While the area surrounding the shopping district of Newbury Drive may be a nice place to visit, you may find it may it is even nicer to live there. With many Boston realtors ready to serve you, Boston relocation may be possible. Whether you are looking to buy a south end condo or are looking at downtown Boston apartments the in the Newbury Street district are a great selling point. After all, when you’ve spent an afternoon browsing at Martin Lawrence Galleries, shopping at Alex & Ani, and getting pampered at Emerge Spa and Salon wouldn’t it be great to head home to your luxury Boston condo or apartment?

360 Newbury Street, is one place that will keep you in the middle of all the shopping on Newbury Street, during the holidays and beyond. Here you can choose from gorgeous Boston loft style rentals or condos depending on your needs. There are also several other luxury Boston condos in nearby places such as battery wharf or even Cambridge apartments right across the bay.

Whether you are a student in one of Boston’s prestigious universities looking to make your time in the city memorable, or are laying down long term roots living somewhere luxurious like Brookline apartments will definitely have a marked effect on your stay, and allow you plenty of opportunity for shopping on Newbury street.

With the wide variety of Boston luxury apartments available in downtown Boston, South end, Cambridge, and more contacting a Boston realtor at Warren Residential Group can help work with your budget to find a Boston Condominium or apartment that is affordable but still gives you the Newbury Street style pampering you deserve.

Whether you are traveling in Boston, already live in the area, or just know you’re going to want to spend a lot of time doing exciting and relaxing things like holiday shopping on Newbury street, checking out the real estate in the area is definitely worth your time. With great floor plans, top notch amenities, and access to breathtaking views of the harbor and Boston Skyline you’ll see that living a little above Newbury Street can make a real impact on your lifestyle.

If you do decide to take that leap and live in style in a luxurious Back Bay loft or other premiere residence you’ll be comforted to know that being able to furnish and decorate your new surroundings with all the great purchases you can make on Newbury Street is practically right around the corner. You can pamper your living space while you pamper your life and make an impression your friends and business associates will remember just like you remember holiday shopping on Newbury Street.

What are you waiting for? Make the call to start seeing Back Bay luxury apartments and condos, and take the first step to living the high end life you’ve always wanted.

The city announced earlier this week to members of a citizens committee reviewing the project that the developer will increase the number of affordable units in the building.

Simon Property Group will now be building all 48 of its required affordable Boston condos and Boston apartments, rather then the previously agreed 10 units, with the rest residing in the South End or Back Bay.

The massive project will have a mix of 318 condos and apartments ranging from affordable studios, one-bedrooms, two-bedrooms and luxury suites.

If you would like to know more about the project, or interested in apartments or condos for sale in the Back Bay, please contact our real estate experts today!

When speaking with your Warren Residential realtor, ask about the shops, restaurants and bars located close to the condos you will be looking at. If you know that you will not be spending a lot of time in the kitchen of downtown Boston apartments, this may be more important information than whether the stove is gas or electric. Although, many residents who love to entertain, will want to make sure the kitchen looks high end. You will definitely find granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances that will impress the most ambitious chef. Since many of the restaurants also provide catering to the local area, you will want a large comfortable dining room in your Boston luxury condo where you can easily entertain large groups of family and friends. You will also find hardwood floors throughout the Boston apartments and large rooms for large furniture. Once you have finished your night on the town, come back to a peaceful and serene master retreat.

Another important aspect to look for when choosing the location of your new Boston waterfront condo is the proximity to your employment. If you plan to use the public transit system, make sure there is a location close by. If you are planning to drive your own vehicle, look for a condo that provides parking. Some of the luxury buildings also provide transportation for residents close to the down town area. All of these are important when considering which condo to purchase. Since you do not want to spend all of your time commuting to and from work – you need to find a centrally located unit that will give you the luxury you are looking for and the convenience you require.

