Moving for medical reasons-nice family area? (Boston, Quincy: to rent, townhouse, to buy)

[Pnak]

I am from MA (north shore), but we now live in NC. We are moving back to MA so that my husband can get treatment at Dana Farber in Boston. We won't be able to afford a house, but I would like to rent something or buy a townhouse in a nice, affordable family area. I have a 4 yr old and a 2 yo. I'm open to all areas of MA. Any suggestions?

[scarletfire]

I may be wrong but I thought that Dana Farber (or one of the major Boston hospitals) sometimes made arrangements to help people receiving treatments to get more affordable housing nearby. You might want to check with the hospital to see if they can help you with this. I would think you'd want to stay as close to Boston as possible to avoid an arduous commute.

If you're not sure if you're going to stay in the area long-term it might not be the best idea to buy but if you do decide to stay and buy a townhome I know a very nice agent who works in Boston who could help you find a place with good schools nearby. He helped my cousin and her partner find a terrific place when he got a job at Harvard. Please feel free to pm me if you'd like his name. We're not supposed to post email addresses directly on the forum.

I hope everything goes well for you and your family.

[clevedark]

How close do you want to be and what's your budget?

BTW, good luck to your hubby with treatment--Dana Farber is a very good hospital, I know from my personal experience there. If you want to PM me with any questions about the place, please feel free. I practically lived there last year (and am here to tell the tale).

If I were you I'd want to be as close as possible (but I don't know the treatment plan, so I'm just guessing), so maybe you could find a nice little apt. in Brookline. Some parts of Brookline are within easy walking distance of Dana Farber. I don't know if you need two or three beds, but of course two will be much more affordable. There are lots of nice parks for your kids to play in if you rent an apt. w/o a yard, and you'll meet plenty of friends that way.

[scarletfire]

I agree with Cleve that Brookline is a terrific option and is a great place for kids.

[lrfox]

I'll throw in my support behind Brookline. I'm also very familiar with Dana Farber as my brother was treated there for about 5 years (made a full recovery after having high risk A.L.L. Leukemia). After Brookline, look at places like Watertown, Arlington and Quincy. Best of luck in your move and in your treatment.

[Atlantica]

Best wishes to you and your family. My brother was treated at Dana Farber and continues to travel from the Syracuse NY area for regular check ups. They were wonderful.

[rockyrhodes]

check with the hospital there set up to help you

[rockyrhodes]

she said affordable brookline is far from affordable