Best suburbs for Dogs (w/ off leash parks) (Boston, Cambridge: good hotel, neighborhoods)

[ChefLindsay]

Hi there! Hoping someone can help steer me in the right directions here...

We are going to be moving to the Boston area within the next few months from Brooklyn and I was wondering if anyone could tell me which of the suburbs are best for dogs. We’re thinking of looking in Brookline, Cambridge, and Newton (or in those general areas). We currently live across the street from Prospect Park which is basically dog heaven and has off leash hours in the mornings and evenings and I’m hoping for something close to that (not expecting an exact match). What I’m NOT looking for is small fenced in dog runs or little parks with gravel but more like a green open park that dogs can be off leash in, even if only during certain hours. I’ve done a ton of internet research but it’s just so hard to tell from pictures. Any suggestions would be helpful and appreciated!

[porterhouse]

If you want to be close to Boston I think you have 3 great target towns.

Cambridge is great for dogs. Cambridge has the Fresh Pond Reservation with a 2.5 mile loop around the reservoir, swimming hole and open areas for dogs. Dogs with Cambridge licenses (have to reside in the city) are allowed to be off leash at any time. There is also the land surrounding the Charles River reservation, several parks with pilot off leash hours, and several other unofficial off leash areas that I'm not going to post here but would be happy to answer any specific questions if you would like to DM me.

Brookline has been trying to make the dog thing work though friends who live there have had issues with overzealous citizen canine complainers in their neighborhood park. With all the green space in Brookline and Newton I'm sure there are some great spots known to people who live in those towns. Other friends live on Crystal Lake in Newton and it is dog heaven for them.

[Cabound1]

Originally Posted by ChefLindsay

Hi there! Hoping someone can help steer me in the right directions here...

We are going to be moving to the Boston area within the next few months from Brooklyn and I was wondering if anyone could tell me which of the suburbs are best for dogs. We’re thinking of looking in Brookline, Cambridge, and Newton (or in those general areas). We currently live across the street from Prospect Park which is basically dog heaven and has off leash hours in the mornings and evenings and I’m hoping for something close to that (not expecting an exact match). What I’m NOT looking for is small fenced in dog runs or little parks with gravel but more like a green open park that dogs can be off leash in, even if only during certain hours. I’ve done a ton of internet research but it’s just so hard to tell from pictures. Any suggestions would be helpful and appreciated!

I lived in Park Slope for years with dogs, and then in metro Boston.

There is nothing like Prospect Park for dogs anywhere in the Boston area.

[missionhill]

Originally Posted by Cabound1

I lived in Park Slope for years with dogs, and then in metro Boston.

There is nothing like Prospect Park for dogs anywhere in the Boston area.

Well, there's the Sheepfold in Middlesex Fells. It's a drive to the parking lot from somewhere rather than walking up the street but has a big doggie scene and, if you like rugged woodland trails and water views, the Fells is quite a step up from Prospect Park.

[Cabound1]

Originally Posted by missionhill

Well, there's the Sheepfold in Middlesex Fells. It's a drive to the parking lot from somewhere rather than walking up the street but has a big doggie scene and, if you like rugged woodland trails and water views, the Fells is quite a step up from Prospect Park.

I guess the point I was attempting to make was, if you want an urban, somewhat car free existence, and a huge legally off leash area walkable from your home, you’re not going to find it. Middlesex really isn’t a “walk your dog daily before working in Boston” option.

When I left Brooklyn for Boston, I ended up in the Boston burbs (and bought a new car) mainly to satisfy the exercise needs of my large dog. I won’t say where I ended up living and exercising the dog, because it wasn’t legal. I’ve lived in NYC, Boston and SF metros for the last 30 years with large dogs. Park Slope was far and away the best situation for my dogs.

[porterhouse]

Originally Posted by Cabound1

I guess the point I was attempting to make was, if you want an urban, somewhat car free existence, and a huge legally off leash area walkable from your home, you’re not going to find it.

This is a bum steer IMO

[MrsRosencranz]

Of your choices Newton is your best bet. Newton Center has the fabulous Webster Woods and Hammond Pond Conversation area where I actually went horse back riding when I was a kid.

There's also the Newton Center Play Ground which has off leash area of good size. And then there's two small areas at Crystal Lake.

[BOORGONG]

It may be worth spending a weekend in Greater Boston and sampling the neighborhoods with your dog, and let him judge where you should move to.

[ChefLindsay]

We actually have a long weekend planned in 2 weeks to do just that!

[BOORGONG]

Makes sense. Be sure your dog chooses a good hotel and paws you a biscuit when you do a good turn.