Two-body problem: Cambridge and Beverly

[wilson13]

Originally Posted by aea

Beverly has three stations; very easy access to North Station, then switch to Red Line. Can be done door-to-door in 50 minutes (includes walk to and from train).

Is this true? I didn't think the Red Line went to North Station. I thought it was Green then Red to Cambridge? If so, then that extra jump between green and red is a killer.

[holden125]

Originally Posted by wilson13

Is this true? I didn't think the Red Line went to North Station. I thought it was Green then Red to Cambridge? If so, then that extra jump between green and red is a killer.

Yeah, I don't think it's quite true. Some trains from Beverly center go express; those are a bit more than 30 mins to North Station. Add in the time getting to the train in Beverly and the two different subway lines and there's no way it's 50 mins door-to-door to Harvard Square. For the trains that don't go express from Beverly, it's 40 mins just on the commuter train.

[NotAPrincess]

To get just from North Station to Harvard Square would be pushing 25/30 minutes (North Station to Park street on the Green Line, then switch to the Red Line to Harvard Square). So, add that on to any travel time to North Station.

I hate to be a commuting grinch....but you're looking at more than 30 minutes for at least one of you!

[aea]

Hi, aea here.

There are three stations in Beverly--Beverly Depot (the "main" station), Montserrat, North Beverly. Schedules can vary, but basically having three stops means all of Beverly has easy access to Noth Station/Boston. Quite correct of some to note change from North Station to Green then Red Line en route to Harvard Square (and reverse). (I have done it in 50 minutes, but you have to be pretty focused on just-the-journey--no stops for the paper or Starbucks. Depends on your hassle tolerance and your personal "hustle" factor.)

Did anyone mention driving to Alewife and catching the Red Line? ...Since my time, but people do commute by car to Alewife, park there, and then pick up the Red Line (and reverse). Would not be my favorite way to do the double commute, but definitely possible.

Try looking at Winchester. Sort of the forgotten suburb--used to be pretty pricey, but there are a few affordable houses. Very pretty smallish town; easy access for both Cambridge and Beverly if both drive.

One thing to keep in mind is the cost of car insurance in MA--high compared to other states/regions; also varies by city vs. suburb--cities obviously higher.

[wilson13]

For those who come by this thread later, we decided to live in Arlington. After visiting Somerville and Cambridge, we found the former was too loud and urban, while we were priced out of the latter. Arlington has great access to the T, while affording us the piece and quiet we have been desperately yearning. Thank-you all for your advice!