Things to Do in Boston This Summer

July 13, 2017 By

So you’ve just moved to Boston or you’re calling Boston home for the summer. Either way, you may be asking yourself, “What is there to see and do in my new home?” You’re in luck, because now is the time to take advantage of the glorious sunshine and warm temperatures that create the perfect backdrop for fun activities in Boston.

We’re often asked by guests staying in our temporary furnished apartments about fun things to do in Boston, ranging from tourist attractions to hidden gems known only by local Bostonians.  Here are some of our favorite finds we share with them and recommend for you to explore as well.

Fun Summer Activities in Boston

Hop on the ferry and explore Boston’s islands.

Did you know Boston has 34 islands and peninsulas spread over 50 square miles of bays, harbors and rivers? Hop on the ferry and take a short cruise to the Boston Harbor Islands. From exploring a Civil War-era fort to hiking lush trails, there are plenty of things to see, do and learn while visiting any of these Boston islands. Visit the Boston Harbor Islands website for ferry schedules and activities.

Attend a summer festival.

July is high season for festivals and other summer events in Boston.  For music fans, hit up Outside the Box Boston, with more than 115 performances taking place on Boston Common (check the schedule for July performances).  Bring the kids to the Family Film Festival for movies, games and prizes, or FunFest on July 15 for a day of ice cream and music.

Pedal your way around Boston.

Why see Boston on foot when you can discover it by bicycle? Take advantage of Hubway, the city’s bike share program, where you can hop on and off bikes throughout Boston. Hubway even recommends their favorite rides, including the Charles River Esplanade, Boston Harborwalk and Cambridge Reel Ride.

Visit the Public Garden and ride the Boston swan boats.

While swan boat season stretches from mid-April through mid-September, you’ll enjoy the best weather right now in the middle of summer. Experience the beautiful Boston Public Garden from the water, soak in the sun, and maybe even spot a real majestic swan doing this popular Boston activity. It’s a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

See a Broadway classic.

From now until July 23, Broadway’s hit musical Wicked is performing live at the Boston Opera House. Defy gravity while beating the summer heat at this popular sensation. It’s Wicked awesome, as the Bostonians would say.

What to Do in Boston in August

Ride the carousel along Rose Kennedy Greenway.

If you’re on a family vacation, the little ones will appreciate the chance to see Boston from atop a carousel in Boston’s newest park. Once your ride is done, there’s still plenty to do in this mile-long greenway, from cooling off in the splash fountain to grabbing a bite from one of Boston’s trendy food trucks.

See the Boston Carnival Parade.

Your summer in Boston won’t be complete without experiencing this vibrant and infinitely colorful Caribbean parade on August 26. The free festivities start at noon at Warren Street and MLK Boulevard. Don’t miss the Caribbean food court in front of Franklin Park Zoo.

Explore the Boston Harbor with brunch.

There’s no better way to discover the Boston Harbor than on a boat with brunch. From now until the end of September, Boston Harbor Cruises allows you to sail by three of Boston’s famous lighthouses while enjoying lobster BLTs, house-made granola, seasonal salads and a cash bar.

Get cultured on a walking tour.

Who knew there were so many different ways to take in Boston by foot? Jump on a Historical Pub Crawl and discover hidden factual secrets accompanied by cold beers. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, join the Back Bay Chocolate Walking Tour available every Saturday at 10:15am to learn the life and history of chocolate while sampling delectable treats. You’ll never see Boston the same way again.

When it comes to enjoying fun summer activities, this list of things to do in Boston is just the first lick of the ice cream cone, so to speak. You can read more about a wide range of Boston summer events and happenings in and around Boston at Boston Discovery Guide.

Looking for Short Term Rentals in Boston this Summer?

To learn more about your options for enjoying a summer with the local convenience of short term rentals or temporary furnished apartments in Boston—including summer furnished housing specials in Boston—contact Furnished Quarters at 1-800-255-8117.

Filed Under: Boston

Survival Tips for the Traveling Sports Fan

July 5, 2017 By

This article was thoughtfully written and contributed by Luke Murray from Council of Neighbors.

