Relocating to Worcester county with toddler. Where to move when I need to commute to Devens? (Boston: apartment complex, rentals)

[Interestma]

I relocating to Worcester county in the summer for a Yearlong position. I will be working in Devens, MA and would love guidance on towns that would fit my family's needs. Thanks in advance for any feedback.

I'd love a town where my toddler will be safe and happy. I was considering Worcester only because I don't know very much about the surrounding area.

Here are some criteria:

- Would like a good commute - no more than 30 minutes.
- I prefer a more urban area
- For my toddler, we would like to be no more than 15 minutes or so from a good library with children's section and good programming (e.g., kindermusik, gymnastics, Swimming classes, etc.)
- Would prefer to rent a house or townhome. A nicer apartment complex might also work.
- 3 bedrooms is preferable but 2 could work if rental was relatively large.
- Budget is $1500-$2000. We might be able to stretch the budget for the perfect place.
- We have a small yorkie dog so we need to find a place that accepts small pets.
- Not too far from a T station might be nice too.

We would likely have only one car (which I would use during the day) so towns that are more walkable are very desirable.

[CaseyB]

Worcester has commuter rail and busses. You won't find a subway station outside of the immediate greater Boston area. Some areas of Worcester are okay, but not all the areas are safe.

The Devens redevelopment includes townhouses, maybe you'd be interested in renting one of those. Nearby commuter rail would be in Ayer or Shirley, probably.

Homes | Devens Community

[robr2]

You might be able to find half a duplex in Concord or Acton for under $2K. It's about 25 minutes to Devens and the commuter rail to Boston is in town for both. Unless you find something near the town centers, neither is very walkable.

[johngolf]

I would add Marlboro and Maynard. As you get further away for Boston there will possibly be Commuter Rail but not the T. Most anyplace west/north of Devens will be pretty rural but less expensive ala Shirley, Groton, etc.

[KellyCrash]

I would look in Leominster.

[Shrewsburried]

If schools aren't a concern and "urban feel" is a priority: Ayer, Leominster, Hudson. Nashua could be considered too if you are willing to extend your commute to 35 minutes.

If schools are a priority: Groton/Dunstable, Harvard, Littleton, Wachusett towns, Bolton, etc. These towns are largely SFH and rentals will be pricier due to limited rental inventory and better school systems.

With your budget and list of requests, be prepared to "stretch".

[kingeorge]

I would also add Chelmsford, and if you do not mind longer commute look in Waltham. Good luck.

[Shrewsburried]

Originally Posted by kingeorge

I would also add Chelmsford, and if you do not mind longer commute look in Waltham. Good luck.

Why Waltham? OP is working in Devens, not Boston. If buying, sure ... hedge your bets and stay Boston-centric for resale/job access. In this instance, it doesn't seem to make much sense.

[kingeorge]

Originally Posted by Shrewsburried

Why Waltham? OP is working in Devens, not Boston. If buying, sure ... hedge your bets and stay Boston-centric for resale/job access. In this instance, it doesn't seem to make much sense.

Prefers more urban environment and public transport. Read their post please.

[jandrew]

Greetings and welcome to central Massachusetts!

Okay, so you have a toddler and you're here for a year, so schools aren't important to you yet.

Based on your post, here's some insight about Leominster based on what you mentioned would be important.

Leominster is a 15 minute commute tops, to Devens.
Leominster has some excellent neighborhoods and a commuter rail to Boston!
Leominster has excellent variety and convenient access to shopping.
Leominster has a small city, large town feel.
Leominster has a beautiful state forest with miles of trails.
Leominster is a mere twenty minutes from the city of Worcester.
Leominster boasts a recently renovated and expanded library facility providing excellent community services and programs.

In Leominster $2,000 a month can likely buy you a beautiful three bedroom, two and a half bath home in a lovely neighborhood.

Hands down. Thumbs up. Leominster.