relocating from new york.

[NY'er lost in MA]

Raf- that is still 35-40 miles each way depending on what part of Newton you settle in and the proximity to a Pike entrance. Have you considered the Natick/Framingham area? Although not a huge single mecca, there is alot going on around Rt 9 out there- some bars and good restaurants. That would shave off some of the 'problem area' traffic for you although not completely- it would still be 20-25 miles each way.

I still think you might want to look into some of the more active spots in Worcester or even one of those community places like Avalon- there is one in Shrewsbury right next to Worcester.

Parts of Waltham also would be good for being single and having a nightlife, but the commute isn't any better.

[brightdoglover]

That commute would be under an hour. A co-worker of mine lives in Worcester and commutes to that pike exit against traffic and makes it in under an hour.
However, the expense issues remain the same.
If I were in your position (and age), I'd take the financial hit to live closer to Boston/Cambridge and drive to the job. I mean, what value is there of hopping out of your job at 6p and having nothing to do and nowhere to go? (In fact, I was in this position during my brief business career. I thought of moving to suburban Nashua and saw the job and the condos nearby and figured I didn't want to watch the news with a frozen dinner every evening at six in the 'burbs.

I don't know how you plan to meet people and have a social life, but if expense isn't your main issue, consider living in Cambridge or Arlington or Newton or Watertown, taking the financial hit, and having a robust social/activity/cultural life.

[NY'er lost in MA]

Originally Posted by brightdoglover

I don't know how you plan to meet people and have a social life....

There is also something called the INTERNET. Not meaning to be sarcastic, but living in Cambridge just to have a social life- wasting all of your income on commuting and rent seems like a huge bust to me.

When I first moved to Boston I had one friend lingering from college years past. I joined an adult soccer league and grabbed drinks after work on fridays with colleagues. And I did meet people online. If you are a social person, then it shouldn't really matter.

Just wanted to approach this from another angle. Also RAF- keep in mind MA is nothing like NY. Bars close at 11, 12 or 1:30 at the latest- not like in NYC when you can go out at midnight and be 'social' all night And that is really only TH-Sat at best.

I assume the job you have in Worcester is important to you- otherwise you could continue your search in Boston or the metro area- then you'd eliminate the commute.

[brightdoglover]

Thanks for apologizing for the sarcasm. Of course the fellow could meet people on the Internet, but he'd still be going elsewhere for entertainment or to meet up with those people, who likely will not be living in suburban towns like Newton.
And any cultural/arts/live music/etc. things are best found and attended in town.
I just think that cost-effectiveness isn't the only consideration, especially when moving from the mecca of activity of NYC, and being in one's early 20s.

[raf ohno]

so what kind of commute would I be dealing with from cambridge (near MIT) at those hours?

i am torn as to what to do. i have to stick with the job in worcester. the money is too good to turn down, at least for a year.

i realize that boston is not like nyc in terms of nightlife. i am prepared for that. but i would like to live in a place that will be somewhat social.

[MovingForward]

Like everyone said, Newton is a residential family town. Brookline (Coolidge Corner) or Cambridge or even Arlington would be preferable. VERY direct commute from Brookline to Worcester: might be difficult finding a place with parking, though. HOWEVER: As a couple of folks have noted, any commute from Boston to Worcester, on a daily basis, will get old VERY quickly--especially in the winter--and be quite costly. My suggestion is that you find a midway point between Worcester and Boston. Framingham would probably be reasonably priced--giving you a shorter commute to work as well as relatively quick access to Boston.

[Styles4u]

I am actually from Boston living in New York.
Newton is great town but as far as for a young single professional. I would say Allston/Brighton area is more desirable and more for you to do but the good thing is Newton is centrally located so you can get to the city in no time...

[dm056]

Hello,
I'm working on a project from my Math class and I have to put together a budget for living in Newton, Massachussetts. I have tried to estimate some of the things that I need to include in my budget using the web, but I just can't get specific numbers. I have never owned a house so my idea that makes it kind of worse. Here is what I need:
Cooling bills. I am to estimate the costs based on a family home of 2.5 bathrooms and three bedrooms.
How do I figure out how much per month is the water sewer service? I read your numbers but I wasn;t sure what hcf stands for... Also, what are the Electricity and trash monthly expenses
I appreciate it!