If you really love your team, there’s a good chance that you’ve at least considered making a trip to a different city to support them at their away games. Leaving the comfort of your own home, your own local bar, or your own stadium or arena (all filled with like-minded fans) can make even the most ardent sports fan a bit apprehensive. If you’re heading to Fort Point or elsewhere in the Boston area to follow your team, here are a few essential tips for finding a little piece of home.

The internet is your best friend

Before the internet, it was tough or often even impossible to track down a bar or restaurant friendly to your team when you were in a different city. Tracking down like-minded fans to enjoy the game with? Even harder. Today, the internet – especially through social media – connects anyone and everyone and makes it fairly easy to find your colors amidst a sea of opposing fans.

For example, TeamBarFinder is a crowdsourced site where you can search for a friendly bar wherever you are, for a variety of sports teams from the NFL, NBA, NCAA, and more. There are also plenty of fan-centric apps that allow people in the same vicinity to connect with each other and watch the big game together.

It may even be worthwhile to place a personal ad on a site like Craigslist, simply saying I’m a fan of X team and will be in X city for the game, does anyone know where I can find some like-minded fans?

Last, but certainly not least, don’t forget the massive power of social media like Facebook and Twitter. It’s easy to put out an open call for sports fans wherever you are, and any social media post has the ability to reach hundreds of people who can help.

Know the area you’re traveling to (do your research)

Showing up in the Boston area without any knowledge of its sports culture or fandom is a recipe for disaster. Get to know about the Red Sox, for example, if you’re going to be watching your team at Fenway or at a local sports bar. Areas like Fort Point are wonderful to visit on a sports-related vacation because of the wonderful sports bars that cater to a fervent fan base. If you do intend to make it to Fenway here are some great tips and tricks for having a great time while you’re there.

Be respectful

No matter where you find yourself (even among friends), you’re likely to also be surrounded by fans of your opposing team. It’s important to remember that, as an away fan, you may not be entitled to the exact same amount of in-your-face fandom as the fans of the home team.

“By all means, wear your team colors, but do it with restraint. A hat or scarf is great. A jersey is fine. A full team warmup suit accompanied with team pom-poms and face paint? That’s a little too much. Save that for when you are going to a home game,” notes DearSportsFan.com. “The same holds for your behavior. Don’t get belligerently drunk and scream. That type of behavior is permissible (some might say ideal) when you are rooting for the home team, but as an away team fan, you should be more demure.”

Don’t be afraid to travel to support your team. Boston will be happy to have you! If you brush up on our sports culture, remember to be respectful, and use the internet to find people and places friendly to your fandom, you can have a great time, even away from home. We think you’re going to love it here.

Filed Under: Boston

Family Relocating to Boston? What You Need to Know

June 27, 2014 By

With summer just around the corner, it’s high season for family relocations. Whether you’re looking to rent or buy in Boston, families “on the move” are wise to think ahead. Summer is an ideal time to choose your new location and get settled before kids go back-to-school in September.

But if Boston is where your family’s moving truck is bound this summer, there are a few things to consider. Moving is almost always stressful, regardless of the circumstances. Family relocations can be especially challenging, so it’s important to seek support when you need it. Partnering with a corporate housing expert on the front end to help guide your decision-making process can save many headaches on the back end. As you start your moving preparations, here are three tips to consider, along with some resources to help facilitate the process:

Don’t “Go It Alone”

It can be tempting to want to take the lead when deciding where your family’s residence will ultimately be located. Yet unless you’re already very familiar with Greater Boston, you’re unlikely to fully appreciate the important distinctions between Boston’s many neighborhoods. Each section of Boston proper has it’s own unique personality, and different parts of the city might appeal to you for different reasons.

Back Bay, for example, is a target destination for many who move to Boston. As famous for its Victorian brownstone homes as for its world-class shopping and proximity to cultural institutions such as Trinity Church and the Boston Public Library, the neighborhood is considered one of the top sites of 19th-century urban design in the nation.

The Boston Seaport District on the city’s waterfront is another popular neighborhood for newcomers. The Seaport was dubbed “the hottest neighborhood in town” by Boston magazine, as it continues to attract a wide range of residents to an area that’s bursting at the seams with new development. The prime location near downtown, coupled with its explosive growth, make the Seaport a great choice for families who want to avoid a commute from the suburbs.

