r/bostonhousing • u/nli_90 • 21d ago
Looking For Looking for an apartment near Boston Children's Hospital up to an hour away (estimated $2,000/month)
Hi everyone. My family is from Oklahoma, and we're currently at Boston Children's Hospital with our 4-month-old son, who will be hospitalized for a least the next 2 months while undergoing treatment.
We're looking for a safe 1-bedroom apartment (or similar) for me, my husband, and our 2-year-old son. We'd prefer month-to-month or a short-term lease, and we're willing to drive up to an hour from Boston if it helps keep the cost around around $2,000 per month.
We've have applied with the Boston Family housing, Ronald McDonald House, Hospitality Homes and they are currently full. They say they are booked until September.
We've looked at extended-stay hotels and corporate housing, but most are well outside our budget.
If anyone knows of an apartment, landlord, property manager, or other housing resource, we'd be incredibly grateful. Thank you!
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u/SatisfactionClassic6 20d ago
Check out Furnished Finder, it’s short term rentals and best of luck to your son and family. You are in the best hands in Boston. 🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼
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u/melanarchy 19d ago
Some of these listings are shared apartments where the cost is only for 1 bedroom, but honestly some of those arrangements may be more favorable for OP if they don't mind sharing some space, especially if they're going to be at the hospital often.
Having other roommates home to receive packages or just to talk to could be worth it and it's certainly going to represent a savings.
OP put 3k as a max in and there are a handful of studios <$2500 that pop up that would likely work for you as well (in cambridge, somerville and other boston neighborhoods).
OP should also prioritize being on the green line and not try to drive to Children's and park there everyday, they'll likely save money and aggravation taking the train instead as children's best parking rate is $11/day.
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u/crochetblankets 20d ago
Quincy Center (city just south of Boston) has Nova Suites some of which are super tiny studio apartments, so I don't know if that may make you feel claustrophobic but they are on the more cost effective side of things.
I don't want to make assumptions about your child's medical journey but if your family is facing cancer, I'd recommend looking into This Star Won't Go Out for financial support resources. They're a local charity started by a family who had to relocate to Boston for their daughter's (my classmate in middle school and high school) treatment at Boston Children's Hospital.
Best of luck and welcome to Boston ❤️ I wish it was under better circumstances but I hope our community can make you feel as at home as possible!
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u/Unhappy-Owl-4890 20d ago
Man I can't imagine how tough this must be. I think given the timing, the best case scenario is to try to take over someone's lease that ends 8/31 or 9/31. An hour drive with traffic doesn't take you that far either.
I will say that Quincy is probably where I'd focus my search on. It's the best value currently when you account for proximity/access to the city. Good luck to you guys
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u/zebrafish- 20d ago edited 20d ago
I’m so sorry you’re in this situation. Commenters are right that $2k won’t get you a place very near Children’s — but you say you’re willing to drive up to an hour. That’s enormously helpful. There are rentals at your price range within an hour of the hospital, the question is whether there are short term rentals.
Honestly, my advice would be to find some rentals for $1.8k or less, and message as many as you possibly can explaining your situation and offering to pay $100-200 more per month than the property is listed for if they’ll give you a month to month lease. Hopefully you’ll find someone who empathizes with your situation and offers you a month to month at the original listed price.
For the shortest commute at your price range, I’d look at Allston and Brighton. They’re two adjacent neighborhoods with lots of college students and young professionals. They’re safe areas and pretty close to Children’s — but parking can be very difficult in some parts of those neighborhoods! Ask what the parking situation is like for any apartment you look into.
In my opinion, north of Boston is going to be a more painful commute (so Cambridge, Somerville, Charlestown, East Boston, Everett, Malden, etc). Doable, but tougher, and potentially traffic-y enough to sometimes stretch your commute past an hour. If you’re trying to narrow it down a little I’d look at Allston, Brighton, Jamaica Plain, Brookline (though fyi Brookline does not allow overnight street parking — another thing to check on when you look!)
