Buying a house near Wellesley (Framingham, Waltham: new construction, schools, price) - City-Data Forum

tub04738 · 06-09-2011, 08:16 PM

Hi everyone,
I recently got a job in Wellesley, MA and I'm thinking about buying a house near Wellesley. My budget is under 400K and I prefer a commute of under a half an hour. Which town should I look into? Thanks

goyguy · 06-09-2011, 08:37 PM

Dedham, Norwood + Waltham (along 128/95) and Natick + Framingham (on the turnpike and Routes 9 & 30) are probably your best bets. Most single-family homes in other nearby towns aren't priced under $400k unless they're fixer-uppers. Each of these communities has its own "flavor," so more specific criteria would be appreciated.

tub04738 · 06-10-2011, 07:21 AM

Hi Goyguy, thanks for the reply. This will be our first home and looking to make it more of an investment plan. So, something that has more potential to sell in 5 years would great. Safety is definitely very important.

On a personal level, a more modern home is preferable, 2-3 bedroom. Around 1500+ sq feet.

kmann-sherborn · 06-10-2011, 07:32 AM

You could find a home in Holliston in that price range, which is a pretty easy commute to Wellesley. It's a lovely town with a quaint walkable town center with a playground, tennis courts, cafe, general store, and some cute boutiques; award-winning schools; lots of walking trails; tons of community activities; an active newcomers club & more. I have pictures of the town center I can post. I'll dig them up.

kmann-sherborn · 06-10-2011, 07:33 AM

Flickr: elizaj1's Photostream (http://www.flickr.com/photos/21590926@N07/ - broken link)

Just click on the photostream on the right to see scenes of Holliston

tub04738 · 06-10-2011, 08:10 AM

Thanks Kmann-sherborn, do you know what traffic is like on route 16 during rush hour?

mmyk72 · 06-10-2011, 08:29 AM

Natick would be great for re-sale and your commute. I've been looking myself and your can get something 'nice' but smaller in Natick for upper 300K range. Anything less than 350k would be either real small, needs lots of updates, or both.

gf2020 · 06-10-2011, 09:16 AM

Is it possible to buy a decent house for under $400K within 30 minutes of Wellesley? I'm not so sure. Framingham and Natick are probably the most likely places to look. I would engage the services of a local Realtor to assist with your search.

mmyk72 · 06-10-2011, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gf2020

Is it possible to buy a decent house for under $400K within 30 minutes of Wellesley? I'm not so sure. Framingham and Natick are probably the most likely places to look. I would engage the services of a local Realtor to assist with your search.

Yes you can. But I wouldn't count on them being 'Modern and 1500+ sq ft' for single family homes. More like 1300 sq ft or less cape style. For something modern and bigger (open floor plan, new construction, good closets, nice kitchen + bath, etc.) , you have to settle for townhouses for that price.

They are typically older houses (pre 1960), but some has been updated. You have to wait for the nice condition ones to show up as most on the market needs updating, but when they do, people snap them up within a week.

Bostonmania · 06-10-2011, 10:46 AM

Framingham has cheap housing and is like a 20 minute commute to Wellesley. I think Natick'd be a little more expensive but it's closer.