Does such a community exist in MA/Boston Area? (Cambridge: neighborhoods, organic)

[love4travel86]

My boyfriend and I are originally from Southern NH, but are presently living in San Diego and will be relocating back to MA.

We have settled into a lively, funky neighborhood we really love in an urban pocket of San Diego, and want to see if anything in MA closely matches this description, as we would love a community like this.

- We will be 30-32 years old
- No kids (no desire to have them)
- Walkable downtown/village with a strong sense of community
- Young professionals atmosphere
- Dog-friendly (dog parks, etc.)
- Access to farmers markets, organic food, juice bars, fitness classes, etc.
- Close proximity to beaches/outdoor activities
- Lively independent/local restaurant scene with great food and drinks (craft cocktails, wine bars, craft beer, etc.).
- Not too boring... I would want there to be enough to do and close proximity to having a fun lifestyle. I like neighborhoods/towns that are a good mix of being down-to-earth and laid-back, but still have plenty to offer, and are close to activities.

Some places that seem like maybe they would come close to meeting some of these wants would be: Salem and Newburyport - maybe Marblehead? (Never been there though) and wondering if it would feel too "small" or too uppity.

I'd love to hear of other places maybe I'm not thinking of. I feel like I'd be priced out of Boston proper, but maybe there are other surrounding pockets of neighborhoods worth considering.

Thanks!

[Shizim]

No kids? I would say Salem fits the bill best. you don't mention commuting to work but it does have a commuter rail stop. IDK about the dog park part but everything else makes sense.

[love4travel86]

Thanks Shizim. Sounds like Salem could be worth strongly considering. Boyfriend would be commuting to various parts of the Greater Boston area, at early commuting times (he'd probably be starting work at 6/6:30a). I will hopefully be working from home...or freelancing in some capacity.

[kingeorge]

Cambridge and Brookline are exactly what you are looking for minus the waterfront. Other suggestions also very good.

[495neighbor]

Salem or Providence RI would be the perfect fit.

[cwaggy]

Newburyport, hands down. Salem is too touristy and very congested traffic wise it is usually a nightmare. NBPT!

[brienzi]

Originally Posted by cwaggy

Newburyport, hands down. Salem is too touristy and very congested traffic wise it is usually a nightmare. NBPT!

Agreed, just remember all those walk friendly places are pretty nasty for 5 months outta the year.

Good luck and welcome back to NE!

[timberline742]

Salem, Newburyport is too dead and small, I got there are few times a year but after a weekend you're done with it. Providence is good too.

[FCMA]

Gloucester or Beverly maybe too. NBPT is nice but I've always found it just a little too precious. Just my opinion.

[brienzi]

Originally Posted by timberline742

Salem, Newburyport is too dead and small, I got there are few times a year but after a weekend you're done with it. Providence is good too.

Salem is not dead and robust almost all year. The only problem there are the homeless which are found in most major cities..The Peabody Essex Museum and the historical places are abundant..

Newburyport offers much the same and is a vibrant and diversified place.

Providence?? Once u leave Federal Hill, your pretty much in the slums and would;t rec. at all..

RI as a state is lame IMO..and i travel there almost once week..and yeah gotta love all the signs posted or clubs scene from I-95..the strip joints..