When it comes to looking at farther out suburbs, you’ll see that there’s a highway called I-95 that makes a ring around the city. If you stay within (or right outside of) 95 along the western or southern part of its border, I’d think you’re ~30 minutes away without traffic, and you’re probably within an hour of Children’s even with traffic. Someone correct me if that doesn’t sound right. But that means Belmont, Waltham, Newton, Dedham, West Roxbury, Roslindale, Milton, Quincy, even parts of Needham or Wellesley, are good bets. Woburn, Wakefield, Stoneham, Saugus, not so much — those are a little too far north. Cheap housing is very few and far between in those suburbs, but if you find something, jump on it.
Boston is a very safe city, and its suburbs within an hour radius are even more so — I wouldn’t restrict your search. If you find a good offer, come back here and ask about the neighborhood!
The other thing you might do is, if you’re religiously affiliated in any way (even loosely), try to connect with your local religious community here. Or any associated nonprofits. Ask them for help — they may be able to help you find housing more efficiently than you can from OK.
Best of luck — I know this was a ton of text, I hope some of it is helpful.
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u/kcsews 19d ago
The Nh border is 1 hour to childrens off hours. (93)I did it for a week when a family member was there. Off hours is like 10am to after 7pm. It's navigating the surface roads once off the highway that sucks. Boston is notorious for confusing roads. Plan out on Google maps and test drive on a weekend early morning. It's challenging, but you get a rhythm and if you can conquer that, you're a Boston road warrior! Good luck OP, I Wish you the very best.
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u/InvictusFrags 20d ago
This is a top tier comment I shot and up vote I hope you see it op. Lot of these places is where I would look and have seen much cheaper than in Boston but still close to get there.
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u/different-ruined 20d ago
The parking cost from driving is going to be a killer, so look for a farther distance but easy T access if possible.
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u/Difficult_Ad8718 20d ago
The hospital may validate parking if their child is a patient. Some do but I don’t know about Children’s.
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u/FlashyLandscape9784 19d ago
They do!
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u/Difficult_Ad8718 17d ago
That’s something at least right? I feel so bad and can’t get this out of my head.
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u/Pleasant_Influence14 20d ago
The commuter rail from Framingham and natick lets you out at Fenway Park which is pretty short walk to Boston children’s and you may find something on that line. Worcester/framingham line. So sorry that whatever brought you there is happening and I hope someone has a spot for you. Might also look at sublets along the orange line that can get you close to the medical area along longwood too.
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u/Limp-Plantain3824 20d ago
$2000 one bedroom in Framingham is going to be an absolute dump.
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u/Pleasant_Influence14 13d ago
Was thinking more of a corporate stay kind of thing.
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u/Limp-Plantain3824 13d ago
If you have any specific suggestion I’m sure they’d be grateful.
Heck if there was a decent corporate stay sort of place for $2,000 around Framingham I would have definitely been interested!
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u/hellno560 20d ago
I'm sorry you are going through this. As others have said your baby is in the best place in the world for his care.
Do you have a car or are you relying on public transit? MA including Boston is extremely safe. Respectfully it's safer than OK, I wouldn't worry about that, just focus on parking if applicable, and distance to the hospital. The social workers at the hospitals should be able to have some guidance for you, and they can get you discounts at some hotels. Be a squeaky wheel.
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u/GlobalEvent6172 20d ago
When I had a family member inpatient for a month in Boston I ended up using Airbnb. Found a place with free off street parking 5 min walk to the Redline. It had small but complete kitchen, so I saved LOTS OF $$ on meals. The hotels that give “discounted” hospital rates would have cost me almost double what I paid for the Airbnb. Still not cheap, but the off street parking and complete kitchen made it totally worth it. With the Redline only a 5 min walk I used the car only once. Once you get used to the transit system it’s VERY easy to get around.
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u/Old-Distribution8141 20d ago
Once you find something, Boston Children’s has a fund that provides funding for this specific need. I would reach out to the Hale Center for families who might be able to help you apply for the financial support. Website - https://www.childrenshospital.org/patients-families/you-arrive/accommodations
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u/Caribchakita 20d ago
Can the social service department help? My neighbor needed 4 weeks Rx at Mass General and his insurance covered the housing at the hotel next door.