Finally, discuss the amenities offered with Boston condominiums. You will be able to choose from a trendy loft to a three or four bedroom unit that gives you the space you need for guests and your home office. If you want a luxury master bath with a jacuzzi tub, these will be items to include on your must have list. After a long day at work or a weekend shopping, relaxing in a hot bath with relieve all of your stress. One of the best amenities of many of the Boston apartments is the dry cleaning service available for a monthly charge. If you do not have the time or patience to deal with these types of chores, find a building that offers this great service.

Once you have found the perfect condo in downtown Boston, begin enjoying all the city has to offer. Whether you are entertaining friends in your loft apartment or stopping by one of the night clubs or cafes, you will be glad you live in the Battery Wharf area.

Singing Beach – Manchester, MA

When most people are asked what their favorite beach near Boston is they’ll usually tell you it’s
Singing Beach. It’s no mystery why it’s such a popular spot – beautiful area, nice facilities, and close to public transportation. Although parking is expensive (usually $25) it’s only about a 15 minute walk from the commuter rail. Not many places can compare with Singing Beach’s convenience and beauty, which is probably why it can get a bit crowded on weekends! Hop on the train at North Station and head to Manchester by the Sea to experience this gorgeous beach this Labor Day weekend.

Wingaersheek Beach – Gloucester, MA

Not too far from Singing Beach is another popular Massachusetts beach known as Wingaersheek. If you’re looking for big waves this is probably not the best beach to visit. However, it’s great for kids because the many sandbars allow you to wade out pretty far. Parking at Wingaersheek is cheaper than in Manchester (only $15) and is a great beach to spend with the family as there are plenty of sand dunes, tidal pools, shells, etc. for kids to enjoy.

Horseneck Beach – Westport, MA

If you’re looking for a nice beach on the South Shore, Horseneck Beach may be the spot for you! Only $7 for parking, this beach is a great place if you’re looking for some wave action. While the beach is a bit rocky, the water is quite warm (coming from a New Englander). The beach stretches for about 2 miles and allows plenty of room to spread out even on a busy summer day.

There aren’t very many more days for you to lay out on one of these gorgeous beaches – take advantage of them this Labor Day weekend! If you can’t make it to the beach this weekend because you’re one of the many people moving to the city this weekend contact a Warren Residential agent to assist with your real estate needs!

A New Alternative

Since about 30% of meals are eaten outside of the home Menino said in a statement regarding the initiative that, “food trucks are a fun, fresh way for people to enjoy a variety of food, much of it healthy and locally produced.” A few of the initial vendors include the Cupcakory, Redbones BBQ, Grilled Cheese Nation, Kick*ss Cupcakes, Clover Fast Food, and the Froyo Truck. Director of the initiative, Edith Murnane, also mentioned that several more locations and vendors will be announced soon. So if you’re walking down Commonwealth Avenue to your Brookline apartment you may be lucky enough to grab a delicious meal on the go!

Food Truck Initial Launch

The first day of the food truck launch last Wednesday saw only about a handful of the trucks at their designated locations. Companies blamed their absence on truck repairs as well as issues with obtaining food permits and other unforeseen problems. While the first day of the Boston Food Truck Initiative seemed to be a “soft launch,” Murnane assures Bostonians that food trucks will occupy these allocated spots as soon as they possibly can.

Although there is no specific deadline for when the food trucks must start selling to customers, there is a stipulation within the contract that they “could and would inhabit this space.” So it’s only a matter of time before these companies start capitalizing on this great opportunity.

If you’re looking for a new Boston apartment so you can enjoy the benefits of initiatives such as these, contact Warren Residential today!

Completed in 2006, The Folio provides its residents with a long list of comforts.  Each unit is complete with hardwood floors and an in-unit washer and dryer.  The designer lobby, 24/7 Concierge, and Valet Parking add to the general ambiance of convenience and luxury.  The Hilton also offers its housekeeping services to The Folio, which can be a lifesaver for a busy cosmopolitan.

