<p>My dearest friend is a ‘fairly new’ widow (18 mos ago) and is looking for a new experience this summer. I’ve teased her that she’s trying to find her legs again, but I do think she is trying to regain some confidence and find a bit of direction in life without her husband. She has never lived in a metropolitan area and would like to spend 3 or 4 weeks this summer in such a place. She enjoys Boston and thinks it would be her first choice. The idea is to live directly in the city and explore everything it has to offer. She will also consider NYC or D.C. Ideally, she would sublet an apartment or room near public transportation and just ‘hang out’ for a period of time. May have a friend or two join her for visits, but basically she’d be on her own. Other than Craig’s List, is there a source for finding sublets? The family is, understandably, a bit concerned about her safety, etc. She certainly isn’t ignoring safety, but has a bit of a ‘que sera sera’ attitude and doesn’t seem to be ‘afraid’. You hear horror stories about using Craig’s List for such things, so not sure that is the best option. She certainly wouldn’t spend the money on a hotel for that length of time although I don’t think money is her top priority.</p>
<p>Believe she is considering the last week of June through the month of July; the window ‘closes’ August 1.</p>
<p>I’m trying to assist/support her in whatever ways I am able and would like to ‘pick the brains’ of the CC crowd on her behalf. I’m sure there are things to consider that haven’t crossed our minds. Any insights you have would be appreciated!</p>
<p>My thought is to have someone check out bulletin boards (or the online equivalent) at local colleges. Surely there are students stuck with a year-long lease that would love to sublet for a few weeks. </p>
<p>Um…my kid was a college student in Boston. I’m not sure an adult woman would WANT to sublet a student apartment.</p>
<p>Plus, my son was gone all summer and needed a subletter from May until the end of August. This woman wants only a month…and the flexibility to have friends visit. My kid rented to college students who were taking summer term courses who would be there ALL summer.</p>
<p>S has had good success with Craigslist. Male friend has highly recommended VRBO and airBnB; I have never done either and would suggest she consider a place like a residence inn or similar. One we stayed at near Dulles had a weekly and monthly rate, included a mini-kitchen and served breakfast every day as well as dinner and alcohol M-Th. I think we paid $50/nite for 4 of us or something similar. They had Senior rates and government rates. The breakfast was so-so, but the dinner was impressive. One night they served grilled salmon, one night it was something else. They have beer and wine as well, included. They said they had better rates for weekly and monthly.</p>
<p>I think if your friend would consider NYC she might have more to do and an easier adjustment. Boston is really a college town and offers very little in comparison to NYC. NYC is rich with museums, theatre, shopping and tons to do with great convenience. Boston is a very small town and really in my opinion is not great for older people. </p>
<p>I think the upper east side of nyc would be a nice neighborhood and have all the convenience, safety and access to culture and parks while nestled in a safe area. </p>
<p>Peaceful…there is PLENTY to do in the greater Boston area…plenty. There are museums, theater, shopping. Boston is NOT a “very small town”. We know a number of folks who have chosen to retire there.</p>
<p>To the OP…would your friend consider elder hostel programs? I don’t know if there are any in Boston during the summer, but these are often held on college campuses and include lodging, plus a program if some sort.</p>
<p>HImom, a residence in in Boston or NYC or DC will cost quote a LOT for a month. Maybe near Dulles it’s cheaper…but Dulles isn’t near anything but Dulles.</p>
<p>Peaceful, how much time have you spent in Boston? It is not a small town, but is still very walkable and safe. Lots of parks, museums, restaurants and theatres. In the summer you can hop a boat to Provincetown or rent a car to drive to the Berkshires. In my opinion a much more manageable city to get your confidence back than New York. That said, it is very expensive. VRBO may be the best option. Hotels would probably be too expensive. </p>
<p>I have lived in Boston for over thirty years and before that in NYC. I am more than extremely familiar with what both cities have to offer and their limitations. While Boston does have access to many things by car, NYC has a lot more to offer (quantum leaps more) that is easily accessible by public transportation. NYC requires very little effort to be in social and cultural situations whereas in my opinion Boston is harder. Also, I think that Boston is a lousy place for an older single woman compared to NYC.</p>
<p>I would think that someone who is newly widowed might not want to take a lot of daytrips that require car rentals and other such things. She would not need to do this in NYC.</p>
<p>If the OP friend chooses Boston, I would be extremely selective on location. OP- feel free to PM me for suggestions.</p>
<p>The OP mentioned NYC and that is why I weighed in with this opinion. She did not mention that cost was a huge concern.</p>
<p>I will grant you that NYC is terrific…also. Perhaps you are a bit underwhelmed with Boston BECAUSE you have lived there for so long. This OPs friend has never lived there. For someone who has NOT been there for 30 years, they will find plenty to do that is new, and interesting…and accessible by T. If they WANT to leave using a car, it’s easy to do as well.</p>
<p>I think for a first time city dweller, Boston is a good choice. But that is my opinion. I happen to LIKE the city.</p>
<p>I think Airbnb is a great choice as is VRBO. Both focus on short-term rentals, which is really all the OP’s friend wants. The timeframe is too short for most sublets. Also–I’d really avoid college student sublets.</p>
<p>I think Boston is a great choice and I’d suggest that your friend look for a place to rent in the South End. The South End is generally not a place with lots of college students and it’s got great restaurants, even a place to do cooking lessons (Stir). Additionally, there’s the Boston Center for the Arts, which has all kinds of cultural offerings and she could easily walk to concerts at the Berklee College of Music, New England Conservatory, or the Boston Symphony. If she’s into theater–the Huntington Theater is walkable as well. There’s shopping at Prudential and Copley Place and Newbury St–walkable as well. If she’s a baseball fan, she can walk to Fenway. I think the South End would be a great place to be for a month or so in the city–plus, she’ll leave before the students are returning. Granted, Boston isn’t New York and it never will be. However, I’d say it’s much more than just a college town and I’ve lived here since 1982 (with the exception of a few years in the DC area). I’m sure your friend will find lots to keep her occupied.</p>
<p>I’ve been to NYC and Boston a few times each. To me, Boston T trains are easier to navigate than NYC subway. And lots to do withing walking distance of the T. NYC buses are not too bad, especially in the core areas of Manhattan. </p>