Living and commuting in Newton (Boston, Lexington: apartments, rentals, houses)

[liz n]

I'm relocating to the area this spring, and I'd like to live in an upscale area with easy access to both 95 (to get to work near Lexington) and to Boston. Even better if the place itself has shops, restaurants, etc within walking distance.

One of the places I've been told to think about is Newton, in particular Newton Centre/Newton Highlands.

A few questions:

Are there high-end rentals - either houses or apartments - near the Center?

What is the commute like? Google says the distance is about 16 miles, mostly on the highway. How long would that take at rush hour?

How accessible is the T? If I didn't live in walking distance from one of the stops, how hard is it to park nearby? I see there are parking lots near the more western stops, but it seems odd to drive west in order to go east.

Thanks for your help

[smarty]

Are there high-end rentals - either houses or apartments - near the Center?

Don't know about right next to the center. Plenty of high end rental near Chestnut hill Mall near Rt9 (like Avalon). Plenty of shopping.

What is the commute like? Google says the distance is about 16 miles, mostly on the highway. How long would that take at rush hour?

You are heading opposite direction in most of your travel. Most traffic in the morning are coming from NH going south. Going home at night, you're fine if you get off on Rt128 before Newton Highland. Depending exactly where you are and where you need to go... door to door probably 25-30 minutes.

How accessible is the T? If I didn't live in walking distance from one of the stops, how hard is it to park nearby? I see there are parking lots near the more western stops, but it seems odd to drive west in order to go east.

Fairly accessible. Some T stops have parking lots. Again depends on where you are. Some think walking 50 parking spots is too far... some run 3-5 miles a day.

If you drive into Boston during weekends and nights, there are parking lots for $10-12 for the day/night. Also, quicker just to drive in.