For information on renting or buying units in The Folio, contact a Warren Residential Group agent today!

Ever wonder where Boston’s Back Bay got its name?  It wasn’t always a bustling cultural and commercial center with historic brownstones, posh lofts, and beautiful waterfront condominiums.  This neighborhood of Boston, which includes some of the city’s most important buildings and landmarks, used to be a large bay stretching all the way from the Boston Common to Kenmore square.  By the early 1800s, Boston had already saturated its available and surrounding space, and only a narrow isthmus connected central downtown to the rest of the greater metropolitan area.  In 1857, after a failed attempt to circumvent the city’s traffic problems with a dam/toll road, the city of Boston began a project to “make land.”

35-car-long trains filled with rocks, dirt, and other fill arrived in Back Bay 16 times a day for 43 years, finishing what is now Back Bay Fens or “The Fens” in 1900.  Most buildings’ basements along Commonwealth Avenue and the other streets of the Back Bay were never dug; they simply were left as holes with more dirt and gravel piled around them.  The layout of Back Bay was devised by Arthur Gilman of the Gridley James Fox Bryant firm.  Much inspiration was taken from parts of Paris.  Gilman wanted wide, parallel, tree-lined airy streets, such as Commonwealth Avenue or Beacon Street.

Back Bay Today

The modern day Back Bay, which is an officially recognized neighborhood of Boston, still features rows of beautiful Victorian Brownstones that trace their origins to the monumental project that created the land they live on.  These historic brick walls now stand alongside global landmarks such as the Prudential Center, Hynes Convention Center, and Boston’s famous center for fun, nightlife, dining and high fashion: Newbury Street.  Few blocks in Back Bay lack an architecturally or historically significant building.  Once completely submerged, Back Bay is now a bustling part of downtown Boston brimming with culture, history, and endless entertainment.

Interested in an apartment in Boston’s historic and monumental Back Bay or another Boston neighborhood?  Contact a Warren Residential Group real estate agent to find the perfect apartment or condo for you!

Access to Boston

If it’s an easy commute to the city you’re looking for, there’s convenient access to Boston via the Green “T” line as well as by Route 9. Within twenty minutes (without traffic) you could be enjoying the social and professional benefits of being in downtown Boston. On the flip side, Brookline offers its residents an oasis from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can have the small town feel while still being able to access the fun of the big city. Brookline is the perfect mix of urban and suburban living.

Historic Feel

Brookline has a long record of being home to various notable people – for instance, John F. Kennedy, Conan O’Brien, Larry Bird, James Taylor, Barbara Walters, and others. Brookline also boasts several historical buildings which are registered in the National Register of Historic Places. These sites include the Dutch House, St. Aidan’s Church, and the  Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site. There is a lot of rich history to be explored in the town of Brookline.

Great Schools

The Brookline school system sets the bar for excellence throughout the state of Massachusetts. It is ranked the number one school system in the state by Boston Magazine. So if you’re looking for a town where your kids will get the educational attention they deserve, Brookline may be the perfect fit.

Vibrant Area

One of the most attractive aspects about Brookline is that there are so many exciting things to do in the area. If you’re a Red Sox fan it’s just a short walk to Fenway Park. Also, the streets are lined with award winning shops and restaurants – great for an afternoon of exploring the area or a night out on the town. This may be why Brookline was named among Money Magazine’s “Top 25 Best Places for the Rich and Single.”

What are you waiting for? Contact a Warren Residential Group real estate agent to find the perfect Brookline apartment or Brookline condo for you!

As the temperature continues to rise during the next few months many Boston residents are lucky enough to already have central air in their apartment. However, if you’ve just recently moved into a new place in the city you may not be so fortunate.

The question is do you sweat it out for the summer or spend the money on a cooling unit? If you decide that you just can’t take the heat and plan to install a cooling unit, your next step is choosing between an individual wall/window unit and central air.

