Work in NYC, Live in Mass. ? (Boston, Worcester: new home, construction, living)

[darkone]

I don't live in the northeast currently, but have a job offer in NYC. I really don't want to live in the NY/NJ/CT metro area. I want the job, but I really wish to live in Massachusetts, because I want to be near Boston and Cape Cod, NH, ME,VT. In other words, I want to live in the heart of New England. I don't mind driving 3 hrs. each way starting at about 5:30 every morning and leaving work at about 5PM. Based on the maps, I think living somewhere south of Worcester near the 1-90/1-84 interchange would be a good idea. Is driving to New Haven and taking the train feasible? Can anyone help out? Any personal experiences or is this an outrageous idea?

[MovingForward]

Sounds good in theory, but you'd deeply regret it.

[skytrekker]

I would consider eastern Connecticut-known as the 'quiet Corner'
Putnam CT in the states northeast corner is very pleasant- mostly rural, farms, laid back and inexpensive for housing. It is close to both Providence RI and the Mass border. Providence is 30 miles away and Boston 50.

[NY'er lost in MA]

Dark,

It is feasible, but what about traffic, road construction, weather? These elements could cause that 3 hour commute to become 4-5 easily! EACH WAY! I'd give you less than a month to survive that before you throw in the towel.

The major problem with the theory is that Hartford is in the way bringing added traffic in the morning/evening.

As an alternative, have you considered the Hudson Valley? I grew up there and Metro North is very efficient and just as an example- about an hour and a half from Poughkeepsie to Grand Central. There are areas in the Hudson Valley that are very beautiful , and you also have the Catskills...

Food for thought!

[darkone]

Thanks to all -

I was skeptical, particularly regarding the mileage that would need to be put on the car. Also, the northeast corridor is congested, unlike out west where you can average 70 mph between metro areas.

E. Conn. or just south of Hartford sounds like a better idea ....

[NY'er lost in MA]

One problem with that option....
Eastern CT is BIG $$$$.

Try NY- north of the city- trust me....

[ontheroad]

You might try the small country CT, near Amtrak stations, or perhaps one of the towns in upstate NY (Warwick, Narrowsburg, etc) that have direct bus routes, early morning and evening.

Also the Pocono area, close to NY/PA/NJ and perhaps not as congested and also do-able by bus.

I lived in NYC, and several of the New England states, including MA, and I commuted between Providence & Boston for one year, and I found it a nightmare because of traffic, not mileage, and the cost of petrol was far less then. After half a year, I drove to the bus station and relaxed.

Good luck!

[skytrekker]

Originally Posted by NY'er lost in MA

One problem with that option....
Eastern CT is BIG $$$$.

Try NY- north of the city- trust me....

Eastern Connecticut is not big money for home prices- in fact it is the cheapest part of Connecticut! Much less then Eastern Mass around Boston or Worcester, greater Providence-and even less then Hartford- a large new home on 1 acre can be had for 300K or less. Prices will be much lower then in NY-north of the city.

[NY'er lost in MA]

Originally Posted by skytrekker

Eastern Connecticut is not big money for home prices- in fact it is the cheapest part of Connecticut! Much less then Eastern Mass around Boston or Worcester, greater Providence-and even less then Hartford- a large new home on 1 acre can be had for 300K or less. Prices will be much lower then in NY-north of the city.

My mistake- I meant Western CT was big $$. Got confused. But Eastern CT to NYC would be a horrible commute either way.

Prices an hour north of NYC in NY State are much cheaper- sorry to tell you it is possible to get a nice new construction on 2-3 acres for $250K. And more importantly- the commute will be less than half the time. Can't beat that- AND- the Hudson Valley...

[skytrekker]

Originally Posted by NY'er lost in MA

My mistake- I meant Western CT was big $$. Got confused. But Eastern CT to NYC would be a horrible commute either way.

Prices an hour north of NYC in NY State are much cheaper- sorry to tell you it is possible to get a nice new construction on 2-3 acres for $250K. And more importantly- the commute will be less than half the time. Can't beat that- AND- the Hudson Valley...

Yes it is a brutal commute I agree
actually western CT around Torrington, Watertown, Thomaston is not high for houses- but even still the commute into NYC is not realistic.

North of NYC- around Kingston is the posters best bet- they may want to live in eastern New England- but any such commute would have to be done by helicopter that far away.