I live in a studio at Dorchester and I love it. The buildings are old, and that will be your first thought when you see them - but VERY well kept. When I first moved in all the appliances were brand new or one year old. The place was spotless. I've had two minor problems, and maintence came that day to fix them.
Whenever my friends who live in downtown DC come to see my apartment they're always shocked at how large the studio is. I have so much room and would be paying several hundred more to live in DC - and utilities are included!
The only downside is that you need to take a bus to get to the metro, but I feel that the area is relatively safe, and the building is extremely safe and quiet. So the commute is worth it!