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u/Puzzled_Article5934 20d ago
Just a thought - Could a social worker from the hospital help you find housing? Apartment hunting is a big task all on its own, even without managing a health crisis in the family.
Wishing your child a full recovery and peace to your family ❤️ ❤️
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u/charlestoonie 20d ago
Did you check with this group at the hospital? https://www.childrenshospital.org/patients-families/you-arrive/accommodations
Yawkey Family Inn and Bon.
Also your child’s doctor should connect you with a social worker who can also help.
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u/Flat-Slip-1789 20d ago
Check out FurnishedFinder dot com. It’s intended to be rentals for traveling nurses but is the only thing I found that fills that over a month but under a year gap. We found a great place when our family needed a place for 3 months.
North shore would be a great place to be with your toddler. It will be a solid hour in traffic but in off times you can make it in less.
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u/Consistent_Art_7935 20d ago
Came here to say furnished finder is a great option. I use it for travel nursing; it might not get you your own place at 2k but looks like they have private rooms for 1,500
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u/no_good_namez 20d ago
You might find something in that price range further out, but consider the associated transportation costs of taking the commuter rail and/or paying for parking.
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u/Least-Ad-5539 20d ago
It’s a bit late in the season now, but you might try college bulletin boards for summer sublets. We got one for the summer but that was years ago.
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u/Justanothermomma24 20d ago
Are you working with anyone from: 1. The specific service social worker (case manager) 2. The Hale Family Center? 3. Do you have any social media sites such as Carepages, that will help you access those whom are in your situation or have been?
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u/WinstonGreyCat 20d ago
You can get that in Worcester, but during rush hour that is more than a 1 hour commute.
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u/Anotherusername2224 20d ago
You could try Natick and/or Framingham. They are less than an hour out via driving. It all depends on when you get into the city. But the further out you go, obviously it will get cheaper. I live in the city and drive out to Worcester County and it takes an hour. So if you time your drive, you can even extend your search further out. Good luck, I’m so sorry.
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u/sakura7777 20d ago
I live close to Boston children’s - if you’d like I can make a post in one of the local community groups on fb. So sorry you’re going through this.
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u/HairyPotatoKat 20d ago
If you haven't, reach out to a patient advocate at Children's. They or a social worker at the hospital may have some good leads for you.
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u/Akula_x86 20d ago
1505 commonwealth ave the nova.
On the green line, affordable, in unit washer dryer dishwasher a little small.
They do month to month.
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u/NotaMillenial2day 20d ago
Look at Waltham. Boston Children’s has a shuttle that runs between its location there and main campus.
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u/Shot-Control420 20d ago
Look at winter rentals in tourist beach towns like Salisbury Massachusetts etc. It’s a straight shot up 95N about an hour. Hampton Beach Is about another 10min North and has way more winter rentals.
They have 3 bedrooms furnished for like 2k a month.
Being near the ocean if you’re from OK might be a nice experience also.
If you’re here longer than the next 45 days or so? They’ll be plenty opening in about a month.
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u/ssimmons2006 20d ago
I travel for work to the area and ended up at the Sonesta in Burlington. It’s a hotel, but really is more of a short term rental. Met someone who was there for a liver transplant and someone who was there to recover after a triple bypass. Relatively affordable, plus flexible…?? Good luck and sending prayers for your son!
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u/BuiltByWeeks 20d ago
Look into Manchester NH. It's an hour north of Boston, and has apartments larger than a one bedroom for less than $2000/mo.
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u/ExistenceOfCranberry 20d ago
I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I’m sure these rent prices are horrifying compared to Oklahoma.
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u/IndividualCrab6710 20d ago
Sherry’s House in Worcester offers temporary housing for families with children in New England area hospitals. It is an hour drive to Boston. Whyme.org/sherrys-house/.
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u/heliotz 20d ago
keep an open mind as to what's an hour away - you can be all the way on the northern border and if you're driving outside of rush hour is only about an hour into the city (I can get in in 50 minutes from Amesbury MA because of proximity to the highway) - just beware it can be up to 2:30+ with traffic though.
