How far is Groton, MA from Hanscom AFB? (Malden, Billerica: real estate, houses)

[alabamafam]

My family and I are being reassigned to Hanscom AFB in 3 months, and I've been looking at houses in Billerica, Chelmsford and Woburn as they seem to fit our budget more than areas closest to the base. I've seen a few nice homes in Groton, but I'm not sure what type of commute this would be. Can anyone help?

Thanks

[goyguy]

Groton would be a shorter commute to Hanscom Field than any of those other three towns. You'd also probably get a tad bit more land for the money, excepting in Chelmsford. Other towns in the same radius and price range include Pepperell, Maynard, Westford, Littleton, and Ayer. The base's host community, Bedford, tends to be on the pricy side, but by doing some digging you could probably find something decent that you could afford. Even Lexington (with the best school system of the lot) shouldn't be completely ruled out.

[alabamafam]

Thanks Goguy,

I appreciate the info, I was told that Pepperell, Westford, Littleton, and Ayer were pretty good commutes from Hanscom and that Billerica, Chelmsford and Woburn were closer. I'm sure it depends on where on base you work and whether you're taking an interstate or back roads to work.

I'll take a look at some of those other towns. You're right about Bedford, the real estate their is pretty steep.

[brightdoglover]

I think any towns along Rt. would be better than the northern towns. In fact, there is a nice (actually gorgeous) back road from the Concord/Littleton rotary through fields in Carlisle and Concord, and comes out right where you head for Hanscom. Groton is fairly far out Rt. 2, depending on what part of Groton. I live in Littleton, and Groton's closest area is 5 miles west, but extends to about 15 miles west.

Again, any town along Rt. 2 would probably be suitable. I'm quite fond of my town, Littleton, and it's about 15 miles straight shot east on Rt. 2 to Hanscom.

[rnc76]

I can't fathom how the commute from Groton is shorter than Billerica, Woburn or Chelmsford. It is probably 2X or more timewise than Billerica or Woburn. Groton is beautiful though, lots of conservation land, big beautiful estates, nice little town center, great public schools. High property tax rates though.

[brightdoglover]

I wasn't thinking of "as the crow flies" distance, but commuting pile-ups on Rt. 3 from northern areas. Driving from Groton could also be quite piled up if on two-lane 119.

[rnc76]

Yeah, but Rt 2 and 2A is no picnic either in the morning, especially at the rotary. You could definitely take backroads from Billerica or Woburn. Chelmsford, I think you are pretty much stuck with Rt 3.

[brightdoglover]

I would go Rt.2a to Rt.2. I never use 3 for anything, except when I used to go north to work in Malden.