HOUSING FOR STUDENTS IN BOSTONWritten by dan the roommate man
Students are finding it even more difficult to find an affordable apartment near campus in Boston area. A high demand for rental property hurts students because landlords prefer to rent to professionals first.A contributing factor to tight market is sale of condominiums as a primary residence rather than a rental unit. During early 90's many condominiums were converted into rentals because owner could not sell it. Today with a recovering economy and low crime rate in Boston, families are returning to city. Since end of rent control, typical rent for most Boston renters has increased to 38% of earned income from 30%. Back Bay and Beacon Hill rents are now averaging close to $2,000 a month up from $1,550 in 1995.
| | LIVING IN THE BIG CITY-WHAT TO EXPECTWritten by dan the roommate man
The nation’s apartment builders have put out a report which shows a burst of multifamily building in central cities over past decade.City construction has increased faster than that of suburban growth. Building permits for metropolitan areas are up from 17% to 21%. In 1999 apartment construction in these areas was up 55% from 1992 levels. The lifestyle of city is attracting childless couples, singles as well as households comprised of roommates. These groups prefer to rent rather than buy. These close-in locations eliminate or reduce commuter headaches. Most renters prefer to be close to mass transportation. Some are even willing to shed their cars for conveniences of city. Many renters seeks amenities of today’s new apartment construction - DSL lines, a business center in building, top of line alarm systems, gas fireplaces, gourmet kitchens, and fitness centers with state of art equipment. Many more features than most individual houses offer.
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