Yes! It is worth looking at. The price point is fantastic and the community is amazing. There's a new farmers' market directly across the street with great food and art. The entire neighborhood continues to get better and better. I've lived here for almost 5 years and absolutely love it.

As for the building, they recently dropped a lot of prices and you can get a condo with as little as 5% down. They're up to 8 units sold now and finally making some headway... Best value in Boston, hands down.

Scott, FYI

http://www.boston.com/realestate/news/blogs/renow/2009/08/tr…


John C. Anderson

Look for a place where u can walk in peace and sleep in peace. By a smaller place but in good neighbourhood.
Look at City of Boston map as to where the crime (roberry and murders are committed) and the DECIDE.
Good Luck

Sorry, I take data seriously and I made two mistakes.

Five condos have sold in "The Carruth" but the median sale price of a Dorchester condo was down to $79,500 in March 2009. That down 73.1% from the market peak. Ouch!!!

Thanks a lot Mr. Anderson!

Scott,

It's approaching a year since you posted this question. How is the home search going?

From the answer below you can see that Baxter LOVES his condo in "The Carruth", and for him I'm really genuinely happy, but that doesn't change the problems in the the building or the Dorchester real estate market. The condos at "The Carruth" have been on the market for 17 months (and this doesn't include the months of "pre-completion" advertising) and despite price reductions only 4 of the 42 condos have sold. The developers have taken to renting the condos with "options to buy" but in last week's Sunday "Boston Globe" they were offering two months free to potential renters.

And with the condo market in shambles and prices collapsing it's hard to imagine how many more will sell. (The median Dorchester price of a sold condo was just about $300,000 in 2007 bit in March 2009 was down to $110,000)

John C. Anderson

Scott, I'm an owner at the Carruth and LOVE it! Definitely get beautiful accommodations, great maintenance and the convenience of the T (I can get anywhere, anytime). To the person complaining about parking, underground heated parking at no additional cost is a HUGE bonus in Boston and there is bike storage in the basement. Visitors parking - whenever I have friends over, they can always find parking around the building or across the street. The maintenance of the building is immaculate and the management is friendly. I looked at dozens of condos in and around Boston, and this seemed like the obvious spot (not to mention the long-term plans look very promising). In regards to crime and income restricted units, I, along with my roommate, take the T on a daily basis and have never had an issue in route or walking around the area. I've never had any issues with income restricted housing, as a matter of fact, I really like that there are people of different job backgrounds (many of the income restricted units are for social workers, teachers, etc.); either way, you never come in direct contact with any floor residents except the 5-6th floors. As an owner, all I can say is, I'm very pleased with my condo and the management of the building - and if you're planning to buy for the relative long-term, you could be looking at a solid investment.

Scott -

I say come to Dorchester! It's a great place to live & work, and I think Dorchester offers the best values in Boston.

Unlike other parts of the Boston, $275k buys a large 2-3 bed condo, in a great area. There are lots of rehabs & new construction available. We have walking access to the T, if you want it. The concern about crime is legitimate in any city, and Dorchester is no different, but I can tell you that there are plenty of areas in Dorchester where people are raising their kids, walking their dogs, eating at our great restaurants, and enjoying the close proximity to Downtown! We have alot ot offer here.

As for the Carruth, the $$ per sq. ft has been an issue, but if you compare the amenities, and you like the area, it might work for you.. The T is right there, and there have been sales in the building.

I say enjoy your house hunting, it's rare that interest rates are this low & so are prices!

Happy New Year!

Julie Simmons
Jsimmons@jackconway.com

I wouldn't buy anything in Dorchester right now. Prices are still dropping and there are hundred's of condos on the Dorchester market right now and more foreclosed condos every day.

PLUS, the developers made a few fundamental errors, there is no storage space in the basement, there is no visitor parking (really stupid), and there is only one parkeing space per unit. (My wife and I looked at the Carruth also but we both need our cars for work.) And those rentals on the first 4 floors are a concern also.

There is a development on River Street on the Mattapan /Dorchester line (I think it's "the Schoolhouse" condos), that are similarly priced but, in my opinion, much better designed.

John C. Anderson
THE Real Estate Analyst!!!

PS: I've lived in Dorchester for 30 years and Ashmont Station is NOT a high crime area.