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Old 08-15-2019, 05:21 PM
 
74 posts, read 114,119 times
Reputation: 52

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Hi everyone!
So here's the situation: I have two job offers, one in Arlington and the other in Acton.. The Acton job is a much better fit in terms of what I am seeking in a job, so I am inclined to take it.. However, people are telling me to take the Arlington job because it is "closer to Boston...."



My question is, if I were to take the Acton job, what are some good towns to live in that are still relatively close to Boston? I don't mind commuting 20-30 minutes to work each way, and I have a car. I am a 34 year old woman, and I enjoy activities (walking, biking, shopping, movies, going out to eat, etc.) and keeping busy, and I don't like the quieter suburbs where it's all strip malls or "bedroom" communities.... I currently live in North Quincy and I love the proximity to Boston and the beach! Is it possible to work in Acton and still live somewhere reasonably close to Boston?



I would be renting, and it's just myself (as of now). Here are the towns I was considering: Arlington/East Arlington, Belmont, Waltham, Concord (possibly), Watertown.. I don't want to live in Acton itself, or areas like Maynard or Lincoln.



Thanks for your help!!!
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Old 08-15-2019, 05:58 PM
 
13 posts, read 31,987 times
Reputation: 30
Waltham or the west side* of Watertown or Arlington might be good choices (*west side to minimize commute). The only negative is that neither have subway access to Boston - only buses (plus commuter rail in Waltham). If the commute isn't too long for you, you could consider Newton.

Concord and Belmont are very lovely but may I would consider both to be more family towns.
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Old 08-16-2019, 06:13 AM
 
Location: Bath, ME
596 posts, read 818,771 times
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You'll spend way more time at your job than you will in Boston, even if you live in Arlington. Definitely go for the Acton job if it's that much of a better fit. I'd live in Watertown and center your social life in Cambridge.
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Old 08-16-2019, 03:23 PM
 
70 posts, read 56,201 times
Reputation: 103
You can live near Boston and work at the Acton job. The traffic is relatively light since it's a reverse commute. I did this for several years at my first job. I worked in Boxborough (next to Acton), and lived in Somerville.
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Old 08-17-2019, 08:38 AM
 
65 posts, read 58,176 times
Reputation: 129
I'd live in Lexington.
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Old 08-17-2019, 09:02 AM
 
74 posts, read 114,119 times
Reputation: 52
Thanks for your input, everyone! I am going to accept the Acton job, and look for apartments in Watertown, Arlington, Waltham, and possibly Lexington or Newton. Newton seems to be a bit longer of a drive with the traffic. BUT.. it is a reverse commute, which is good.


Do you all think Waltham is too quiet? I don't know much about it. I was going to go there and check it out, maybe this weekend. I don't need to live in a student oriented "party" location, since I'm in my 30's, but I still want reasonably easy access to Boston, so that I can still see my friends and do activities in the city. Thanks again!
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Old 08-17-2019, 09:47 AM
 
Location: North of Boston
3,689 posts, read 7,432,032 times
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Any of these towns you mentioned would be fine for a reverse commute to Acton: Arlington, Waltham, Concord

I don't think Belmont, Watertown or Newton would be within 30 minutes.
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Old 08-17-2019, 10:26 AM
 
70 posts, read 56,201 times
Reputation: 103
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cutea View Post

Do you all think Waltham is too quiet? I don't know much about it. I was going to go there and check it out, maybe this weekend. I don't need to live in a student oriented "party" location, since I'm in my 30's, but I still want reasonably easy access to Boston, so that I can still see my friends and do activities in the city. Thanks again!
I lived in Waltham for 3 years, and no, it is certainly not quiet. It’s relatively loud actually with lots of traffic and people buzzing around. A lot of the areas also have mixed zoning so depending where you live you can hear commercial activity as well.
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Old 08-17-2019, 02:00 PM
 
Location: Woburn, MA / W. Hartford, CT
6,132 posts, read 5,098,910 times
Reputation: 4122
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cutea View Post
Hi everyone!
So here's the situation: I have two job offers, one in Arlington and the other in Acton.. The Acton job is a much better fit in terms of what I am seeking in a job, so I am inclined to take it.. However, people are telling me to take the Arlington job because it is "closer to Boston...."



My question is, if I were to take the Acton job, what are some good towns to live in that are still relatively close to Boston? I don't mind commuting 20-30 minutes to work each way, and I have a car. I am a 34 year old woman, and I enjoy activities (walking, biking, shopping, movies, going out to eat, etc.) and keeping busy, and I don't like the quieter suburbs where it's all strip malls or "bedroom" communities.... I currently live in North Quincy and I love the proximity to Boston and the beach! Is it possible to work in Acton and still live somewhere reasonably close to Boston?



I would be renting, and it's just myself (as of now). Here are the towns I was considering: Arlington/East Arlington, Belmont, Waltham, Concord (possibly), Watertown.. I don't want to live in Acton itself, or areas like Maynard or Lincoln.



Thanks for your help!!!
Live anywhere along Rt. 2. If you can afford them, look into apartments in Cambridge near the Alewife T station. That location will keep you well-positioned for future jobs (including Arlington), as well as close access to all the action (along the Red Line stops).
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Old 08-17-2019, 02:11 PM
 
8,085 posts, read 5,249,640 times
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Budget?
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