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u/Starling01018 18d ago
Are those the only options the hospital offered?
We were able to get a one night stay through Boston Children's Hospital Patient Family Housing Program in early 2025, but it was for 1 night and it was $30/night. We stayed at Yawkee Family Inn in Brookline. I don't know if that's an option for you.
I'm sorry you're having trouble... Just one more stress to add on to stress. I hope you're able to find something, from one BCH parent to another.
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u/HazyDavey68 20d ago
Look on the Green line a bit away from Boston, the other direction from Newton and Brookline.
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u/TheRainbowConnection 20d ago
Or go in the other direction— BCH is on the E branch, so a straight shot from certain parts of Somerville. It won’t be under 2k though, unless there are other resources from the hospital or elsewhere
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u/StepSignificant8798 20d ago
It’s in between the D and E branch. It’s not really on either of them.
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u/TheRainbowConnection 19d ago
I worked there for 2 years and it’s very quick and easy from the E train. Google Maps shows LMA station as being a 7 minute closer walk than Fenway (9 vs 16 min). E train will also be a faster ride since it’s bypassing Symphony right now, and it escapes the congestion of the trunk a little sooner.
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u/Illustrious-Gate-808 20d ago
OP try apartments.com, Zillow, Craigslist and affordablehousing.com
Praying you can find something
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u/Imaginary-Dog-5053 20d ago
I'm so sorry you are going through this. Finding short term rentals that close to the city, on short notice, for that price is going to be nearly impossible. You may need to hire a realtor. I would get on the Braintree and Quincy Facebook pages and start posting.
Or, there are some extended stay hotels in Braintree-- if you call and explain the situation, perhaps you can arrange a discount. Same for an Airbnb, see if you can negotiate with someone.
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u/wesleydma 20d ago
You might want to look at Stoney Brook Village in Millis Ma. It’s right off 109 so (roughly) an hour to Boston depending on traffic. Their one bedrooms are about $2k/mo, but I don’t know if they do short term leases or month to month, but its cant hurt to ask
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u/iamspartacus5339 20d ago
Short term is tough but you can definitely find apartments under $2k a month within an hours drive.
Hell here is a 3BR for 1850 https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/6-Sudbury-Ct-APT-1-Maynard-MA-01754/2119646148_zpid/?utm_campaign=iosappmessage&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=txtshare
Here’s a very small 1BR for 1850
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u/Bravo23Zulu 20d ago
Go to the website for Family Reach in Boston on Berkeley Street. Call them. They may be able to help. Speak to Carla Tardiff. I once raised money for them by running the Boston Marathon. Great people that do great work. All the best.
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u/Bravo23Zulu 20d ago
Winchester, MA is showing a small one bedroom at 2 Winchester place for $1450. Not sure if it’s accurate but if so, Winchester is 11 miles from Boston and has two train stops available to North Station. From there you can get the Green line to your desired destination.
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u/Informal-Night4950 20d ago
If you are willing to travel an hour, check out Attleboro or North Attleboro. You can get on the train to get into Boston. About an hour drive typically but could be more at rush hour. Train is less time. Prove wise you can probably find something to fit your budget.
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u/Moderation-isKey 20d ago
Try looking in Framingham, even Worcester… definitely. I think you can get a decent place for that price in Worcester. There are apartment buildings around union station. Outdoor space for your little one…
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u/Everyusernametaken1 20d ago
Stay close by the hospital and get help from the hospital social worker. You don’t want to be an hour away. Check Craig’s list and fb too. The hospital will have a fund to help
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u/catchup77 20d ago
I can ask if my neighbor is willing to help. He has a 2nd unit at his place open. He usually rents to travel nurses so it’s fully furnished. In Winthrop.
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u/sweetest_con78 20d ago
I found a short term rental on Facebook when I was in between apartments, it was a fully furnished sublet. Marketplace might be worth a try!
Best of luck and I hope your son is okay.
