Nice Cities Near Waltham (Boston, Newton: low crime, house, good schools)

[miz77]

Hello,

Can anyone recommend any great cities located near (no more than a 30-45 min commute) the Waltham area?

We are looking for a family friendly area, with excellent schools, that is not too crazy expensive, low crime, friendly people, some nice parks for the kids to play at would be great, too. We would really like a house that has somewhat of a yard.

Any info would greatly be appreciated, as we are completely unfamiliar with the area.

Thanks!!

[airedaly]

Lexington is the next town to Waltham, and it will suit all your needs. It's fairly expensive, as are most "good" towns in the area. What's your top price? An older home with a nice yard that needs some work might run about $550,000+. Other area towns are Bedford, Arlington, Newton.

[neil0311]

Newton, Lincoln, Concord, Weston, Needham.... need any more? If you want less expensive, then you'll need to look further out, possibly Natick, Framingham, Acton or even further like Leominster, Lunenburg, Bolton, Shirley, Stow.

[brightdoglover]

What is your idea of "not too expensive?" Few and far between in these parts.

[miz77]

Thank you everyone for all the info.

All the cities above have good schools?

As for the expense of the house - it would depend on my husband's job, but no more than 600K, and preferably a lot less (400-500K)!! But, I am fully aware that it is quite expensive up there (especially compared to where I live in the south!)

I am hoping, that should we end up moving to Boston, that the area, history, access to all of New England's different areas/experiences will make it worth the higher expenses. Am I thinking realistically or just some fantasy in my mind of what I think it is like up there?

Do you all feel that it is a wonderful place to live?? What sort of activities (parks, museums, etc) is there to do up there?

Thanks again!!