Waltham to Billerica commute??? (Boston, Arlington: theater, to live, restaurants)

[the nitz]

I will be relocating to MA to work in Billerica in the near future. I am looking for a reasonable commute (<30 minute if possible), but would like to be as close to the city as possible (or that is financially possible). Any thoughts on a commute from the Waltham area to Billerica?

Thanks

[airedaly]

You would be heading in the opposite direction of the majority of traffic and since they widened Route 3, it's a pretty quick drive from Waltham to Billerica, about 30 minutes if there's no traffic.There are lots of back roads you can learn in the event of a major traffic jam.

Have you thought of Arlington, Belmont, Bedford, Burlington, Woburn? They're decent towns and your commute would be similar or shorter. Waltham isn't too bad, but there seem to be more derelicts and homeless-looking people there than other towns in the area. Just walk around the center of town one day and count how many strange-looking people there are. The center has become more interesting in recent years - a really good theater, and lots of nice restaurants. But, lots of cheezy dollar-type stores and a junky thrift shop dot the main street.

For getting into the City, it's best to live near the T. Arlington and Belmont are very convenient for getting in to Boston. There is no T access to Boston from Waltham - only a commuter train.