Hopkinton/Southborough/Holliston commute to Waltham? (Boston, Wayland: how much, home, public schools)

[jtdrummer33]

My wife and I are looking to make a move to the Southborough/Hopkinton/Holliston area. I currently work in Waltham, and I'm wondering if anyone out there has had a similar commute? In your opinion, would the commute to Waltham be better from one of these towns over the others?

Looks like from Southborough or Hopkinton I would just have to deal with the slow crawl on the Pike, whereas from Holliston I may be able to take rt 16 or some other combination of back roads? Any advice or insight would be great!

[kmann-sherborn]

I've lived in all three towns & used to work in the Waltham area years ago. I'd avoid any option requiring you to take the Mass Pike to Rt 128 because that interchange is a nightmare. I used to drive into work after rush hour and it often was still hung up.

Holliston might be better. Rt 16 does get backed up but nothing like that.

Also, have you thought about Wayland? Prices are comparable to Southborough & you'd have a much easier commute.

[jtdrummer33]

Thanks for the quick reply Kmann. I figured traffic heading in on the Pike would be pretty awful, but I can deal with it if it's under an hour. How much do you know about Maynard in comparison to the other towns I mentioned? I know the schools aren't rated as highly, but I've read on these forums that they are working on turning things around (new principals, new high school, etc.) and there has been an influx of young professionals and young families moving there over the last few years. Seems like it could be a good value when comparing home prices to the other towns, and probably a much better commute to Waltham.

[kmann-sherborn]

Here's a bit of info that may be helpful in comparing school systems.

The Best Public Schools in Boston 2011: In the Classroom

Maynard schools