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Relocation help please
Hello everyone - I am a regular on Parenting but am hoping to get a little advice from you local ladies and hoping you can point me in the right direction and narrow down my hunt/research.
So currently I commute from Connecticut to Boston and it is wearing on me fast. But I make the most money and hold the health insurance for the family. DH is still only employed part time because he cannot find full time work. I am looking at possible relocation to Mass but have no idea where to start. I am looking for a reasonable commute/public transportation to Boston, good schools for my 2 boys and reasonable cost of living. I know the closer to Boston the higher COL but I just can't keep doing a 1.5+ hour commute each way anymore. Any ladies know of/or in an area that might sound like a good fit? Is it better to be south shore, west toward Framingham etc? Any guidance and asistance in pointing me in the best area would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
cj
Re: Relocation help please
Where is your work?
I had a 4.8 mile commute and still spent 1 hour in the car each way. 90 minutes if I took public transit. That was working in Cambridge though. When I worked downtown off of State Street, I took the bus and was door to door in 15 mins.
So we need to know where you work!
South shore is a henious commute, IMO. I would not do that. With 2 kids, I'd look at Newton because the commuter rail runs out there and it's fairly close to the city limits.
Do you work in the city? How do you drive there now? The expressway?
Oh ok, I work at the seaport waterfront at the world trade center in Boston off silver line.
Currently I drive the Mass Pike 90 all the way in and it dumps me off right at my parking lot.
The traffic here is really horrible. When I commuted into the city it would take me about 1.15 in the morning, and then at least an 1.30 on the way home---and I live (without traffic) 45 minutes out. Forget about it if it was a Friday, Christmas time, or there was an accident.
Are you looking for a more "city" feel or do you dream of a big back yard?
Are you looking to buy or rent, and either way what is your price range?
Ditto this. Avoid commuting on I-93 if at all possible.
Your criteria are obviously the holy grail of housing, but generally you're going to have to compromise on something in the reasonable commute, good schools, reasonable COL trifecta, or else everyone would have the perfect living situation
.
Ditto the questions about your budget and rent vs. buy desires. That would help us get you started.
Hi,
I am not sure if you are looking to buy or rent but I would look at Newton and Needham. Parts of Newton are better than others as with most towns and the best schools are in the expensive zone. Newton is made up of 13 villages one is Nonantum. This area is one of the least expensive areas and have really been build up recently. Lots of new condo's being build which might be a good buy, plus that area feeds into Newton North High School which is great.
Needham is a great a great buy cost wise and because their schools have been on the up and up. I would say depending on your price point I would start with Needham. You can get a great home, great schools and the neighborhood is rather adorable. Go to Lizzy's Ice cream if you have the chance in Needham its great.
If you have the money, I would recommend looking into Waban, Chestnut Hill or West Newton which are villages in Newton which have great schools. I would also recommend in this same category Wellesley or Weston great schools, but cost a lot to live in.
Hope this helps!
For a reasonable COL, I would definitely check out Natick. It has a cute downtown and good schools. The commuter rail is there that would take you into South Station (where you should be able to walk or grab the silver line to seaport). It is also easy on/off from the pike as well.
If you've got the $$, go Newton or Brookline. That will cut down the commute time significantly but it definitely comes with a price.
Good luck!
Great - Thank you so much for the guidance. Unfortunately I know all too well about the traffic. I have traveled to this job for 10+ yrs but I just know my own route and not much about suburbs and locations for schools etc.
If I can get my commute under 45 minutes I would be very happy. Last night took me 2.5 hours to get home. Traveling 79 miles each way stinks royally.
Thanks again everyone