As the title says, I need help. I am moving to Boston sometime next summer or fall and I have lived in Texas my entire life. Having never dealt with serious snow (yes, we do get snow in North Texas, which is where I have lived most of my life) I have practically zero knowledge of what type of snow tires to buy or how to drive in snow. So I thought that I would ask for your help and ask for advice on anything and everything. I have plenty of time before the big move, but I thought that it would be better for me to ask now while buying snow tires, preparing for winter, etc. is still fresh on your minds. Here are some of my more pressing questions:

What tires should I buy and how much should I budget for? (Keep in mind that I have a justa with the 15" non-RFs)
Is there a driving school that you recommend for learning how to drive in snow? Coming from Texas, driving long distances doesn't bother me so feel free to list driving schools in other parts of New England.
Are there any parts of Boston that you would recommend that I avoid like the plague when looking for an apartment or are there certain areas that you highly recommend? I will be working downtown in the John Hancock building.
Car insurance companies: do you have an agent that has been extremely helpful or an insurance company, in particular, that you have had good experiences with?
When I, eventually, have problems with my '09, is there a dealership or independent repair shop that you recommend?
Any recommendations of places to get cheap, but semi-well-made furniture? I'm hoping to move with only my books, clothes, and car.
Final question: What should I have in my emergency kit?

If you've read this all the way through, then Thank You for reading my questions. I am open to any advice you have.

Thanks!

 

I've lived in Boston a couple of times and can tell you that snow tires can be helpful. I've only ever had all-seasons, but I grew up driving in snowy winters, be it NY or Boston, so I have had lots of snow practice.
I can't recommend a particular brand/model but I think you're doing the right thing by getting snows.
I think all you need to know about driving in the snow is to slow it down and leave a much longer distance between you and the car in front. Easy on the brake and easy on the gas.
New England can be tricky because it isn't just the snowfall in inches, it seems to stick around longer because of the colder temps.
As far as Insurance, I can't help...but furniture, you could try Jordan's furniture.
Areas to Avoid in Boston like the plague are apts on Columbus Ave and Tremont Ave...AKA "The Combat Zone". I lived on Tremont and got my A$$ pounded in a robbery. So did my roommate and so did two of my best buds.
Close to Copley Square is nice, but it's a huge college area so that may or may not be your cup of tea, but the proximity might be ideal.

 

Well, I am a Texan that was living in Mass for a few years (now in MD). A few things I can help you with. First, the Blizzacks are good tires but to be honest, I used my Grid 09s all year. Many of the MMC members use the Blizzacks. Just go slow and you will get to where you want to be.

I'll defer to others for the apartment as I lived on the Cape. I do know folks that live in Lowell and like it. It will be a different style of living than what you are used to up there so adjust your expectations. I grew up in Frisco and there was a bit of a culture shock moving there.

Amica is a great company but many of the others are now underwriting in Mass now that they laws changed. I had Progressive at a decent rate.

For anything MINI, Greasy's Garage is the place to go. Pete is top notch and will take great care of you. He is located in Worcester so it isn't to bad if you are living up that way. GrayRaven (mod here) also lives up there and will probably chime in with some advice.

On the kit it really depends. We kept just items to keep us warm and only put together something really big if we were traveling during the winter months. Most of the time there was only a blanket in the car.

Lastly, check out www.massmotoringclub.com Great group of folks that can help with everything you asked.

 

I've lived in the Boston area my entire life. Winter weather runs the gamut from deep snow, to ice, to slush, to 60* sunny days.... I'm currently running new Blizzak WS70s on 15" Imolas for the winter. You should be just fine w. dedicated snow tires; the MINI enjoys winter weather if properly shod.

There are a number of MINI dealerships in the area -- Herb Chambers in Boston; Inskip down in Warwick, RI; MINI of Peabody on the North Shore; and the new MINI of Bedford up in NH.

I take my '05 MCS to Greasy's Garage down in Worcester; definitely the place to go once you're out of warranty even if it's a bit of a drive.

I've been happy w. Commerce Insurance for years, but you might want to shop around. I believe Progressive and Geico are not currently an option in Mass.

Boston is an expensive place to live, but there are good options depending on your budget. (Remember, public transit is your friend!)

Need to run off right now, but shoot me a PM/e-mail and I'll be happy to try to answer some of your other questions....

 

Progressive is but you have to start the policy on-line. Geico was just starting right as I was leaving. I know that Mass changed the laws allowing them to finally compete but I don't know if they really got in the door. Either way, some of the smaller local ones might provide better service.

 

Greasysgarage for most stuff, snd mini of peabody for warrenty work....the mini dealer in boston, herbchambers has a spotty/poor mataince reputation.
Boston has changed lots...gentrification has cleaned up the combat zone...but like any city, some area are iffy, but great town. With monthly parking fees, you may find the subway/commuter rail much more economical......boston and the burbs allseasons (aggressive ones not uhp) are fine...if you venture to thr ski slopes or are impatant in wating for plows, snow tires can be a good deal...get cheap rims...or a used set on mmc from a person moving.....