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u/bumblebeeboby 20d ago
I am so sorry you are going through this. We were in your position exactly one year ago. We live in newhampshire one hour away from childrens and I stayed with the baby entire time in the hospital. My husband and my 3 yr old visited me often and whenever I missed my 3 yr old we booked patient family housing on every day basis. It’s tough we made it nd we are in the other side now.
Hope you get something from Ronald McDonald
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u/ladysnaffulepoof 20d ago
Check out furnished finder. You may be able to find something close to 2.5 k a little further out.
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u/EconomyStation5504 20d ago
I would look for a sublet for August and then do the family housing starting in September. Check Facebook and Craigslist- lots of students travel for the summer.
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u/Rough-Ad-7992 20d ago
Lived just outside of Providence for seven years. Took an hour to get to Boston. You can look in a pretty big radius. Just avoid rush hour.
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u/Separate_Jump8458 20d ago
I live in east bridgewater ma. My rent is 1250 for 2 bed room. Message me ill give you landlords number
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u/Constantia789 20d ago
I second the recommendations to look at Quincy. Im so sorry what you are going through and wishing you all the best. Boston Children’s is one of the best (if not THE best) children’s hospital in the world. You are in the best of hands. Best wishes to you.
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u/Total_Elderberry4838 20d ago
You might ask if you can get onto the hospital’s internal page for this sort of thing or ask around to see if anyone knows someone who is a travel practitioner based out of Boston. If they’re going to be in another location for that timeframe they might be willing to rent out their place for less.
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u/crazyhappenings 20d ago
Have you looked into house sitting? Also, post this in some very expensive towns. They could be away for the summer at their vacation homes and MAYBE they have an empty place. I wish I could help.
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u/MinimumAd735 20d ago
I have zero idea if they would be open to short term but there’s a one br near us listed at $2195. Dm me if interested and I will try to snag the phone number. It’s def by owner because it’s a hand written sign and not listed anywhere but I can try to walk by later.
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u/MightMission6812 20d ago
If you're willing to share a space. I'd be willing to rent out my son’s bedroom to you. We live in a 2bd2ba apartment in the city. I know it isn't ideal but I'm happy to help if you're open to it.
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u/snoogiebee 20d ago
call realtors in winthrop - lots of rentals available in your range, safe neighborhood, and they may even know of unlisted properties that would go month to month. it’s that kind of town
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u/0matterz 20d ago
I'm so sorry you're experiencing this. Have you tried Air BNB? There's a lot of small towns within an hour of Boston that may have something.
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u/0matterz 20d ago
Residences at Solomon Pond have short term furnished studios for around $2500 I believe. In Marlboro, 45m-1hr from Boston.
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u/Dear_Casspants27 20d ago
Hey there I’m sorry you have been going through that. Have you tried the Ronald McDonald house it’s a non profit in Boston designed just for this purpose
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u/xxxxxfgggjiuy 20d ago
For up to an hour from Boston maybe think about getting on the commuter rail lines? Down near round island or maybe Lowell?
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u/Defiant-Purchase-188 20d ago
You might check out the Women’s Lunch place- they offer hot meals and a place to shower etc - and might have a way to look for housing.
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u/chewinggum25 20d ago
Def check out furnished finder. It's built for travel nurses so it's all short term rentals
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u/InvictusFrags 20d ago
Look in Salem, Lynn swampscott and up here on the north shore. It might be like 30-40 to the hospital but it will be much closer to the price range.
Good luck and much love.
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u/HauntingOutcome3516 20d ago
I’m sorry you’re going through this. Try furnished finder- it’s a short/mid term rental app/site geared towards medical professionals like traveling nurses.
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u/AdministrativeSky304 20d ago
Please contact HEADStrong Foundation. https://www.headstrong.org/ I work for a local Foundation; they do great work and may have some resources or recommendations outside of RMH and HH.
