Moving to Boston, Mass... need help!

The East vs West, California vs Colorado (etc) debates are truly subjective, though constantly entertaining. I feel fortunate to be moving to a place near stone...can't imagine school in Nebraska.

Ben, someone mentioned living in the Allston/Brighton area, and I strongly suggest you don't do that do to yourself, unless you go way into Brighton. Allston is where all the BU hooligans live (I used to be one, and lived there), the B line (a sub-branch of the Green Line) is the least efficient public transport system known to man, and you run the risk of being vomited on by drunken college students at unexpected times of day. Or eaten by staggeringly large rats.

I would second the recommendation for Cambridgeport, Somerville (especially Davis), and most of the northern suburbs mentioned. Of those, living in or near Davis square gets you the best food scene. I still miss Redbones BBQ. And highway access from there is pretty easy.

I'd also recommend commuting by bike year round to using the T. A bike will get you anywhere in Boston faster than public transportation. I used to do Allston to Mass Ave/Huntington in 15 minutes on a bike compared to 45 by T.

Most of the nearby climbing areas have been covered well, but Acadia is worth mentioning as well. It's about 6 hours (I think, been awhile since I've done that drive), but you get sea cliffs.

If you are only tied to the city for work and plan to spend most of your weekends outdoors you might want to consider living outside the city. The Northshore of Massachusetts, for instance, is filled with commuters, has decent local climbing, is closer to the NH, and has a few gyms. Depending on where you work taking the commuter rail in from outside the city can actually be faster than taking the T within the city (the T sucks). You money can go further too and you can probably afford an actual house to rent. Consider Salem for instance. Its a half hour to downtown Boston (North Station) by rail, close to Lynn Woods (bouldering) and Redrock (climbing), and close to 128/95. You can be in Rumney or North Conway in just over two hours. There is also good mountain biking, nice beaches nearby, and a little local surfing. Probably better for dogs too.

Jim

Nick k--- YA YA Redbones !!! Such a good place. One of the big things I miss from back east.

All,
Thanks for the support. We just rented a house on the border of East Arlington and North Cambridge. It is a great place with quick access to downtown on the red line or bike path, and to the interstate to get out of the city. Plus - dog friendly!

I wont comment too much on east v. west climbing, except to say that to me, climbing is about much more than rock quality or route concentrations. For the most part, my closest friends are climbers. I've climbed all over the world and many of my best climbing memories have nothing to do with rock. Rather, I remember the people I was with, the conversations I had, the sh!t we got ourselves out of, and the friends I made. Of course I love great rock and aesthetic lines, but we hope to become part of the Boston climbing community to make some good friends and get outside. And I am sure there are plenty of rocks to keep us occupied for a long time. See y'all in a month and a half.