North Waltham, how is it like to live there? (Boston: apartment, rentals)

[495neighbor]

I am exploring the North Waltham area as a possible place to live one day. The area I am referring to is bordered by Lexington Street, Trapelo Road, Route 60 and Route 20. I have visited several times and never see anyone walking around the neighborhood. It has sidewalks, so I am surprised by that. Are the people who live there friendly, good mix of professional and blue collar, mix of ages? I appreciate any of your insights in advance.

[mmyk72]

I was househunting in that area and almost bought there. N waltham is suburban. There are not much to walk to, that's probably why you didn't see people walking. I'm sure there is a mix of blue collar and professionals. Some neighborhoods are pretty homogenous while others are mixed with old and worn houses. A lot of those had been torn down for new constructions that are typically built 2-3 on the old lot. There are a lot of hilly areas and some houses back up to the hill.

[WestonMassSAHM]

Isn't there a shaws at the corner of Trapelo road? If that's where I am thinking than there is quite a lot of apartment rentals which seems to be very busy all the time. It is pretty decent given it is also bordering the town of Lexington where there is a number of houses sold for over 1the million dollar there. Great pick! +1 point

[mmyk72]

A lot of people say Waltham schools are not that great (I don't really know), so it's a good alternative to people who don't have to be concerned about schools when looking for a town with good driving distance to BOS and right off 95 / 20. Like the previous poster said, just a few blocks over and LEX would add 50%+ to the price tag.

[495neighbor]

Yes, ultimately I am looking to relocate somewhere 10 or 15 miles from Cambridge and Boston. I do like the vibrancy of Lexington and was looking for a more affordable nearby town.

[ogre]

As mmyk72 points out, Waltham's north side has a suburban character. For what you seem to be looking for, in Waltham you'd want to look downtown or close to downtown. A lot of the housing stock in downtown Waltham is on the old side, though the condition probably varies from place to place, and there are some relatively new apartment buildings close to downtown as well.

[WestonMassSAHM]

Originally Posted by 495neighbor

Yes, ultimately I am looking to relocate somewhere 10 or 15 miles from Cambridge and Boston. I do like the vibrancy of Lexington and was looking for a more affordable nearby town.

Have you look into Bedford? It is slightly cheaper than Lexington with a pretty decent school and it is aboit 15 miles away from Cambridge.
Most of the towns on Metro-west would be more expensive and crowded. You will definitely get more if you look in the North Shore area. I think Lynnfield is about 17 miles away from Cambridge which also has an excellent school.

[superleggera]

Originally Posted by mmyk72

A lot of people say Waltham schools are not that great (I don't really know), so it's a good alternative to people who don't have to be concerned about schools when looking for a town with good driving distance to BOS and right off 95 / 20. Like the previous poster said, just a few blocks over and LEX would add 50%+ to the price tag.

Solid information!

[brightdoglover]

Can't add anything except to concur that it's a fine area, and a whole lot closer to the Cambridge/Boston than Bedford or wherever else might be suggested. Public transport is easily available, plus, you're near highways to get out of town if desired. I work in that area and have always found it very pleasant.

[Shariff]

Have you look into Watertown?