Young couple moving to MA or NH

[Jlpalumbo]

We are still considering other places since our credit hasn't been processed yet. Ideally we would like to sign a year long lease on a place we really like. What areas of Medford are considered "good" and "bad"? How is the area near Magoun square and ball square?

I have heard Winter Hill isn't the best in Somerville and part of Medford run near there.

[wxjay]

^Ball Square is better than Magoun Square, in my opinion.

As far as Medford, stick west of I-93 and the area close to Tufts. I am unsure about the area around West Medford commuter rail (some say it is higher in crime??) but those areas near Powderhouse Square are very nice and decent.

I also agree with north of Porter Square being a good area.

[Jlpalumbo]

The apartment in Medford is at main St and Medford St...on main St. It's right between the two squares. That seem like a decent area? Sorry I am super picky about the location. The apartment in Medford is nicer then the Somerville but I have heard more positive things about Somerville.

[NotAPrincess]

That's a fine area. I'm not sure what you're definition of decent is though :-) It's pretty residential, but you're close to Ball Square which has some shops and restaurants. Although I drive through Magoun Square every single day, I couldn't tell you what's there, which I think means that nothing has ever caught my eye.

The problem with that area is that you're not close to the T. Being in the "north of Porter" area you talked about before sounds like it'd be closer to the T.

As for Somerville vs. Medford, I don't think it matters much. They both have their interesting and their not so interesting parts.

[elnene2k]

It might be easier for you to get a job in NH than in MA. I read yesterday that NH has an unemployment rate of about 5%, which is one of the lowest in the nation.

If you choose to seek a job in NH, then your best options might be to stay in one of towns on the MA-NH state line - this would minimize commute for you and for your bf. Salem in NH is a big town, which is close to the MA towns of Methuen, Andover, and North Andover. Nashua, NH is another big town on the state line and is close to the MA town of Chelmsford. I have lived in Andover and Methuen and these are both very nice towns - just stay away from the areas of these towns bordering Lawrence. I have also visited Chelmsford several times and it is very nice too - again, stay away from the area bordering Lowell.

NH has a low unemployment rate but Massachusetts is a BIG reason that. They all work in Mass...That's why all the highways in Southern NH including rt. 3, and 93 are backed up during commute times...

If they're a young couple, they may want to prefer Lowell over any of the areas you just mentioned...Just a lot more going on in Lowell for a social scene, more dining options, nice downtown, and access to the T in Lowell.

[wxjay]

^Uh, I would be very cautious about Lowell. You have to be in the right neighborhood in Lowell. Plus, in my experience, the "social scene" is quite limited - the downtown area turns into a virtual ghost town after 7 PM.

I would choose Medford/Somerville over Lowell any day of the week.