often forget how many people out there just hate us because of our teams! Best of luck to your beloved Cardinals!

[Kurt V.]

98. I'm not a sports fan. I'm a cardinals fan. i hear the st. louis blues are playing the boston bruins

for something.

[Hortensis]

52. How wonderful, and so glad to hear it. Still right in Boston!

I'm envious, btw. I would always have liked to live there.

[smirkymonkey]

82. Thanks Hortensis!

It's a nice, smaller city. I have lived in NYC and San Francisco, but now that I am a little older, I find that Boston suits me better. It's much calmer and it's easy to get out of the city if you want some peace and quiet.

[Turin_C3PO]

53. Cool!

I’m so jealous, I’d love to live in Boston but I don’t think I can afford any apartment in the city. Beacon Hill is a nice neighborhood though, I’m sure you’ll love it. Sending good vibes that you get that raise!!

[smirkymonkey]

84. Thanks Turin_C3PO!

It's a ridiculously expensive city. Most of my salary goes toward rent, which means I have very little left over to spend on anything else, but I don't have a car and I can manage to get by without a lot of extras. Thanks for the good vibes! I will need all the help I can get!

[Fla Dem]

54. Beacon Hill puts you right in the center of everything in Boston.

Love the BH area. Close to transportation, the Public Gardens and Boston Common. Then there’s Comm Ave and all the stores, shops, theaters in the Back Bay and Boylston Street. I think you hit the jackpot. I’m very happy for you.

[smirkymonkey]

85. Yes, it's a great location. Very central and two blocks from the Red Line which is only

4 stops to work, so it's really a quick commute, which is good because I am not a morning person at all. I can pretty much walk everywhere else I would like to go, so that is nice! Thank you!

[flyingfysh]

108. For something to do during hot weather, join Community Boating

They are located on the Charles River, and membership prices are very reasonable. If you don't know how to sail, they will teach you. Members volunteer to teach newcomers. It is a very short walk from where you live.

I used to participate in sailboat races on the river, and even won one (I judged the wind correctly). Sailboat racing is surprisingly hard, and is not at all as leisurely as it looks from the shore. The hi-rise buildings and the arches in the Longfellow Bridge do weird things to the wind.

[pbmus]

56. Enjoy your new digs smirkey...older is the new wave

[smirkymonkey]

86. Thanks pbmus!

By Beacon Hill standards, it's really not that old, it was one of the first modern luxury apartment buildings built on Beacon Hill back in the 50's, so by old, I mean that it's not one of those sleek new apartment complexes that have been popping up all over the city (which I can't afford). So, it's dated, but doesn't have the charm of some of the older buildings in the neighborhood, but it has a 24 hour concierge and a lot of amenities, so it's a trade-off.

[NBachers]

57. I am making a picture of the most positive outcome of all for you!

[smirkymonkey]

79. Thanks NBachers!

That is sweet of you!

[Phentex]

63. Sounds really nice!

especially the peaceful part. Best wishes on getting that raise!

[smirkymonkey]

87. Thank you! I will let you all know how it goes!

It's been a while, so hopefully they will give me something.

[lunatica]

70. There is no substitute to finding where you belong. Home.

Congratulations!

[smirkymonkey]

88. Thanks lunatica!

[Totally Tunsie]

72. Smirky, your new home sounds lovely...

Now that you're making it "yours", you'll probably be very pleased that you had to make the change. Hope you enjoy the new experiences and new friendships of your building.

Good luck with that raise also! Fingers are crossed for you that all good things are coming your way.

[smirkymonkey]

89. Thank you very much for all your well wishes Tunsie!

So far, I am loving the building as well. Everyone has been really nice and I love all the dogs!

[rocktivity]

73. To this day, I am still grateful to a landlord who gave us 90 days' notice

Last edited Tue Jun 18, 2019, 01:11 PM - Edit history (3)

Since I didn't have to rush -- and settle for the first thing that rolled along -- I, too, was able to find something quite suitable in a good part of town. Congrats!


rocktivity

[smirkymonkey]

91. So you know the drill! Unfortunately, by the time they sold my old place, I was a

tenant-at-will, which was why they could turn it around so quickly. I had a lease for the first year and then went month to month. I thought it might work out to my advantage as well, but now that I know what can happen I will be more careful next time. Thanks!

[panader0]

74. Congrats. It sound great.

I prefer living in the country, but if I were to live in the city, I would want
a place just like that.
Photos!

[smirkymonkey]

92. Thank you!

I would take a pic of the view off my balcony, but the sun is going down. I am still not entirely unpacked so my place is a little cluttered, but I'll get some pics off soon!

[SunSeeker]

75. How exciting! I've always wanted to visit Boston. Enjoy!

[smirkymonkey]

93. If you ever come visit, let me know!

We will have to meet up and maybe get some other local DU'ers together as well!

[SunSeeker]

94. That would be wonderful! Will do!

[a kennedy]

76. Shut up, Beacon Hill?? That was a TV show wasn't it??? I think I really liked it too.....

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beacon_Hill_(TV_series).

[smirkymonkey]

95. Yes, I never saw it. It was supposed to be America's answer to

"Upstairs, Downstairs", but apparently it never took off and was cancelled after a season. Too bad, it sounded kind of entertaining. Sort of like an American "Downton Abbey".

[DFW]

78. Beacon Hill on the red line in Boss Town!

Sounds great to me!

[smirkymonkey]

96. Yes, it's not too bad. Not too far from my old place in the West End, but for some reason

it feels like another world. I think I was a little down living over there.

[applegrove]

99. Photo of your garden?

[The Blue Flower]

102. Embracing change can lead you to something unexpectedly good

It's great this worked out so well for you. Looking forward to hearing good news about your raise

[smirkymonkey]

109. Thanks Blue Flower!

So am I!

[CentralMass]

103. I'm happy that you found a place. That is a nice neighborhood.

[smirkymonkey]

110. Thanks CentralMass!

Yes, it is very nice and peaceful. I am very sensitive to my surroundings, so it's important to me that I am surrounded by a lot of trees and close to the gardens and beautiful old buildings. I can't stand being surrounded by traffic and concrete.