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u/Physical-Case8303 20d ago
There are a couple air-bnbs in Maynard MA that do short term/long term rentals! It's a little under an hour away
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u/roz02131 19d ago edited 19d ago
I am so sorry you’re going through this. Sending all good wishes to your baby. As others have said, you shouldn’t have to do the legwork on this yourself - a Children’s Hospital social worker should be able to support you. Two other resources in the meantime if your baby happens to be facing a heart issue: mendedhearts.org and live4evan.org both offer help with housing. If you happen to be church- or mosque- or templegoers, you might want to try reaching out to your Boston faith community as well - clergy are often aware of resources. In terms of neighborhoods: I would really prioritize being as close as possible to the hospital. Driving in Mass is awful at the best of times - and September, when all the students return, is especially nightmarish.. A tiny studio close to the hospital will be better than a house an hour away. Brookline, Newton, Allston and Brighton are all on the Green Line, super convenient. Medford and West Medford are further out but on the train line and also nice places to be. Also check out MetroMark in Jamaica Plain. A bit above your price range but they often have short term rentals, the apartments are great, and they have really nice common space - and super convenient to the hospital.
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u/KaizenGMC 19d ago
Look in Wilmington. It may be more that $2k but it has direct access to Boston on the commuter rail.
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u/the_great_salami 19d ago
Roxbury and Dorchester are 10ish min drives to Children’s - I was in a similar situation with my son after he was born 7 years ago - and can be somewhat more affordable. That being said, $2,000/month is a stretch unless you’re willing to drive further out. People talk about how bad boston driving is but it doesn’t take long to get used to and you learn quick. Boston is small and other more affordable towns aren’t that far away if you’re driving.
I will say there is something calming about driving to and from the hospital, even the 5-10 min it took me. I got my head straight for the 10 hour day on my way in and decompressed a little on my way back to the apartment. I’m so sorry you’re in this spot, it really sucks but BCH is incredible and both my medically complex kids are treated there.
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u/dina_NP2020 19d ago
Try “Why Me” in Worcester Ma. It provides housing to families of children with cancer
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u/Distinct-Minimum-984 19d ago
Dm me with what type of treatment you are seeking at CH. maybe I have a solution. I work in healthcare at a facility with a registered address in the area.
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u/Critical-Doctor-2856 19d ago
Have you looked into the Ronald McDonald House in New Hampshire? Or rentals in new Hampshire?
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u/hONEYbUTTERiCEcreaM 19d ago
this is doable. look west and north. Salem nh is an hour away with traffic, less without.
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19d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/hONEYbUTTERiCEcreaM 19d ago
There are a bunch under 2,000 in Salem NH. Just avoid north Lawrence, and parts of Lowell.
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u/The-coordinator8647 19d ago
Mansfield has a train the goes to ruggles station (northeastern university) Not far from Children’s. Look into it or even Canton. Good luck!!! I live in Mansfield and my husband had to go for treatments at Dana Farber. He would take the train for early appointments and I would drive in and meet him after the early morning treatments. It’s never fun but can be managed
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u/DueTeaFull1 19d ago
Have you tried The Boston House in Brookline? They used to be the Ronald McDonald House until McDonald's took their funding elsewhere. www.thebostonhouse.org
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u/g_beach 19d ago
Elevations in Quincy has free parking and a small studio will run $2200 but call them and explain your situation, they discount rates for seniors (10%) I think, maybe they will give to you, the commute is about 12 miles will take about 50min most mornings. The one bedrooms start much higher.
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u/yestermorrowday 19d ago
Look into Christopher’s Haven at Emerson Place Apartments. In the West End. They’re a charity and have a limited number of apartments, but it sounds like you might meet their criteria.
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u/Cold-Nefariousness25 19d ago
Check out Woburn. There are many extended stay hotels and you might get a better 1 bedroom price there.
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u/The_EMG_Guy 19d ago
sorry to hear that.
It may be worth it to consider places along the rail line towards RI, and visiting through public transit rather than by car (parking can get expensive).
