Where to live in Boston area?? (Cambridge, Newton: real estate, broker, houses)

[DCer]

Wow, there are so many choices! Yikes. My husband is interviewing at Harvard, and we're pretty sure a move is in our future. WE love Boston the city, but know nothing about all the towns in the surrounding area! Any advice or suggestions would be much appreciated. Here's what we're looking for:

*good schools (we've got two young boys)
*nice community feel (we'd love to be in walking distance to a town center with shops and things to do)
*nice green space
*a decent commute (the school is near Fenway Park)
*single family home with at least 2000+ square feet for less than 600K
*fairly close to city

I think those are the major things we want. The little research I've done so far points me to Watertown, Newton, Brookline and Arlington, but I hate to put too much stock in online research! WE're hoping to narrow down the town choices and take a trip to scout houses.

Thanks for any suggestions!

[whinton]

Based on your price range, I would recommend Arlington. Great community, good schools (although Newton and Brookline schools are better), and the Minuteman Bike trail goes through the city. You should be able to find something within walking distance to Arlington Center or the Arlington Heights shopping area, both have a variety of good restaurants and shopping. However, I am not sure how long it would take to get to Fenway compared to your other choices. Also, Belmont may be another option for you.

[DCer]

Thanks! Arlington definitely sounds great on paper, so I can't wait to check it out in person. It's a big plus to be so close in, even if the commute is a little longer.

Does anyone have any good online real estate broker recommendations? WE've been looking at listings at boston.com, which seems to have great info, but don't want to leave any stone unturned.Thanks!

[Parsec]

Brookline and Newton wouldn't be in your price range. Look at the towns along Route 2 (so you don't have to cross a bridge over the Charles to get into Cambridge) like Arlington or Belmont (both have town centers), although there would be only a few homes here that fit your criteria and within your price range. Belmont town center has commuter rail into Boston if that matters to you, but Arlington has no rail service -- just buses.

[smarty]

If you like a town, just look really hard. $600K will easily get you a 3-bedroom house in many "GREAT" communities and 4 bed in "good" communities. You may need to spend some time and energy fixing a place up. Many of the houses may be older than you or your husband.

There is no right answer......

Just remember the important factors in real estate are ... location location location.

[jhstyle]

Brookline Village is great. Brookline has great schools, great parks, jump on the mbta D train on the green line and you are in Fenway in 5-10 minutes. The commute to Harvard square..better to drive.. but pretty easy commute. Pretty liberal community. Very diverse in all aspects. I would love to live there but can't afford it. I think you could get a 3 bedroom for $600

[DCer]

Thanks, everyone! We're heading up next weekend for the interview and to check out some houses....man, these things tend to happen quickly, don't they?? I have a feeling we're really going to like Arlington, but still plan on checking out the other towns suggested. I'll try to post a "review" for anyone else in a similar boat who knows nothing about Boston's outlying areas, but it could take a while if we find ourselves in the middle of getting ready to move!

[Parsec]

Originally Posted by DCer

Thanks, everyone! We're heading up next weekend for the interview and to check out some houses....man, these things tend to happen quickly, don't they?? I have a feeling we're really going to like Arlington, but still plan on checking out the other towns suggested. I'll try to post a "review" for anyone else in a similar boat who knows nothing about Boston's outlying areas, but it could take a while if we find ourselves in the middle of getting ready to move!

We'll be looking forward to your "review" of our suburbs