Norwood v/s Canton (Boston, Newton: apartment, rent, school district)

[MNToBoston]

Hi All,
I will be moving from Minnesota to Boston in November. I am looking for areas closer to commuter rail as I will be working near Back Bay station. It seems like Norwood and Canton are good options but not sure among the two.

I would appreciate if you somebody can throw more light on these two towns.

Factors to consider are:

- Apartment rent ( $1300 - $1600)
- School (I have a 3 year old daughter so good pre school, public elementary school district is important)
- Safety
- Commute time (preferably upto 45 mins)

Thank you very much for your suggestions and I look forward to relocating to Boston.

[jayrandom]

I would say Canton has better schools and a slightly faster commute (the Providence/Stoughton line is faster than the Franklin line), but Norwood has a nicer center and is generally more walkable. You might want to consider Newton, as well, which has good schools and more commuting options.
Welcome to Massachusetts!

[MNToBoston]

Thanks jayrandom. I will look into Newton area as well.

[Suericio]

newton will be pretty expensive, u will probably find a very small apt for that range. but i would pick canton over norwood any day. ive been through canton and i dont think they have any rundown areas, whereas norwood isnt as nice. cobbs corners is nice and small but not as good as norwood center. also try dedham, that is where im from and its ok more like norwood than canton. anything else let me know
g/l

[1979]

Your best bet is to just go apartment hunting in the area. There really is not a lot of difference between Norwood and Canton. Canton is a bit more rural, also a little bit more pricey. Norwood has more shopping, closer to route 1.

[MNToBoston]

Thanks to all of you. I think I will just make a trip to these areas.

[jayrandom]

Where in MN are you coming from? My wife is from Apple Valley and she really misses it. I think you'll find Canton a little more like MN than either Norwood or Newton, but all are nice in their own way. Visting is the best way to figure out what is best for you. Good luck!

[maggiekate]

why not west roxbury, or roslindale?

[MNToBoston]

I am from Shoreview. I like this place a lot but am sure Boston area would have a lot to offer.

Hmm.. I haven't looked much in west roxbury/roslindale. I think the best bet will be to visit these areas.

Thanks to all of you.

[JBTD]

Have you looked into Mansfield? There's a commuter rail, lots of shopping, and GREAT schools.