Relocating, need help on great cities! (Waltham, Fitchburg: house, good schools, prices)

[wyodear]

My husband will for sure be working in the Waltham area and he really would like a commute no longer than 30-40 minutes. I have been looking at Holliston as well as Hudson. I hear Franklin is great but it looks like it would be far (how long is the Franklin to Waltham commute?). I have read some great things about Holliston, but can't find much on Hudson? The housing prices seem fantastic, which is a bonus. The schools also seem good in Hudson which is good because we have 3 elementary age children, one will be there in a couple years. We are a family of 6 so we are looking for a pretty good sized house with at least 4 bedrooms and anything over 1/2 an acre would be a bonus. We cap out at $500,000. This eliminates a lot of the closer cities to Waltham. Any suggestions would be fantastic. Thanks!

[Cato the Elder]

If you're trying to find land and good schools, I would center my search around Route 117 in Stow, which has much better schools than Hudson. It's MUCH faster taking 117 to Waltham than Hudson Rd and US-20. There's something like 3-4 lights during that entire stretch of 117. US-20 is horrendous. You'll also be within reasonable distance to the South Acton station on the Fitchburg line, which has two stops in Waltham. I don't know much about Holliston, but I can't imagine that it's pleasant taking the turnpike during rush hour.

[kmann-sherborn]

I think Cato is right about Holliston. A lovely town but the commute from the Mass Pike to Rt 128 is a hassle. Stow is a great option. I might also consider Bolton, Boylston, and/or Berlin as well.

[MikePRU]

Originally Posted by Cato the Elder

If you're trying to find land and good schools, I would center my search around Route 117 in Stow, which has much better schools than Hudson. It's MUCH faster taking 117 to Waltham than Hudson Rd and US-20. There's something like 3-4 lights during that entire stretch of 117. US-20 is horrendous. You'll also be within reasonable distance to the South Acton station on the Fitchburg line, which has two stops in Waltham. I don't know much about Holliston, but I can't imagine that it's pleasant taking the turnpike during rush hour.

It's more unpleasant if you have to go through the Weston toll plaza. Although, (not that it's relevent to this conversation) I would take that commute any day compared to commuting on I93.

[ShoelessGal]

Boylston? That would be a 50 minute commute with NO TRAFFIC.