commute to Cambridge from South Shore (Fitchburg, Natick: houses, transfer to, high school)

[boston_neophyte]

I'm wondering if anyone can tell me how long/annoying/convenient the commute *on the train* is from the South Shore (Scituate, Hingham) to Cambridge. My wife and I are thinking about moving out there soon...

[AllAmericanConcierge]

If it is the commuter rail you are asking about the ride is VERY nice. It is a completely different beast then the "T" lines. Seating is comfortable and in good supply. The route provides beautiful views and the noise is minimal. It's a pleasant ride. We have even taken our young children on it just for fun.

Of course the time varies from the point at which you pick it up (approx 40 min's from Scituate to South Station). We happen to live in Scituate and find the parking convenient. There are ample spaces located at the "Greenbush" train stop. Two things to keep in mind are:

Greenbush in Scituate is the 1st pick up location in the AM so you have your choice of seats.

I am not sure how close to Cambridge the commuter rail will get you. You may need to switch over at South Station.

Moderator cut: tos violation

Good luck - Scituate & Hingham are great choices.

[DreamworksSKG]

Where in cambridge would you be working, that could make a difference?

yes you will have to switch onto the T to get to cambridge and/or Bus but there's plenty of busses and subways once you learn the system that go to cambridge.

where are you working in cambridge? Harvard Square, MIT area? Kendall Square? Porter Square???
Lechemere??

-jeff
Winchester, MA

[boston_neophyte]

I'll be working at Harvard. I plan to take the commuter train, which looks like it drops off at South Station, where I'd have to transfer to the red line to Harvard. I figured it would be about an hour total, which is daunting...The upshot is that, while I still pay a bundle for a house (my God, houses are expensive out there...) at least I could get something close to a beach...

[holden125]

Originally Posted by boston_neophyte

I'll be working at Harvard. I plan to take the commuter train, which looks like it drops off at South Station, where I'd have to transfer to the red line to Harvard. I figured it would be about an hour total, which is daunting...The upshot is that, while I still pay a bundle for a house (my God, houses are expensive out there...) at least I could get something close to a beach...

OK, Neophyte, I gave you some grief on another forum so I'll try to be of some help. I don't know what your budget is for 4BR, but you might be looking at an hour. One thing not to overlook is that the Fitchburg line trains stop at Porter Square, which is only one subway stop to Harvard. Much closer than getting to Harvard from South Station, which is a 15-20 minute proposition in itself. Unfortunately, as you've likely discovered, the towns closer in on the Fitchburg line are expensive but you might find something OK in the Acton area, or Boxborough (which shares a high school with Acton). Stow is also near the South Acton station, as is Maynard (which is a bit less upscale).

Otherwise, paradoxically, it may be better to look south because S. Sta. is better for getting to Harvard than N. Sta.
As regards Hingham and Scituate, the new Greenbush line is slow and doesn't run all that often so I'd rule out anything beyond Hingham or Cohasset, which is already 45 mins. Scituate is almost an hour to South Station and then 20 mins to Harvard beyond that. Both Hingham and Cohasset are pricy. Some possibilities on other lines that are OK towns but less expensive are Needham (close on the map but the train is slow), Norwood, Walpole, Sharon. You'd be under 40 mins or so to S. Sta. from those. Another possibility might be Natick, about 40 mins to S. Sta.

[boston_neophyte]

This is helpful. Thanks for the input.