Commute from Burlington to Groton vs. Westford/Littleton (Billerica: new house, to buy)

[jimmyjet]

Hello Folks,

We are looking to buy a house and we have shortlisted a couple of houses we like in Littleton, WEstford and W. Groton. However, our favorite is the one in W. Groton since its a new community and new house and everything we are looking for in a town and a house (with good school system and community). However the commute seems to been an additional 20 mins or so when compared to the other options we have for the older homes (almost 20-30 yrs) old in Littleton and Westford. Any advice on this, is the additional commute on 119 or MA 40 E worth if we really like the house. Any pointers from personal experience for the commute, two possible routes are Rt. 3 N and MA 40 W or Rt. 3 N, 495 S and 119.

I am planning to perhaps try it one of the week days to actually see the commute for myself, but any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, especially on 119 and MA 40 for the winter months.

Thanks a bunch!

[wxjay]

I cannot exactly comment on the commute, but your commute on Rte 3 will be very busy in both directions (and that's for either house). In the morning, you can expect delays from just outside 495 down to Billerica and then things opening up a bit down to 95/128 (are you getting on 95 at all for your commute)? Coming back - Rte 3 is congested from basically Exit 26 (the first exit north of 95) all the way past 495.

Also consider that W. Groton does get more wintry weather than places closer in (OK, maybe not significantly more than Littleton, but being on or outside 495 makes a difference sometimes). That means that 10+ mile trek on the backroads from W. Groton to 495 or Rte 3 could add even more time.

Good luck.

[Xena2007]

Plan to spend at least an hour commuting each way. Groton center and Littleton on RT119 are heavily congested morning and afternoon commute times. Westford has the best schools of the 3 towns that you mentioned. Route 3 is very heavily congested during the morning and afternoon commute times.