Looking to move (Boston, Worcester, Framingham: foreclosures, renters, lofts)

[Wagg]

I currently live in Natick and am looking to move to a more accessible apt ~30min drive. I'm looking to buy- a 1 bed, 1st floor or elevator, central air/heat, washer in unit/bldg. So far the nicest place for the money I saw was in lofts in Worcester on rte 9 on the Leicester Town line. It's a secluded area and I assume that neighborhood is one of the safer ones in Worcester since it's so far out. What conerns me is that they had no reserves and 3 foreclosures in the development even though it's not even 10yrs old and still under construction.

Any ideas? The problem is I don't want to drive so far. The further away from Boston I go the nicer places I'll get in my price range ($200k/ ~$300 HOA). 1 beds are hard to find as landlords seem to buy them up in blocks and lease them out. 2 beds are no problem but that's more than I need.

[timberline742]

Accessible to where, specifically?

[rethcir]

Handicap accessible?

[Wagg]

Originally Posted by rethcir

Handicap accessible?

Well, not exactly. I have a bad back and live in a 3rd floor walk-up right now (townhouse). No laundry facilities in the building. Which was fine when I was 24, but not 48. It's not manageable any more- too hard for every day living. So elevator in bldg or 1st floor (preferably elevator) and a washer/dryer in unit/bldg is mandatory.

Right now I'm very interested in Kettle Brook Lofts in Worcester. Only problem is, as I've said- it has no reserves and 3 foreclosures in the bldg- 75/25% owners to renters. It's very nice and in a secluded area. I'm also looking at a 2 bedroom in the Fremont Lofts, right down the street from Kettle Brook. 30/70% owners to renters (more concerning), but they have reserves and only 1 foreclosure.

So, I'm up for suggestions. I don't want to drive too far from the Framingham/Natick area- 30-40min max would be good, but I'd be willing to make an exception for a really good place. Fitchburg would probably be the limit.

How is that part of Worcester as far as crime/safety is concerned?

[495neighbor]

Originally Posted by Wagg

Well, not exactly. I have a bad back and live in a 3rd floor walk-up right now (townhouse). No laundry facilities in the building. Which was fine when I was 24, but not 48. It's not manageable any more- too hard for every day living. So elevator in bldg or 1st floor (preferably elevator) and a washer/dryer in unit/bldg is mandatory.

Right now I'm very interested in Kettle Brook Lofts in Worcester. Only problem is, as I've said- it has no reserves and 3 foreclosures in the bldg- 75/25% owners to renters. It's very nice and in a secluded area. I'm also looking at a 2 bedroom in the Fremont Lofts, right down the street from Kettle Brook. 30/70% owners to renters (more concerning), but they have reserves and only 1 foreclosure.

So, I'm up for suggestions. I don't want to drive too far from the Framingham/Natick area- 30-40min max would be good, but I'd be willing to make an exception for a really good place. Fitchburg would probably be the limit.

How is that part of Worcester as far as crime/safety is concerned?

You are much better off commuting from the East side of town rather than the West. Roads in Worcester, like all cities, are jammed from every direction during rush hour.

Regarding crime, those properties you are looking at are only a few miles down from Main South, considered the heaviest crime area in Worcester.

If I had physical problems, I personally would not want to live in an isolated area away from hospitals and public transportation. But that's just me.