 

Car insurance is HEAVILY regulated in mass....and can get kinda $$$.
Living here in nh, 40 miles away, i pay about 60% less than if i lived just 5 miles south in taxicussits...er mass.
And i don't have to pay state sales tax or state income tax....LIVE FREE OR DIE, NH.

 

While I was in Boston for my interview I wandered around the Copley Square area and noticed how convenient the train/subway was to where I will be working so I am definitely leaning towards public transit as my commute. I loathe sitting in traffic. I'm pretty sure that my Continentals are summer tires, but I'll have to double check my receipt, so winter tires will be a necessity for me.

Thanks for all of the advice! I'll definitely check out the Mass Mini when I get closer to my start date. If you think of anything else, I would appreciate hearing whatever advice you have.

 

Not directly related to MINI matters. Be sure to get a GPS navigator to keep from getting hopelessly lost on Boston streets. I lived in the area for about 8 years before the invention of GPS and could still easily get confused in lots of places.

Definitely don't drive if you can take public transit.

 

The "T" is a great deal, especially considering the cost of parking and sheer volume of traffic....and potholes that have been known to swallow a mini whole....

 

Never had that problem on the Cape! :p

Then again, the bridges were a royal pain.

 

Get winter tires, just leave them on all year if you cant afford two sets (summer and winter). You won't get great gas milage but the winter performance is worth it. Best solution is a set of "cheap" wheels and winter tires and your OEM (or better looking) wheels and summer tires. I run Contis in summer and am picking up the winter equivalent for winter this year. It is a pain moving and having two sets of tires but the payoff is worth it if you like to go on rives in the winter or summer.

Insurance wise, my parents are in the insurance biz and helped me shop around when I first got my MINI. With a clean record (knock on wood) Safety Insurance (actually based in Boston) was the best deal for me. But I first had Progressive and it wasnt a horrible experience. Just shop around and see what come up to be what you can afford. It is a balance of what is cheap and covers your butt when needed (hopefully not at all). Try to find one with no deductible on glass as the winter really pitts your windshield and often glass gets chipped. Not having to pay for replacement is a huge plus.

Dont worry about driving schools really as you will just have to be careful before you get used to heavy snow driving up here. Wait for a heavy snow, find a empty parking lot, slowly drive around and see what your limits are and how your car reacts. For the most part the city does a good job of clearing roads quickly and unless you are going farther north or driving during a storm you shouldn't have to worry about it much. Slow and steady and just be aware of others is the biggest snow driving advice I can give you.

Avoid any dealerships if you are out of warranty as the price will likely be much higher. Greasys seems to be the go-to in that case but I can't complain about MINI of Peabody as they have always treated me right.

Ikea is your friend when it comes to cheap and decently well built furniture. You might need a u-haul or friend with a truck for some of the bigger things but a few trips will get you everything you need. The closest Ikea is a highway drive basically about 30 mins from Boston.

As for apartments, stay out of Boston proper as you will pay a premium for parking your car without the hassle of finding parking every night. Check out the Brookline, East Boston, Newton areas. They are a bit more expensive but allow for easy T access to downtown on T lines that wont make you hate your life (stay away from B Green line T at all costs) and parking will be much easier and included in the apartment in some cases. The neighborhood are very different around Boston so it really depends n what you are looking for. Bars, students, shows, music, nightlife all vary depending on where you are so look around and see what appeals to you. Yelp and WalkScore will help narrow down locations.

Feel free to ask anything else. Lived in MA entire life and been in Boston for last 5 years.

 

Remember, "cheap" is a realitive term....
with boston being one of the most expensive places to live in the country, your budget will control much of your choices....heck many folks that want the urban feel are even living out in worchester, and taking the train to boston....(heck 75% of my negibours commute from nh to ma for various reasons...including politics...remember, boston is a great city, but mass is the california of the east...so as a texan...it might be an adventure.

 

boston sucks

 

Spoken like a true NY'er...

 

Must be a yankee fan....
funny how a newyorker has nothing good to say, and just butts in...lol..
Says alot about newyorkers!!

 

Tires: Blizzak WS70s are good but plan on getting a second set if possible if not get the all season tires from Continental.

Driving Course: Don't need it.. Just drive slow and Mini's are pretty good in the snow since it's front wheel and the wheelbase is so short.

Insurance: You don't need to change from what you currently have.. If you can get State Farm while you are in texas and carry it over to Boston it's better. Insurance is regulated in MA so you don't have to worry about pricing..

Garage: If you are in Boston/Brighton/Brookline/Allston Area.. Ming's Auto Repair on 14 Rena Street Allston, MA 02134 www.mingwongsautorepair.com I've taken my Mini there after my warranties has run out and he's been awesome. Very reasonable prices and he uses quality OEM or higher quality. Same oil for the oil changes that Mini of Boston uses.

Live: Depending on your budget and since you are working downtown anywhere there is a T or Commuter rail would be fine. It's a bit more expensive to live in the city with a car. For example in the city plan on $1500 for a studio/1 bedroom without parking(if you register your car in MA you could get residential parking).. for that same amount you could live outside of the city for a 2 bedroom with parking; however parking will be 200-300 per month(day parking).

