By Tagh Swierzewski
From the outside looking in, people often wonder, why live in a city where rent is so high? Those living there have a simple answer, convenience.
Ariel Eduardo, a recent graduate of Boston College, who lives in South Boston, said the price of her rent is understandable, when accessing the amenities nearby.
“I do pay more living in the city, but I now have access to walk to restaurants, shops, and public transportation,” Eduardo said.
She said that her proximity to work had provided for a quicker commute than in the past, saving valuable time, and money.
“At the end of the day, the extra money that I spend on rent, would have been spent on gas during my previous commute … So, it balances out,” Eduardo said.
Yet, even with the convenience of city living, Boston was ranked as the third most expensive rental market in the United States by Zumper, a platform that links landlords to renters.
With a one-bedroom apartment costing $2,990 a month, Boston trailed only Jersey City, New Jersey, and New York City, New York, in price.
This battle between cost and convenience has stretched beyond the Greater Boston region, and into much of New England.
In New Hampshire, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is now listed at $2,112, according to rental website, RentCafe.
John Olson, a Northeastern graduate, living in the Salem, New Hampshire area has dealt with that dilemma.
“The apartment I’m at is definitely on the higher priced side,” he said.
“At the same time, with all of the amenities nearby, I think that the price is reasonable.,” Olson said.
In a similar manner to Eduardo, Olson believed that sacrificing on a higher rent price, improved many surrounding aspects of his life.
In Connecticut, a one bedroom rents for $2,044 in the state, according to RentCafe.
Fairfield University alumnus Daniel Matthes-Theriault said his rent in Connecticut is expensive, which has led to difficult trade-offs, but he still believes it is worth it.
“I had to compromise on certain areas to gain access to others. That’s life. Yet, where I am, I have access to most things, and those that I don’t are only a short train ride away,” Matthes-Theriault said.
Inflation has caused more issues for New England renters.
Robert Tilley, a New Hampshire seacoast landlord, said his, “rental units have tripled in price from a little over 20 years ago.
Aside from inflation, he said this has been a result of high demand, good-paying jobs in the area, and location.
“Location is a major factor in determining rent. Being within walking distance to restaurants and shopping … allows me to charge a higher rental rate than properties where that is not available,” Tilley said.
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