BellaElla

For all you skeptics who think the worst of "Southie" this one's for you...

When I first started looking into apartment options in Boston I immediately ruled South Boston out. I heard the neighborhood was "up and coming" and "full of young professionals" but I honestly didn't believe it. All I could think of was drunk kids who think every day is St. Patrick's Day. I looked into Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Bay Village, and the South End & told my Realtor to NOT include any South Boston options. When my Realtor came back with options in my price range in my desired areas I was less than impressed. I guess that's what happens when you have Champagne taste on a Coors Light budget.

I gave up my apartment search and decided to wait until I saved more money and was able to afford a nicer place in my desired areas. In April of this year I was approached by a colleague asking if I was interested in moving "a block behind the beach". One of her 2 roommates was moving out of their 3 Bedroom apartment and they needed a tenant as soon as possible. I can remember my first trip on the Number 7 bus like it was yesterday. I work downtown, so the walk from our office to the bus stop was approx 2 minutes. On the bus I found nothing but young business professionals. I thought to myself, "maybe Southie wont be so bad". We got off at the East Broadway stop and walked past the Boston Beer Garden and the Playwright. It was an exceptionally warm day for Boston in April and both restaurants had their windows open exposing a young and lively crowd of mid 20 something year olds.... Maybe I misjudged this place. I wasn't going to let my colleague/potential roommate know this until I saw the apartment though.

We walked down K Street and I legitimately felt like I was walking down a street in Bay Village or the South End. The street is lined with trees and flowers and a portion of the apartments on the street have the "Boston Brownstone" facade. We turned onto Marine Road and walked into a 3 story apartment. Upon entering the apartment I already felt like I was home. The Apartment was 5x bigger than anything I had seen in my desired locations, and 5x cheaper! I wanted to take in the whole neighborhood before making a decision, so I asked my colleague/potential future roommate if we could take a walk along the beach. On our walk I saw young professional after young professional run by with either a friend or a 4 legged friend. The whole area was buzzing with life and energy and I just knew I needed to move here.

I have been living in Southie now for just a few months, but I already feel like its home. The streets are always buzzing with activity and excitement. I come from a small town so obviously I was concerned about safety in a city neighborhood... I can honestly say that I feel very safe in Southie. One of the many things I love about Southie are all the mom and pop shops. There is a chic boutique called Ku De Ta and surprisingly it is actually affordable! It's the perfect place for a girl with Champagne taste on a Coors Light budget! There is also a farm to table grocery store called American Provisions which offers a variety of locally sourced items with a strong emphasis on gourmet cheeses and quality meats along with a number of other locally grown items. The final place I will tell you about is Sidewalk Cafe... Best.Coffee.Ever. I am an impatient person and a Starbucks girl, but I will tell you one thing. I WILL wait in the 20 minute Sidewalk line for my Iced Banana Hazelnut coffee...rain or shine... on a Saturday & Sunday morning!

I could go on and on about South Boston and how much of a wonderful neighborhood it is for someone in their Mid-Late 20's but I'll let you come see for yourself what a great little place it is!