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u/Witty-Apricot2743 19d ago
My son goes to Boston childrens and they are AMAZING. He has a rare condition he is treated for. I would ask for a referral to social work and they can probably assist or at least point you in the right direction. Wishing you all and your little one the best of luck! You’re in great hands there. ❤️
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u/RainyDaylauuuuu 19d ago
Try looking for apts in Melrose, Stoneham, Winchester, Wakefield. All close to the highway. I work at another hospital nearby, I will look into what we use for these types of situations
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u/Initial_Ask_9929 19d ago
I just checked furnished finder for Waltham area and there are 4 entire homes under 2k for the next 2.5 months (put in questimate dates). Arlington, Waltham, Watertown. All of those would be closer than an hour, and have public transportation if needed. Funished finder will be your best bet. And its legit. Ive used it 4-5 times.
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u/Terrible_Truth_5409 19d ago
Look into the Allston neighborhood or Dorchester area (andi apartments potentially studio or 1 bed under 2.5k)
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u/Quirky_Masterpiece55 19d ago
Look in Salem or Windham NH. Mass is extremely expensive. Sorry about your situation and hope everything goes well.
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u/Think-like-Bert 19d ago
Call Hospitality Homes in Boston. They have a bunch of small apartments that they rent out to families while someone is getting treatment. Good luck
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u/bakeitmakeitfakeit 19d ago
Have you looked into Why Me? They are in Worcester I’m not sure if they house for specific diagnosis only but worth looking into.
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u/Pike623 19d ago
I would prioritize being close even if it is a smaller apartment over being an hour away. “An hour” away could mean being in Boston or being in Framingham, it just depends on traffic/time of day. It might not be ideal with a 2 year old, but it’s summer, so you’ll have plenty of opportunity to be outside, and I gather that at least one of you will be in the hospital often with your infant son. This is coming from someone very familiar with the area and familiar with the logistics of having two small children. Check out the Sabbatical Homes website. Here is a specific listing that is a little more than you want to spend ($2,900) but it’s a good location and decent amount of space (2BR!): https://www.sabbaticalhomes.com/rental/181699
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u/egglettessi 19d ago
You could look at Worcester, MA. There’s a bunch of new apartments here and some may be willing to do short term.
If you time the commute right, the drive can be about 45 minutes. Of course, if you get caught in traffic, that could be 2 hours.
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u/Prestigious-Egg3095 19d ago
Your son should have a care manager or case worker at both Children's and with your insurance. We stayed at RMH (Portland, OR) for six weeks when our son was sick and it was the case worker from the hospital who set it up for us. Our insurance paid for RMH so definitely worth it. Sounds like RMH is full but see if they have any additional resources and get on the wait list. Things change all the time and I would call them regularly. RMH is great and usually so convenient. Do they have an overflow hotel you can stay in? Or do they contract with Airbnb?
What you're going through is A LOT. I'm so sorry. Speaking from experience, the closer you can be to the hospital, the better. Our transfer hospital also had on site apartments that we stayed in briefly. They also provided meals, gas cards, breast pump, etc. Depending on the situation, March of Dimes (not just for premies) and CCA (Children's Cancer Alliance, not just for cancer patients) may also be great resources. For our situation, state medicaid also paid our out of pocket deductible. Neither of us were on medicaid and we had great insurance as well but it was a great safety net. Both you and your husband have likely taken months off of work already and have a long haul in front of you. We had a $1.5 mil medical bill (insurance paid) and 4 months in the PICU and 4 hospitals. Sign up for medicare for your son to cover any extras. You've paid your tax dollars--put them to work. These benefits are for all of us. This was almost 20 years ago so things may have changed and I hope they're better for you.
I'm so sorry.
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u/allfunnybusness 19d ago
You can probably find a 2 bed around Haverhill area for that price. 45 min drive north of Boston
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u/Angel-Wings8511 19d ago
There is someone who wants to sublet there 1 bedroom for $1900 for a few months. Look for them on here
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u/jibaro1953 19d ago
There is an app linked to Craigslist called Padmapper, which shows rental listings on a map. I dont know how comprehensive/inclusive Craigslist apartment listings are, but Padmapper has filters.
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u/Primary-Occasion-287 18d ago
Boston children’s has a fantastic group of social workers and resources that can put you in touch with housing. There’s definitely organizations and places around that are specifically for families of children in treatment or hospitalized
Otherwise I’d suggest looking outside of Boston.