These are just 2 of more than 20 neighborhoods in the City of Boston—not to mention additional choices in Greater Boston, including Cambridge and Brookline. This is where corporate housing experts can help you more effectively choose a neighborhood that will best match the needs of your family.

Know What to Look For

A corporate housing expert can also help you think through your family’s specific needs and preferences to help hone in on an ideal location. Take the time up front to make sure that a corporate housing expert understands your job location, school needs, and your family’s lifestyle.

Your temporary housing provider may ask you “lifestyle” questions like these to help narrow your search for housing:

  • Where is your company’s office located?
  • Would you prefer to live in a city or suburban setting?
  • What do you and your family like to do in your free time?
  • Do you enjoy outdoor activities?
  • Are there particular types of restaurants that you prefer?
  • How old are your kids and what grades are they in now?
  • Do your children play sports?
  • Do your children have any special school needs?
  • Does your family participate in specific religious activities?

Take a “Test Drive”

Want to really get to know a locale and find out if it suits your family before making a permanent move? The best way to do so is to try out one or more temporary housing solutions before putting down roots. If you’re relocating with an employer, your human resources department may be able to work directly with a corporate housing provider to place your family in a few different locations. Then your whole family can “test drive” various neighborhoods before committing to permanent housing.

During these trial runs, you’ll be able to compare different neighborhoods in Boston to see what it’s like to live in them. Some furnished apartment providers even offer deals and discounts on local services, allowing guests to really experience each neighborhood as local residents experience it.

If appropriate prior to your relocation, ask your HR manager if the company’s corporate housing provider could tour you through multiple corporate apartment examples during any of your business trips to the area. This will allow you to explore what types of temporary housing might make your family most comfortable long before the moving truck arrives.

Resources

Check out the following resources to help you prepare before, during, and after your family’s relocation:

  • City of Boston, provides extensive information by neighborhood about communities and services, searchable by address.
  • Visitors’ Information, City of Boston, provides detailed information on transportation, things to do, culture, recreation, and weather in the Boston Metro area.
  • Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau, provides a Boston Travel Guide listing hotels, restaurants, and activities in the Greater Boston area.
  • Furnished Quarters, corporate housing provider with Boston neighborhood information and corporate apartment listings.
Filed Under: Boston Tagged With: ,

What Landlords Need to Know about the Boston Housing 2020 Initiative

April 10, 2014 By

In September of 2013, former Boston Mayor Thomas Menino announced a plan that would greatly increase the amount of available housing within the city. Using a proposed $16 billion in public and private investment, the goal is to add 30,000 new housing units to the city by the end of the 2010s. A large portion, 25,000, of these homes will be priced at market rates, that is, whatever a buyer is willing to pay. The rest of the homes will be classified as affordable housing for middle- and lower-income buyers.

The Boston real estate market has exploded in recent years, with home prices growing at nearly double the rate that incomes are growing. The City of Boston hopes that increasing the supply of homes, in addition to setting aside some property for lower-income families, will make living in the city more affordable, especially for students and young professionals just starting out.

Boston is in a unique position. As one of the premier “college towns” in America, it has a large amount of young, eager talent ready to enter the workforce. However, many of these young graduates are choosing to live in more affordable areas as they get their careers started. This new housing initiative aims to increase the availability of more affordable housing in the city, in order to attract and retain young professionals.

Boston Housing 2020 Initiative

Photo Attribution: ‘Boston à l’heure bleue’ by Emmanuel Huybrechts available at https://flic.kr/p/8grTee under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0. Full terms at .

Boston Landlords Impacted by Boston Housing 2020 Initiative

But what does the initiative mean for landlords? As of now, the initiative is focused only on increasing the amount of housing units available to buy. There is currently nothing in the plan regarding rental property or lease rates. However, increased supply and lower prices may make buying a more attractive option for some tenants, so rents may have to be lowered to remain competitive.

