Boston, Here we come............ (Worcester, Cambridge: apartments, to rent, mortgage)

[VolCano]

Hi everyone,
Yes, we are also moving into the greater Boston area. I flew in for two days and found a three bedrooms apt for $1850 in Saugus, we also checked out Westborough. Question: Is Saugus a nice city/town?? Or is Westborough better??. I am a bit paranoid with safety. We have a 5 years old child that will be attending school next year. I work in Hospitals/Clinics. My Job is going to be in Cambridge. I only have to work Saturdays and Sundays (Not bad right??), but will be looking for an extra Job a few days during the week. So, if anyone could help, I would like to know of an area that offers safety, lots of hospitals around, good schools and apartments around the price above (We may purchase a home next year). Thank You guys.

[pondhopper]

I don't know anything about Saugus but Westboro and the surrounding towns are quite nice and you should be able to rent an apartment/house for that. Westboro has good schools, convenient shopping, easy access to Worcester hospitals clinics and research facilities, which are quite good and more. Purchasing homes can be a shock, prepare for $500,000+.

[Lolahbelle]

If you are in Saugus, look at Melrose. It's a nice community with good schools and it's very convenient to Cambridge. It has a real main st. with decent shops and restaurants and a much-used YMCA. They also have a farmer's market in the summer, they are building a new middle school... and it is a very safe town. My husband works in biotech in Cambridge, he uses the commuter rail and the "T"--it's nice to have the option. You can buy a fixer-upper in the lower 300k range. Stoneham/Wakefield area is nice too but not as convenient to Cambridge/Boston and more suburban. I go to Saugus to go to target and the mall. Melrose is more residential and walkable.

[VolCano]

Hi everyone.
I posted this at a different board. Let me try on the RIGHT board this time. Originally from California, got me a good position at a hospital in Cambridge. My job is only Saturdays and Sundays, 12 hours shift. I saw some apartments in Saugus ($1800/mo) and also some in Westborough ($1900/mo). I am ok with the rent, I am just a bit concerned with the drive during the snowstorms. I understand it’s about 45 min drive from Westborough with no traffic (Saturdays and Sundays). Is it doable??? Is Saugus a better neighborhood ??. Which one is safer??. My child is 5, he will be attending school next year, are these two areas in good school districts??. I really, really appreciate any inputs. I am also going to try to secure a part time Job at another hospital. Is the west surrounded by medical facility as well as the north??. Thanks guys. By the way, What’s ‘Boston Proper’??.

[2KidsforMe]

Westborough is way better for you if you have kids. Comming from CA, Saugus may feel a bity gritty in parts. Westborough has great schools and is pretty safe. It regularly makes the list of best places to live. Commute into Boston is no fun, but not impossible. Roads are plowed very well during snow storms. We moved from SoCAL 7 years ago and have 2 kids. We live in Southborough, which is right next to Westborough. It's a good area. Let me know if you need any more info.

[maggiekate]

Originally Posted by VolCano

Hi everyone,
Yes, we are also moving into the greater Boston area. I flew in for two days and found a three bedrooms apt for $1850 in Saugus, we also checked out Westborough. Question: Is Saugus a nice city/town?? Or is Westborough better??. I am a bit paranoid with safety. We have a 5 years old child that will be attending school next year. I work in Hospitals/Clinics. My Job is going to be in Cambridge. I only have to work Saturdays and Sundays (Not bad right??), but will be looking for an extra Job a few days during the week. So, if anyone could help, I would like to know of an area that offers safety, lots of hospitals around, good schools and apartments around the price above (We may purchase a home next year). Thank You guys.

I would check out Newton, and Norwood.

Newton is great schools etc., check out West Roxbury and the Roslindale line.

Chestnut hill is nice also.

judy

[scottinmass]

Originally Posted by VolCano

Hi everyone,
Yes, we are also moving into the greater Boston area. I flew in for two days and found a three bedrooms apt for $1850 in Saugus, we also checked out Westborough. Question: Is Saugus a nice city/town?? Or is Westborough better??. I am a bit paranoid with safety. We have a 5 years old child that will be attending school next year. I work in Hospitals/Clinics. My Job is going to be in Cambridge. I only have to work Saturdays and Sundays (Not bad right??), but will be looking for an extra Job a few days during the week. So, if anyone could help, I would like to know of an area that offers safety, lots of hospitals around, good schools and apartments around the price above (We may purchase a home next year). Thank You guys.

Jeess, i'll finish my basement and You can come live here for $1850 a month.

No really we live in Sturbridge, MY wife drives to Millbury and takes the train to Boston once or twice a week and our MORTGAGE is under $1100!

[newportbeachsmostwanted]

I'd say Saugus is a no-go. Melrose is decent. Malden wouldn't be a good place to raise a five year old. Somerville isn't really made of families. East Boston, Chelsea, and Revere Beach are generally low-income younger generation areas. Anywhere near Roxbury should be avoided. Newton is good. Wellesley is also good. North Reading is safe and has a nice new imax theatre. Quincy is not a good place to live unless you like trash. In general, the further you press beyond 128-the safer, better schools, cheaper homes..etc.

[jamieshel88]

What about the Natick area? You could jump on the Mass Pike and be in Cambridge in 30 minutes. Plus the commuter rail is there. Metro West Hospital is right in Framingham if you are getting a second job. Not sure if what type of job you do but if you work in a hospital and there is a snow storm on the weekend and you are already at the hospital, they encourage you to sleep over in the city. They will help you with accomodations. I worked at a hospital in Boston for 18 years- commuted through plenty of snowstorms (lived 30 miles away) but only had to stay at a hotel once.

[CityGirl52]

Listen good to these people about moving further from the greater Boston area, I'm telling you right now, listen up, they're absolutely right.

I work with a girl that moved her family right out of Saugus & the Peabody area over 2 years ago. She told us the main reason was drugs, they're running rampant there. She said it's worse now than ever before. She said it's like she died and went to heaven when they finally sold their place and moved out of there and she's FROM there, that shows you how bad it is these days, it's such a shame, it used to be wonderful to raise your kids any where around the greater Boston area. Her teenage kids adjusted very well too all through this ordeal. There were a couple of issues due to always wanting to go back to see their old friends, but they did it, they're doing very well now and have all adjusted to their new town and lives.

My parents did it years ago in the late 70's! There were 5 of us and they packed it in good and moved to another completely different state, not just another town. My younger sister went crazy over it, but you know? To this day, she's the one that's adjusted quite nicely, thank you very much to her life, it's one move that my parents never ever regretted making. You have to do what you have to do. I'd be the same way if I had kids, let me tell you. If I hear of or see of one tragedy with overdoses or hear or see it's near me, I'd move so fast your head would spin.

It's not going to get you or your family if you're strong and live your life the way YOU want to live it, I refuse to get dictated by this society now, it's not right and it's sinking fast. It's up to all of US to rise above it all.

Okay I said my thing...like I said, listen up good to what people are telling you about these different areas, they're right!