The Importance of Determining Room Size

If you plan to purchase an air conditioning unit you should first determine the size of the room you wish to cool. You could be faced with the Goldilocks dilemma – if you buy a unit that’s too small it will be difficult to cool your space on a hot day. On the other hand, if you buy a unit that’s too big you’ll be able to cool your space quickly but will have trouble dehumidifying. Measure your space to make sure you get a unit that is “just right.” Depending on the number and size of rooms you want to cool it may make more sense to choose one over the other, but how can you figure it out?

BTU Calculator

The typical measurement used in the heating and cooling industry is a British Thermal Unit (BTU). This measurement represents the amount of energy it would take to heat/cool 1 gallon of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit. A BTU can specifically measure the amount of heat contained within a certain area.

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends a cooling capacity of 20 BTUs per square foot for window and wall units. For instance, if you have a 10 ft. by 15 ft. room (150 square ft.) you would require a cooling unit with a 6,000 BTU capacity. Once you have calculated the necessary BTU capacity for your space you need to make your purchasing decision.

Window and Wall Unit Air Conditioners

Your BTU measurement will help you determine the size of the air conditioner you need. If you purchase an individual wall unit make sure you look for a new ENERGY STAR conditioner. These units are much more cost effective than older models and cycle the compressor on and off so that it doesn’t operate continuously.

Additionally, it might be a good idea to purchase a model with a timer. You can set the unit to begin cooling a half hour or so before you get home or to stop cooling once you fall asleep. This way you’re not using excessive amounts of energy while you’re not home or sleeping. Also, with individual units you also need to make sure to check the filter during times of high usage.

Central Air Conditioning

If you’re trying to cool two or more rooms in your home it would make the most sense to choose central air. However, you should have an air conditioning contractor measure your space because the BTU calculator for central air is more complicated than that of individual air conditioning units.

It may seem daunting to have central air installed, but central air conditioning can often be a much more cost effect method of cooling more than one room in your home. It can also provide you with a 25-75% return on investment if you should ever choose to sell your home.

Overall, make sure to do your due diligence when researching which type of cooling system would work best for your living situation to make sure you’re not overspending. However, if this whole decision process seems a bit too intimidating you might want to find a Boston apartment already furnished with an air conditioning unit. To help with your search contact a Warren Residential Group agent today!

Curb Appeal. The first and most important impression that potential buyers have of your home is their walk to the front door. It’s difficult in Boston real estate to add “curb appeal” to your apartment door within your building. A lot of this first impression is out of your control. However, if you own a home in Allston or a brownstone in the Back Bay, it’s easy to spruce up the front of your home. Just by sweeping the front steps, adding a door mat, trimming the hedges, or cutting the front lawn, you can immediately improve the odds for a positive first impression.

De-clutter. Your friends might know you as the “kooky” one who has a bunch of knick-knacks on every surface of your home. While this is a great way for you to personalize your living space, it’s not a good way to help potential buyers imagine their own things filling up this space. Try storing all those little trinkets covering your mantle in a drawer or basket off to the side temporarily to give your space a more open feel.

Keep in “showing condition.” Give your Boston home a facelift (and keep it uplifted!). You might have already done the typical scrubbing, dusting, and vacuuming in preparation for the warmer weather this spring. However, potential home buyers are less likely to appreciate the sparkling windows when they’re tripping over your kids’ toys scattered around the house. Try to keep your place clean by putting all clothes away, making beds, and keeping the kitchen free of dirty dishes. A little bit goes a long way!

Big and Bright. There are several ways to make your space seem bigger and brighter. These do not include keeping your shades drawn during the day. Obviously you can get great light by placing several lamps throughout your home, but also try to let some natural light into your space. Also, you can make your home appear more spacious by using neutral colors on the walls and ceilings. This can also help by giving potential buyers a “blank slate” to imagine their style on. Finally, the placement of mirrors can do wonders in making your living space seem larger than it is.

Contact Warren Residential today to speak with a real estate agent who can help you sell your Boston home.