On key part of the initiative is an effort to streamline the permitting and development process. So if you are a developer in addition to a landlord who is looking to build units to lease, you could see some savings in your building costs. Be sure to check with local authorities to see if the subsidies apply for your specific project.

The initiative is focused mainly on providing affordable housing to residents of Boston. It is unknown at this point what kind of restrictions will be placed on investment properties, but if you plan on buying a property that will not be your primary residence, it is advisable that you have an attorney look over any paperwork that comes your way.

As America becomes more urban and people choose to remain closer to their jobs and nightlife, home prices in the areas will creep upward. Initiatives like the one in Boston aim to anticipate that growth and ensure that there are options for the future residents. Hopefully, more American cities will adopt this model and plan for America’s growth well into the 21st century.

This article was written for the Boston Real Estate Observer by Stephen K Hachey. Stephen is a real estate attorney specializing in loan modifications, short sales, foreclosure and much more. He is also the owner of his own practice, the Law Offices of Stephen K. Hachey. This article is for general informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Please contact a licensed attorney in your state of residence. For more information on Attorney Hachey’s services, visit his website at www.floridarealestatelawyer.org.

Filed Under: Boston

Upcoming Boston Negotiation Workshop with Moshe Cohen

October 15, 2013 By

Negotiation in real estate remains one of the fundamental tactics leveraged by the most successful Realtors and real estate professionals as well as savvy sellers and buyers.  To be taught the art of negotiation can elevate a Realtor’s ability to close a deal, and “win” for their client.  Why not get taught by one of the very best.

Moshe Cohen, one of the foremost authorities on negotiation and an expert instructor, will host his next Public Negotiation Workshop in the Boston Area on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 in Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA. The topics covered include the following:

  • Competitive negotiations strategies and traditional bargaining tactics
  • Negotiating styles and their implications
  • Collaborative negotiations frameworks and strategies
  • Preparing for your negotiations
  • Communicating effectively as you negotiate

The workshop is dynamic, experiential (no powerpoint), informative, and fun. To see what others have said about Moshe and his workshops, check out a sampling of negotiation workshop recommendations on Moshe’s website.

The upcoming workshop runs from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and includes a light breakfast and lunch. The fee for the day is $425 per person ($395 if you register by 10/31/2013). Group discounts are also available for groups of three or more people. The workshop will take place at 20 University Rd, 7th Floor, Cambridge, MA 02138, next to the Charles Hotel in Cambridge, MA, accessible by public transportation and with nearby parking.

To register, please email Moshe at moshe@negotiatingtable.com or call (617) 577-0101.

Filed Under: Boston

Top 45 Real Estate Blog Award

March 8, 2011 By

We were excited to learn recently that the Boston Real Estate Observer was ranked by Apartment Talk as one of the most useful and entertaining blogs about the real estate and apartment industry in 2011.

Top 45 Blog Winner

We sincerely appreciate the recognition, and credit it to the quality content that our staff and contributors are focused on publishing on a daily basis!

We are currently seeking authors in all areas of real estate, including commercial, residential, lending, real estate law, and ancillary real estate services. For more information on becoming a regular contributor to the Boston Real Estate Observer, contact us using the link at the top of this page.

Filed Under: Boston

Top 10 Boston Real Estate Stories of 2010

December 27, 2010 By

2010 is coming to a close, and we wanted to take a moment to reflect back on the year and remember the most popular Boston real estate stories of 2010.

As 2010 played out, the Boston Real Estate Observer continued in its efforts to be one of the top Boston real estate news sources.  Our quest to continue expanding coverage was made possible with the addition of multiple new regular contributors, bringing our total list of authors to 11 – learn more about becoming a contributor.

