Renting SFH in Boston suburbs (Worcester, Billerica: apartments, rentals, townhome)

[wheretorentbos]

Hi everyone,

My husband and I are moving to the Boston area this summer and we are hoping to rent a SFH (or townhome) in the suburbs. This forum has been helpful to research neighborhoods, but much of the discussion is around purchasing. We are looking to rent for at least a couple of years since we both will be starting new jobs. Here are the relevant info:

Rent: $3-4K
2+ bed and bath
SFH preferred (townhome ok too)
Proximity to 90 or rt 9 (husband will work in Worcester, I will be in Boston)
Schools not an issue (have 1 yo, but will certainly move/buy before we need to consider schools)

Is this doable? I’m thinking of neighborhoods along 95, like waltham, newton, Wellesley. Other neighborhoods we should consider?

Thanks!

[bugelrex]

3-4k for a small house is definitely doable. The problem is inventory. May need to settle for the bottom unit of a 2 family home with private use of yard.

Why not a new luxury rental unit? As a random example. The merc in waltham.
https://www.apartments.com/the-merc-...am-ma/4e9cqqh/

The single family housing stock is shockingly old. Only an owner would appreciate the "charm".

Biggest problem: lead paint law. Finding a lead certified house. If the house isn't the landlord will simply igore you

[matrix5k]

Should be easy to find. I rented a 3bed/2.5 bath SFH for $2400/mo in Billerica last year. Zillow is good for finding rentals.