Commute to Brighton (Boston, Cambridge, Newton: apartment, to rent, condo)

[thampton]

Hi - my husband (+ 9-month-old baby) are moving to the Boston area in August. My husband will be teaching at the Conservatory Lab Charter School in Brighton (exit 17 off the Pike, I think). We want to rent a condo, house, or townhouse in a quiet neighborhood that doesn't have a 'city' feel. We've found some listings in Natick that sound good. I'd love to get folks' opinion if this is a good town to focus on -- or would my husband's commute be too long? It doesn't look like he can use the train, right? We were thinking that maybe we could rent a place within walking distance to the train and he could leave a car at a train station close to his school (maybe Newtonville). Is that even possible?
Thanks for any help!
T

[shiver]

Natick is pretty suburban so it may be a good choice for you. It's pretty close to Boston, but far enough out. You definitely hit the brunt of the Mass Pike commute though. However, what hours will your husband be working? I know that many teachers need to be at school early (7:30/7:45) and can so he will still hit traffic, but not quite as bad as if he was leaving the house that time. Same on the reverse commute if he's on the road before 4PM.

Actually, if you're just renting, look into Watertown. It's actually ext 17 off the Pike and borders Brighton, Cambridge and Newton. There are some nice residential areas. But, it will likely be more expensive because it's closer to Boston. However, the savings on commuter costs and time may be a decent tradoff.

[DreamworksSKG]

Natick is very nice, but i'd also suggest looking into

Newton, Waltham, Watertown, Needham, Arlington Heights/Arlington, Medford, Cambridge, Wayland, Weston, and Sudbury

Natick is a good choice however

Just giving you some other options

[redpanda]

Many parts of Brighton and Brookline have a VERY leafy, suburban feel. You'd never know you were "in the city", except for the address. I would seriously consider looking to rent an apartment in that area, where you can set up a home base and explore the surroundings without having to worry about a long commute. Your husband could likely rely on public transportation and read/listen to music during the commute rather than clenching the steering wheel and gritting his teeth.

Also, just a thought--never underestimate how desirable a walkable neighborhood is with a baby. You'll meet waaay more moms in the area (especially in family-friendly Brookline) pushing a stroller to the corner store, coffee shop, library, and playgrounds than you will driving your car around the outer 'burbs.

[clevedark]

I like Needham for this family. It's closer than Natick. It's suburban, yet has a vibrant town center with a train. I live in Brookline and love it, but it's pretty pricey for an educator's salary, and far from quietly suburban in feel in most areas unless you've got several million to spend.