After the children are gone …

There is a new type of resident moving into the city of Boston. It is the “empty-nester”. These are single people or couples who are selling their homes in the suburbs and buying a condo in the city. They are replacing their daily routine of commuting to and from work and home maintenance with the ease and style of living in Boston. It is a great idea.

The number one problem clients have encountered is – price. It will not surprise anyone who lives in Massachusetts. Property is expensive in Boston. People looking to move into Boston are faced with some shocking statistics – if they want to live here, they need to downsize. A lot. Their 2000 square foot home in the suburbs may be replaced with a 1200 square foot condo, for the same price.

Of course, living in the city is lots more than where you live or how large it is. It’s about convenience and quality of life.

Most clients focus on three neighborhoods – the Back Bay, Beacon Hill, and the South End. This includes the “Midtown” area in that, too, since that is where some great new luxury buildings have gone up (the Ritz-Carlton and the Grandview). Most clients want to be in a “full-service” building, complete with concierge and valet parking. If this sounds like you, you can expect to pay for the privilege – the price is probably around $800 – $1200 per square foot (and now, up to $1800 per square foot and above). Living is easy at these prices.

The other type of client is more of the “do-it-yourself” kind. These people are looking to be a part of the city. They tend to buy a home within a five-story Victorian home, in the Back Bay or South End. They are in a more densely-populated neighborhood, and are a more integral part of the city scene. Prices are still high in this scenario, but less so because they aren’t spending their condo fees on doormen and porters.

Come live in Boston … you deserve it!