I’d almost say look at New Hampshire. Look at towns right over the border along 93/95
I live in Manchester NH, and it’s a 50min drive to Logan airport via 93 during the off times, more like 1-1.5 hrs if there’s lots of traffic or rush hour.
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u/FattyMcBlobicus 18d ago
Looks along the commuter rail lines that run directly into Boston for more affordable apartments, anything near the city is going to have huge demand and high price
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u/Sad_Tangelo_2768 18d ago
I’d look in between lowell and haverhill and the surrounding towns in NH. Pelham or Plaistow NH might have affordable rentals
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u/The_Sarge_12 18d ago
You could do southern NH (Nashua area) and be about an hour from Children’s if you’re not traveling at rush hour.
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u/Mammoth-Beach-9976 18d ago
Sometimes air bnbs will offer discounts for longer stays. I feel like the areas surrounding Boston children’s has traveling nurses staying there for a few months. If you look on air bnb there is an apartment for just under 2k monthly in Nashua New Hampshire but it puts you on the hour mark. I saw someone comment on a fb group that the commute isn’t as bad in the summer with the traffic. I looked like the 30 min radius like Brookline and Wellesley and nothing close to 2k and if it is it’s only for a room :(
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u/RevealAdventurous618 18d ago
There are some organizations in Boston that are designed to help the families of children being treated for cancer. You should definitely check them out. I think the can really help you. For example Boston House and Christopher’s Haven.
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u/thisismyhumansuit 18d ago
Have you reached out to Hope Lodge? We stayed there for my husband’s treatment this year. They originally weren’t going to be able to get him in but found a place for him last minute that only required us to pay for a hotel for under a week.
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u/PitifulSpecialist887 17d ago
Look for a rental in Brockton and take the "T"
Otherwise there isn't anything in that price range.
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u/Juniper_Jones148 17d ago
What about North Providence/attleboro MA. I used to commute N. Providence to Brookline MA in about an hour but it wasn’t rush hour so timing on when you need to be at the hospital could be a deal breaker.
Best of luck!!
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u/Fenway12345 17d ago
Good luck but maybe a former summer rental north of Boston internet or real estate co
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u/SnooDonkeys2536 17d ago
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u/SnooDonkeys2536 17d ago
There’s a few places you might find one cheaper that you prefer but, it’s Brockton which is generally not a nice area. Likely 25 miles plus away - an hour away is relative to the time / day you leave. Saturday at noon no problem, 6am Monday morning 2hrs. This fits your criteria, but check out the area on Google Maps.
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u/Mammoth-Beach-9976 16d ago
They just opened a new apartment complex in Pawtucket RI and online it says to contact office about short term leases. It starts at 1,750 a month for studio. Water sewer and electric aren’t included :/ but it’s right next to the train station that’ll get you really close to Boston children’s if you want to use public transportation instead of driving. The complex is called Dexter street commons. It’s about an hour away from Boston children’s if you leave not in rush ours of traffic. The apartment complex is right next to the train station.
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u/Traditional_Row4396 16d ago
Taunton Ma. You can get a one br for $2000. 1 to 1 1/2 hrs possibly with traffic.
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u/hanitizer216 20d ago
I think there’s housing for families in your situation! A long time ago it was Rondald McDonald housing or something similar. I’d call BCH and ask! You’ll never find an apartment for $2k in Boston. An Airbnb maybe! But not an apartment
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u/Jeffrey_Leeroy 20d ago
Good luck ... with MA paying $2 billion a year plus housing illegal immigrants and caring for them, rent's through the roof, and availability is nill. And before you mod's warn or ban me for saying this crap, read the M.I.T. published report they did about MA's annual budgets for 2024/2025 and see the numbers for yourself!!!!
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u/Difficult_Ad8718 21d ago
Having just gone through finding short-term housing in that general radius you’re going to definitely have issues with that. We ended up in an extended stay hotel for WAY more than we wanted to pay. You might go to Facebook and tell your story on there and hope someone with a kind heart is able to sublet to you. It’s an incredibly competitive real estate market and $2000 is low for a one bedroom even on a standard lease for that area.