[Rik1011]

My fiancée and I are planning to relocate to Connecticut next fall - I'll be teaching full time in the state. She is trying to decide which graduate program to attend and really likes Boston College. If I were do my assignment in Hartford, what would you suggest we do about living? The train from Hartford to Boston is too long of a commute (3hrs). Where would be a good place in between the two? We're both recent grads and, with her as a grad student and me a teacher, our income won't be that high.

Thanks!

[skytrekker]

I would look into Stockbridge or Sturbridge MA, both are about 45 minutes to Hartford, and about 1 hour and 15 minutes to Boston.

[westender]

Although you have ruled it out, please note that the train between Boston and Hartford (and onward to New Haven) was discontinued several years ago.

[uconn99]

Although you have ruled it out, please note that the train between Boston and Hartford (and onward to New Haven) was discontinued several years ago.

You can still take Amtrak from Hartford to Springfield with a connection onto Boston. Not a good idea and like you said it would be close to 3-4 hours each way.


I would suggest Stockbridge/Sturbridge or Grafton, MA. You may also consider Willington, Tolland, or Ashford. Those towns are not far from the Grafton T station with service into Boston and not far from Hartford.

[JayCT]

I know someone with a similar situation and they live in Charlton, Massachusetts. Not sure if there are rentals there since I believe it is a small town next to Sturbridge. Another option would be Auburn which just outside Worchester. As for trains, they don't exist so you would probably have to drive. Good luck, Jay

[hopland]

Would also recommend Sturbridge....it's smack dab between Hartford and Boston, and has good schools and services. Only drawback may be colder winters with more snow. You're inland, not far from berkshires - and at a somewhat higher elevation. Anything west of Worcester, MA tends to get more snow.

[Boomerang]

You'll want to post a query in the MA forum asking about the commute from Sturbridge to Boston.
You may find it's not do-able, time-wise. Even those living much closer to Boston have a tough time getting in and out of the city. Traffic on the Pike isn't pretty, not to mention the cost of gas and tolls, and in the winter.....a bear.
Not to be a wet blanket, but I'd hope you could find another grad program closer to your job in CT.

[mal0825]

I have lived and commuted in Boston for a long time. There is no good direction to come from. If Google says it will take 1.5 hours, add an extra .5 to 1 hr to that during rush hour on the Pike (can be much worse on bad days). Getting out of the city on the Pike is no picnic either. Can be REALLY bad on Fridays.

Most of the problems comes at the toll booths where things can get really backed up. Having a FastLane pass helps, but you have to get through the traffic to use it.

[uconn99]

The T has trains run from Worchester to South Station hourly in the mornings and evening. The Grafton stop would be ideal to take into Boston, not sure why this isnt an option?

[Rik1011]

Thanks everyone for your help. She's going to accept her offer from Columbia in NYC. Which means I'll be in Bridgeport.