Where to move in MA, from bay area (Boston, Newton: apartment, rent)

[asick]

Hi All,

thanks in advance for your advice. I am possibily moving from SF bay area to MA. My biggest reason to move is that we want to be able to buy property (condo or house) and still have a comparable job, just sick of paying huge rents in bay area, and having barely enough space for us. and house close to 1 Hr driving distance of my place is minimum 800,000 here (barely 900 Sq. Ft.)
I have found a great job in Lexington, but with no experience with owning and any friends or family in MA, can you guys please suggest:
1. whats the best option for property (condo or house) with a $250-300K range, for me and my wife (both of us r 30-35yrs age group) ?
2. how is commute from close by areas to Lexington.
3. which are affordable towns close to Lexington, with not too expensive property.
and lastly,
4. where to begin

I hope I gave enough details about myself to make better suggestions, thank you guys for your help,

God bless.

[scarletfire]

Waltham - just be careful - some areas are really nice and others are dicey. I know the streets off of Lake Ave are nice. You can search previous threads on this forum for more info on the good & bad parts of Waltham. I can recommend an agent there if you don't already have one. Maynard might be another option. Or possibly a small condo or 1/2 duplex in Arlington?

[scarletfire]

ps. Where are you moving from in the Bay Area? We used to live near San Jose (dreamed of living in Los Gatos for awhile but way too pricey!) :-)

[smarty]

Like all my previous post for people new to the area... rent for a year... figure out what you like or want before buying...

For $300K, you get more with a condo. However, most condo do not appreciate in price (except in the city areas like Boston, Brookline or may be Newton.) Condo Fee is another thing to think about.

For a house, you may be able to get a fixer upper or older ones close to Lexington. You get more house if you move towards Rt495 loop.

As to commute, most come from NH in the morning.

[asick]

Thanks,
we are moving from cupertino in bay area, 2 bed apartment (more like 1 bed in overall size) for 1500 rent !!!

[smarty]

cupertino I recall is one of the more desirable towns in the bay area ...

[happywifey]

try woburn or billerica. you could find something in your price range there. much different than SF though.

[MovingForward]

Originally Posted by asick

Thanks,
we are moving from cupertino in bay area, 2 bed apartment (more like 1 bed in overall size) for 1500 rent !!!

The rents here, in nice areas, are about the same, I'm afraid. I agree with Smarty: rent for a year, check out the area and then buy. Seriously.

[asick]

any other towns with cheaper rents then which are close to Lexington? looking at 1 bed apartment, what are approx rents in the area?