As we did in 2009 and 2010, we plan to implement  innovative new ideas in 2011 to continue bringing readers robust and comprehensive coverage of the Boston real estate market.  Here are the top 10 most read articles from 2010 (some of which were actually written well before 2010):

  1. Craigslist, Rental Properties and Listing Scams
  2. Best Places to Live 2010: Massachusetts Real Estate
  3. Overall Boston Property Taxes Up in 2010
  4. The Clarendon Brings Unique Living to Back Bay
  5. Condo Kitchen and Bath Remodel Options
  6. Channel Center Seaport District Lofts Open Houses
  7. Understanding the HUD-1 Settlement Statement
  8. Disputing a Low Home Appraisal
  9. Boston Apartment Rental Scam Exposed
  10. W Hotel Boston Foreclosure

    11. We appreciate your readership and look forward to a prosperous 2011, Happy New Year!

Filed Under: Boston

Martinez’s Scholarship Strives to Break Poverty Cycle

November 18, 2010 By

With a goal of breaking the cycle of poverty, financial self sufficiency, and graduation with a four-year college degree, the Boston Scholarship will provide sufficient funds for one eligible student to attend UMass Boston for 4 consecutive years for the school term commencing in September 2011.

This is the vision of Matthew Martinez.  After witnessing first-hand how families on Section 8 vouchers found themselves in a cycle of poverty that could not be broken, Martinez, a Boston-area property owner, decided to do something about it.

He created a scholarship that supports single parents on Section 8 vouchers who are determined to obtain a college degree so they may improve their earning capacity and their family’s long-term economic stability.

The scholarship is the result of a partnership between Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership, The University of Massachusetts Boston, and Beacon Hill Property Group, owned and operated by Martinez.

Applicants must meet certain criteria, including being a member of the Family Self-Sufficiency Program.  Once awarded, the scholar will work with an Advisor from MBHP to establish goals, responsibilities, timelines and a specific plan of action.

Unfortunately, the number of applicants far exceed the capital currently raised for this initiative. Private donations are being sought to meet the overwhelming demand for this groundbreaking scholarship opportunity. The Boston Celtics will award 4 of the President’s seats (a value of $2,000) to the individual or organization that donates the most to this endeavor.

If you are interested in making a donation, please contact Martinez at 617-448-5550 or matt@beaconhillpg.com.  Or, simply mail your donation to:
University of Massachusetts Boston 100 Morrissey Blvd Boston, MA 02125-3393 Attn: Kelly A. McLaughlin, Coordinator for Merit-Based Scholarships
For: The Boston Scholarship

For more information, see The Boston Scholarship (PDF).

Filed Under: Boston

Vivian Zottola Becomes Contributor to Boston Real Estate Observer

August 3, 2010 By

A Realtor, Certified Buyer Representative, a Council of Residential Specialist member, and currently with Boston Realty Advisors, Vivian Zottola joins the Boston Real Estate Observer as a regular contributor.

Using her background in the mortgage business, as well Boston neighborhood expertise developed by residing in the Back Bay, Beacon Hill, South End, and South Boston, Vivian is a Boston real estate agent that provides Buyers and Sellers with useful, current and timely information that will support their needs and objectives, providing clients solutions from a financial perspective in a way that will help them avoid potential financial pitfalls – so timely in today’s economy.

The Boston Real Estate Observer continues to partner with thought leaders and experts, such as Vivian, in various real estate related fields who serve as regular contributors to the publication in an effort to bring readers a comprehensive content portfolio. For more information on becoming a regular contributor to the Boston Real Estate Observer, contact us using the link at the top of this page.

Vivian Zottola Boston

Filed Under: Boston

Beat Summer Heat & Utility Bills

July 18, 2010 By

With temperatures still in the 90s, Bostonians are staying inside, pumping up the air conditioning, and trying to beat the summer heat (and humidity).  With air conditioners on maximum cooling, energy bills are on the rise – consider 10 ways to beat summer utility bills.

The Rose Kennedy Greenway is now consistently crowded with families taking advantage of the many fountains that can bring a cool relief to those taking in the Waterfront.  If screaming children having the time of their lives is not in the cards for you, and you’re looking for something a little more sophisticated, try the Colonnade Boston Roof Top Pool (admission required).

Boston Heat Wave

Colonnade Boston Roof Top Pool

And for those dreamers out there, if you were the proud owner of 74 Beacon Street, a stunning Beacon Hill home, you’d be able to enjoy your Boston infinity pool in the private comfort of your roofdeck deck overlooking the Public Garden perhaps the quintessential Boston pool of them all.

Boston Rooftop Infinity Edge Pool

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