Need tips on towns West of Natick on the Pike. (Boston: condos, rent)

[KChamp2003]

I work in Natick and my boyfriend works in CT...we are looking to move somewhere in the middle. Sturbridge is way too far for me to drive but is the middle point. We would like to live in a nice area that has some restaurants, shops, etc... Any tips on towns to look at? May be open to Worcester but have heard lots of bad things about the area so not sure...Thanks in advance!

[jendow]

Take a look at the towns on the Mass Pike exits between Westboro & Sturbridge. There are 3 - Grafton, Millbury, Auburn. Auburn & Grafton will have the most choice for Apts. or condos, but Millbury has very good access on local road & by Rt 146 (Worcester to Providence) in addition to the Pike. Grafton is pretty locally congested. Millbury has the nicest and most functional downtown of the 3 and a big outdoor mall, so if you like chain restruants, you'd be fine.

Worcester is not bad, really, depends on where you live. It won't be great for Mass Pike access unless you live near Rt 146.

BTW: The Sturbridge exit gets very congested in the summer months, although the area is attractive.

[JECL2000]

You might also want to try some of the towns just south of Grafton (Northbridge, Whitinsville, Sutton, etc.).

I currently live in Whitinsville and commute to Boston everyday. Whitinsville is just off Route 146 so it is a quick drive to 90 and it is also close to CT. It is also close to the major local shopping areas (Blackstone Valley Shoppes, Auburn Mall, etc.) and is an easy drive down 146 to Providence.

[kbouch12]

Which highway does your boyfriend use - 84 or 395? You might also want to look at Oxford off of 290/395; Boylston/Northboro/Shrewsbury Area too.

[jln69]

Look into Hopkinton and Westborough. Both nice towns. A little off the Pike is Southboro and Northboro