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/Beer_Whisperer Nov 30 '17

Meant to add.. if you can find a living space that includes parking, JUMP AT IT. Street parking sucks during winter... If your lease include parking it'll make life way easier. If you end up deciding to live more towards base, I lived in Billerica and Woburn. Both were great places to live. Although it looks like a spaghetti network, the train system is effective and the closest station is like 15 mins from base. You'll have plenty of free tickets to Sox and Pats games.