Furniture: There are many people moving in and out of the city and people sell quality stuff on Craigslist..

Emergency: Get AAA card.. It'll come in handy if you get stuck or lost or whatever..

Hope this helps!

Good Luck on your move!

 

Ok, I am supposed to be starting my job sometime in July so I'm planning on moving up there either the last week of June or sometime in July. I'll be flying up in May to look for apartments. Based on my budget and desire for a decent commute, I've been looking in East Boston and Chelsea primarily. Is there anything that I should know about these areas or do y'all have any realtor recommendations? For instance, I know that I'll be going into work early and leaving late, think 6 or 7 am - 9 or 10 pm, for several months out of the year so safety is a concern. Will either of these areas be a bad idea?

 

East Boston and Chelsea is not the safest place late at night especially around 10PM ish..

Where are you working again and what's your budget on apartment? How far are you willing to drive to work? Will you have parking or do you need public transportation?

 

I'm working in the John Hancock Tower so I think that I can pay to have parking but I would prefer to use the T to get to work. My budget is $1400/month including parking but I'm trying to stay under $1300 so that I have a bit more wiggle room in my budget. Grad school loans are scary high. Assuming that I'm allowed to bring it into the JHT then I will be carrying pepper spray at all times like I do now. I'm really wishing that I had taken those free self-defense classes at UT by the UTPD.

 

John Hancock off any Green Line T Stop so if you live on the Green line it would make your commute a lot easier.. Obviously there are a lot of apartment rental in the June/july time frame because all the college kids go home, which is normally nice. The areas i would suggest is Brighton, Allston, Brookline, Back Bay or really anywhere close to the Green line..
go to www.mbta.com to view the locations where they stop. The further you are from boston typically the cheaper it gets, the nicer areas do have some apartments in your price range. I would suggest craigslist.org.. You might want to sublet for a month or two to get your barrings in boston. It might also give you better options to look around to see where you might want to live.

Regarding your Pepper spray, i suggest you get a license to carry (pepper spray) before carrying it around in boston. You will get stopped or arrested for carrying it. Unfortunately this is Boston not Texas and you need all sorts of Paperwork to carry anything.


If you have other questions let me know...

 

You have to get a license to carry pepper spray? I thought that that was only for guns. That may be the single biggest culture shock for me. I'm used to nearly everyone owning and/or being able to shoot a gun well. Note to self: leave pepper spray in Texas. So I'm guessing that this means that no one goes on dates to the shooting range?

I would sublet, but I'm literally going to be working non-stop for the first 3 months that I'm in Boston so unless I can sublet until October that's really not an option because I won't have time to move again. They're starting me at the busiest time of the year, which should actually be a lot of fun, so I'll be working 70ish hour weeks. I'll refocus on the Green line. I've been using mbta to estimate the commute times for all of the places that I've looked at online. Dang it! My two favorites: One Webster(Chelsea) and Maverick Landing(East Boston) are now possibly too dangerous and I can't carry pepper spray. Back to the drawing board...

 

Yeah....both those area are cheap for a reason....frankly on your budget, you might need a roommate or have to live in the burbs and commute unless yogive something up......like safety or lacation. Commuting spot is pretty easy, so using the train /subway should work...
Maybe combined with a short drive.

 

East boston is not the worst place depending on location from my experience but stay away from Chelsea for sure.

Stick to Brighton, Allston, Brookline, Back Bay, Cambridge, or Somerville with Back Bay being difficult for anything but street parking. Look for sublets or monthly leases on padmapper.com or craigslist and see if you can get a short term roommate situation going to save some money and get to know the area better. This way, when you do slow down a bit at work and have time to look around more and actually see apartments then you will have a better idea based on your budget and commuting needs.

Having a roommate may not always be the best situation in the city but it will save you a bunch of money month to month.

 

As long as you don't mind jet traffic from Logan, I wouldn't totally write off Eastie or Chelsea; my personal experience in that neck of the woods is limited, to be sure, but there seem to be interesting things afoot (especially if a casino winds up at Suffolk Downs):

http://radioboston.wbur.org/2011/12/13/east-boston

http://www.bostonredevelopmentauthor...wHood&HoodID=8

Wherever you end up, I'd agree you're probably best bet is to share a place with a roommate (or two or three). This will definitely expand your range of options of where to live. (FWIW, I commute from Lowell to Boston daily, 2 hours each way by commuter rail and Green Line -- it's really not as bad as it sounds, since it would take me 45 minutes just to get to work from across the river in Cambridge/Somerville "back in the day".)

Copley Square is also right on the Orange Line, so you might think about checking out Charlestown/Malden areas, too.

As for pepper spray, if it would give you extra peace of mind, don't let the paperwork stop you from carrying it: it seems pretty straightforward.

Again, Boston is a big city; no area is going to be perfectly safe -- $#!+ can happen anywhere, even in the nicest of neighborhoods; just be vigilant and use common sense.