Single, looking for Car-less commute in a cool city (Boston: for rent, neighborhoods)

[kjo4shy]

I am mid-forties, with opportunity in Newton. Single, no kids - never driven in Snow, moving from San Diego CA, can't afford too much for rent but would love to have my own place without having to drive to work, near train...any ideas? I feel so lost - moving solo.

By affordable, meaning $2K and under, is this possible? Would also love to be able to walk to shops, meet people, have a life after work.

Thank you

[495neighbor]

Newton is very spread out with many sub-cities inside the city. Can you tell us which section of Newton you'll be working in?

Going by little information, I'm going to say Brookline may be right for you.

[kjo4shy]

Hello 495neighbor, thank you for you reply...all I know is that it is in 02462 and it's under 10 miles from Downtown. Does this help?

Appreciate it - kjo

[495neighbor]

Originally Posted by kjo4shy

Hello 495neighbor, thank you for you reply...all I know is that it is in 02462 and it's under 10 miles from Downtown. Does this help?

Appreciate it - kjo

If the job is walking distance from one of the two green line stops on the "D" line, Woodland or Riverside, I'm sticking with my recommendation of Brookline. The glory of this is that you'd be doing a reverse commute. If you get on at Riverside to go home, you're guaranteed a seat as it's a terminus.

[CaseyB]

It looks like 02462 is in Newton Lower Falls. Not really near a T stop. I think the closest would be Woodland.

The job isn't at the Hospital is it? If so, they might run a shuttle back and forth.

[mp775]

Also, MetroWest RTA has two bus routes serving the Lower Falls from the Woodland stations - Routes 1 and 8: MetroWest Regional Transit Authority - Routes and Schedules

[495neighbor]

Originally Posted by CaseyB

It looks like 02462 is in Newton Lower Falls. Not really near a T stop. I think the closest would be Woodland.

The job isn't at the Hospital is it? If so, they might run a shuttle back and forth.

The Riverside stop address is: 335 grove street newton ma 02462. There is a large business complex next to that stop. It was Macromedia's HQ back in the dotcom era. Adobe acquired Macromedia and also occupied that complex. 02462 zip code borders Upper Falls and Auburndale.

The Woodland Station address is 1940 Washington Street, Newton, MA 02466. It is Lower Falls and borders the other zip code.

In addition to the hospital, there are several office parks off of Washington Street.

I maintain OP is likely walking distance or shuttle accessible (as Casey has mentioned) to one of the two Green line stops.

[mp775]

Originally Posted by 495neighbor

The Riverside stop address is: 335 grove street newton ma 02462. There is a large business complex next to that stop. It was Macromedia's HQ back in the dotcom era. Adobe acquired Macromedia and also occupied that complex.

That complex (275 Grove Street)'s zip code is 02466 (as is the bus stop at the Riverside terminal). 02462 is primarily west of I-95. It's also Newton-Wellesley Hospital and the residential strip between Dorset Road and the Green Line.

[495neighbor]

The farthest point in Newton Lower Falls from the train stops is a little under a mile. I like walking so I'd do it. I realize some people wouldn't want to walk that distance.

[kingeorge]

Originally Posted by 495neighbor

The farthest point in Newton Lower Falls from the train stops is a little under a mile. I like walking so I'd do it. I realize some people wouldn't want to walk that distance.

I think that distance is nothing with good sidewalk. Would you walk around there it in the winter with piles of ice and snow, and can you count on sidewalks being cleared, and safe for pedestrians at all times? Regularly needing to walk in the snow on the road shared with cars, seems like inviting trouble.

I like walking too, but outside of Boston, they are many neighborhoods, where you can not walk everywhere safely, or even count on sidewalks during the winter. That is something that OP needs to understand if coming from outside, and without experiences in this area.

If OP asked about downtown Boston or Cambridge, sure, but Newton is a very different ball game. Plus it would be PITA just making sure he is on time everyday with MBTA poor service as it is.

Good luck.