Needham/Natick/Newton - which is better ? (Boston, Waltham: apartments, rental)

[ms.ny]

Hi,

I will be moving to Boston in Aug 08 along with my friend who will be studying at the Babson college in Wellesley. We are looking out for rental apts online and dont really have the luxury to see them for real that often as we stay in PA right now. Although we might manage a trip or 2 this month to finalise something.

We plan to stay somewhere around Wellesley within 15-20 mins driving time (we have a car). Places like Needham, Natick, Newton, Waltham etc. Would like to know your views abt these places? Which one is better ?

Some of the factors we are looking at while renting an apt is:
- reasonable rent (around $1000-$1200)
- clean, good and safe neighbourhood
- proximity to Babson Park, Wellesley, MA (around 15 mins drive)
- Connectivity to Boston city by public commute (optional...is not a must have)

Appreciate your time and efforts !!

Thanks,
Ashwini

[smarty]

Any of those towns are fine...

Waltham is more than 15 minutes... but there are more housing options.. for your price range. Town has commuter rail and bus service.

Natick is good... 15 minutes if it is not during rush hour. Rt135 around wellesley is always jammed... but rent is cheaper. Town has commuter rail.

Needham and Newton are both very nice towns... there are lots of apartments. However, with your price range.... your choices may be very limited. Newton has subway and has most mbta services. Needham only has commuter rail.

checkout boston public transportation system.
MBTA.com > Official Website for Greater Boston's Public Transportation System

[canyontothesky]

I think of those, Newton is more accessible by the T, maybe my memory is failing me. Also, Newton is the safest. But the other towns have a bit more flavor to them, Newton is very upper middle class family oriented.

[cher801102]

I lived in Natick and now live in Newton. If you are looking for a 1-2 bedroom apt., you will most likely find it in Waltham because Needham, Newton and Natick are pretty expensive. Some rental don't include heat or utilities, which tacks on another $300 or so a month. Forget Weston and Wellesley, because they too are overpriced! Hope this helps