My DH and I both have job opportunities in the Boston area (his downtown, mine in watertown) and we are trying to narrow down an area to live in should we decide to take them. We both went to undergrad in Boston but beyond downtown and Brookline we don't have much knowledge of the area. We would like to be a little more suburban, but with access close by to the commuter rail. We are thinking kids in the next few years so I would like good school districts, and I like the idea of being close to or in a coastal area on north/south shore, but am open to anything at this point. Cost isn't a huge issue.
Any Boston area GBCNers with suggestions? We are going to head up to check out some towns in two weeks and I want to compile a list to check out!
How suburban do you want to be and how long do you want your commute to be?
Some of the places I would recommend that are on transit and less than a 30 minute commute to Boston depending on traffic are Waltham, Newton, and Natick.
How suburban do you want to be and how long do you want your commute to be?
Some of the places I would recommend that are on transit and less than a 30 minute commute to Boston depending on traffic are Waltham, Newton, and Natick.
Doesn't have to be super suburban, I just don't really want to be downtown. Suburban enough for a parking spot and a little yard space. I know I like the Natick mall so that town could be dangerous for my wallet, haha. I will check out Waltham:)
If you need to commute from NS ( Meaning Danvers & North) that is easily an hour commute each way. Burlington may work for you if you want more affordable housing but not as long of a commute as say Beverly of Topsfield.
Hmm yea I guess that won't work I don't really want an hour commute. I am hoping for 30-45 max. Oh well I was just dreaming that shoreline would be an option.
We will prob rent for at least a year to make sure we will be staying long term. We own a house in CT and it isn't selling quickly so owning two homes doesn't seem too appealing.
I will check out Arlington, we have a dog and having a yard would be very nice, she has a lot of yard at our current house.
Post by sapphireblue on Sept 15, 2012 14:58:44 GMT -5
I think you've gotten a great list of towns. I grew up in Newton Highlands, I have lots of family still in different parts of Newton, I'm there regularly for various family gatherings. So if you have any specific questions about that suburb I might be able to answer them.
All of those towns are great though--if you're willing to consider the commuter rail to get to work, you might be able to go further away and closer to the water.
My brother lives in Gloucester and takes the commuter rail into Boston every day for work. That would be longer for you but I think if you're on the train you can at least read or get work done en route so maybe that would make it more appealing?
Post by MixedBerryJam on Sept 15, 2012 15:52:34 GMT -5
Nobody ever mentions Medford, which is my little secret. I'm less than a mile from 93, 10 minutes into Boston, and directly abut 5000 acres of wilderness. We're getting a new green line in the next few years, but the existing commuter line goes into North Station. It's about 15 minutes to Watertown from my house.
Post by shopgirl07 on Sept 15, 2012 16:57:57 GMT -5
I live in Brookline and I think it's the best. I really love it. You've gotten some good suggestions, you definitely need to stay away from the North and South Shore (especially South!) for commuting purposes.
In addition to some of the towns listed, you might want to check out West Roxbury.
Thanks for all the advice!! This is a great list to start with. Once we decide if we are moving we will def check out these towns and I am sure I will be back with more questions then:)
If you are going to work in Watertown, I wouldnt want to commute from the North or South shore. I woud look in Newton, Needham, or Arlington.
How long would it be to commute if we were north/south shore do you think? If I was driving?
Newton was on my short list I will have to check out your other suggestions. Thanks!
If you are driving from North or South shore, traffic would make a relatively low mileage commute awful. Easily over an hour, much longer sometimes. Rt 3 coming from the South Shore can be a parking lot, and same thing for the North Shore. And if you want kids soon, living closer to work and having a shorter commute will make your life so much easier.
Post by LoveTrains on Sept 15, 2012 22:54:14 GMT -5
I wouldn't do Waltham if you are thinking about schools. For Watertown and downtown I think your best bets are newton, Brookline and Arlington. Even Medford to Watertown will be shitty with traffic. North shore will be a nitemare to Watertown. It used to take me over an hour to do salem ( mass) to Medford.
How suburban do you want to be and how long do you want your commute to be?
Some of the places I would recommend that are on transit and less than a 30 minute commute to Boston depending on traffic are Waltham, Newton, and Natick.
Doesn't have to be super suburban, I just don't really want to be downtown. Suburban enough for a parking spot and a little yard space. I know I like the Natick mall so that town could be dangerous for my wallet, haha. I will check out Waltham:)
Trust me when I tell you that if you lived in Natick you'd likely avoid the mall. The traffic is insane.
I wouldn't live on the south shore and commute to Watertown. I would also recommend looking in Brookline and Watertown. I think renting first and then searching for a place while renting is a better option.
I would do Cambridge, Arlington, Belmont, Newton, Wellesley, Medford and Dedham.
I really like Cohasset on the south shore and Swampscott/Marblehead on the North Shore.
My sister really likes Quincy.
Swampscott and Marblehead are great towns, but both are commuting nightmare. It just depends on what the OP can deal with in terms of time on the road or on the train.
PS... If schools aren't going to be an issue, & you don't mind an hour commute I live in the best neighborhood ever. It is like a secret gem inside a city with a stigma. People cannot believe it when they come here. PM me & I'll let to you in.
PS... If schools aren't going to be an issue, & you don't mind an hour commute I live in the best neighborhood ever. It is like a secret gem inside a city with a stigma. People cannot believe it when they come here. PM me & I'll let to you in.
Can you give a hint...like N, S, W etc...I'm curious about the city "with a stigma"...Lynn? Lowell? Brockton?
I think Newton, Brookline, and Arlington are tops of the list right now but we are going to check out a lot of places.
My best friend said I should look at Charlestown, she said it is a little less suburban. I think it might be too "city" but what do people think of this area?
I think Newton, Brookline, and Arlington are tops of the list right now but we are going to check out a lot of places.
My best friend said I should look at Charlestown, she said it is a little less suburban. I think it might be too "city" but what do people think of this area?
Those are all great choices! The schools are excellent, I think that Newton and Arlington will be more suburban feeling. Parts of Brookline are suburban feeling but a lot of it is also more urban.
I personally would not be interested in Charlestown. It is totally urban, I think parking would be really rough, and I think the yards would be tiny. But I haven't been there in years.
I think it's a good move to pick communities that have great subway lines. That's the best way to really enjoy Boston--ditch the car and take the subway for less stress.