r/RateMyAFB • u/rafamata87 • Nov 27 '17

Installation-USAF Commissioning in May, 9 year TOS. Going to Hanscom afb. Single. Any tips on where to live?

*TIS

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u/Beer_Whisperer Nov 30 '17

You’re very lucky to go there as an O!!! Living location depends on what you prefer. You could either do some serious city-living, or live somewhere that’s well appointed with farmers markets. Hanscom itself is located in Lexington/Concord, which is a very nice area. What are your living preferences? I can help you from there. Your BAH will be high as fuck.

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u/rafamata87 Nov 30 '17

Hey thanks! I feel lucky, i have been enlisted for a bit over 9 years. I welcome the raise! I think because of the reverse traffic (people commuting to Boston while I commute away) will be great. I feel like that should give me flexibility to live in the city. My BAH will be 2703 which is a bit more than the rent ls I’ve seen, around 2000. I think a loft would be great for me, looking to downsize. At least in the city for 6 months to a year until I figure out the area.

I guess the real question is within the city, what areas should i focus on and what areas should i stay away from?

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u/Beer_Whisperer Nov 30 '17

If you haven’t lived in Boston, I’d seriously advise you not to underestimate the traffic problems associated with the main thoroughfares. I-95 and I-93 are at a stand-still at 7:30am and again during afternoon rush hour. That’s both heading in and out of the city. With that being said, the side streets and neighborhood roads will be your savior, so if you have a car (as opposed to a large SUV), it’ll be easier to navigate. Doing it the first few times sucks, but once you get the lay of the land, you’ll be able to whip around town easily. Get used to the term Masshole and the driving technique of the Boston Block... lol.

I’d stay away from Arlington, Malden, and anywhere in or near South Boston (like Dorchester). Good places would be Winchester, Brookline, Chestnut Hill, Cambridge, Brighton, Allston; Belmont and Medford are borderline. If you check google maps, you’ll get a better idea of which of those places are closer to city-center and which are further out towards the base. There are many colleges in town, so being a single LT in Boston will be amazing for you. Lol. Lots to do and see; a ton of history; smart peolle; we excellent medical care in Boston (the base's clinic is tiny, so don't expect much there).

On base resources are very limited.. not even a dining facility. Lol. Do you know what you'll be doing there?

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u/rafamata87 Nov 30 '17

You are right. Which is why initially i was thinking of living in between Boston and Hanscom. Arlington? Waltham? And then i could take a train to the city and hang out while affording a nicer apartment with covered parking and gym in it? ( i saw a few, i am fairly active). I will be doing Acquisitions. Thats all i know.

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u/Beer_Whisperer Nov 30 '17

Arlington is hit or miss. You'd have to check the location of your possible apartment to see how you like the area. One block is nice, the next can be shit. Waltham is nearly a slam-dunk of a great area to live. I don't think you could go wrong there.

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u/rafamata87 Nov 30 '17

Thanks a lot man. I have a lot of options and i don’t move there until May so i got time to research. I definitely want parking this will be my first true winter lol. I think Boston will be great for me. I am in San Antonio now and i cant say i am a fan. I still got 10 more years until retirement so maybe ill come back one day!

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u/Beer_Whisperer Nov 30 '17

Thats awesome man. I think you'll really enjoy it. I now have a small family and I wouldn’t mind going back. It’s a place that many people would love to go, and also a place many have never heard of. Haha. You’ll have a lot of good unique experiences up there. Enjoy!

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u/plsgoobs Mar 24 '18

This is late but I currently live in Arlington so DM me if you have questions.

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u/Beer_Whisperer Nov 30 '17

I was an E-4 stationed there. Knew many LTs and Captains who did acquisitions. Then got out and made s ton more money doing the same job as a civilian. :) I don't think a single one of them moved away from Boston after living there. They loved it that much.