Commute: Boston to Danvers (Cambridge, Somerville: for rent, high school, living)

[jonny_quest]

Google puts this as a 30-minute commute - does that sound about right? I'm looking at possible positions in Danvers or possibly Andover, but I'm 25 and would prefer to be closer to the City/nightlife and a younger crowd. I've read Danvers is mostly family-oriented, which is exactly the type of place I want to avoid, but if that's where the job takes me then I may have to deal with a bit of a commute (although I'd prefer to live within 20 minutes of work and within walking distance of good nightlife). Any advise?

[jake786]

Danvers is definitely family oriented. Social scene consists mainly of high schoolers at the mall and older townies hanging out at the Sylvan Street Pub. Slight exaggeration, but not the place to be and be seen as a 25 yr old.
Yes, Boston in approx 30 min away depending on traffic... sounds like you will be doing a "reverse commute" as most people want to live in the suburbs and work downtown, so that will help your cause tremendously. There are two main routes, Route 1 and Route 93... 93 would probably be best for your daily commute as there is no toll.
You'll probably want to pick a part of Boston where you can hop right onto 93, but also a part that isnt too expensive. I'd recommend Brighton, Allston, the South End or Cambridge as apts there run 500-800. You could also try parts of the North End or Beacon Hill, but apts there are more in the 1000-1500 range. Not sure what kind of budget you are looking at.

[jonny_quest]

Thanks, that's a tremendous help. It sounds like Danvers is much like my current local, which I'm trying to leave. A 30-min commute wouldn't be bad, but for me, it would be better if I can live in a central location near work and everything else.

$500-$800 per month for rent would be great. I've been expecting more in the $1200/mo range. If anyone knows of any firms looking for a Civil Engineer/EIT with 2-4 years experience, that would also be a big help. I'm afraid my resume keeps getting tossed to the side when HR sees I'm not local.

[holden125]

Originally Posted by jake786

You'll probably want to pick a part of Boston where you can hop right onto 93, but also a part that isnt too expensive. I'd recommend Brighton, Allston, the South End or Cambridge as apts there run 500-800. You could also try parts of the North End or Beacon Hill, but apts there are more in the 1000-1500 range. Not sure what kind of budget you are looking at.

I agree that Danvers is not what you're looking for, and unless you're satisfied with the nightlife offerings in Salem, which you probably wouldn't be, I would suggest something near Davis Sq. in Somerville as there are a lot of young people, a lot of bars and restaurants, and you could get onto 93 a bit north of the city. Probably still not 20 mins, but maybe not so bad. There is nothing within a 20 minute rush hour drive of Danvers that matches your description.

About Allston, Brighton, South End: You could get something under $800 in the areas with roommates, and living on the Boston side of the river will add time to the commute. If you live in Brighton, for example, it would take 15 mins just to get to 93 on the Mass Pike without traffic. Though the stretch from the Zakim Bridge to 128 would be against traffic on 93, the stretch from Brighton to the Zakim Bridge is with the traffic and would take almost 30 mins by itself. The 128 stretch is not so hot either. I would think a Brighton to Danvers commute would take at least an hour in the morning.

[jake786]

my roomate does brighton to beverly in 30-45... takes route 9 to 95

[DG001]

I used to commute from Harvard Square in Cambridge to Beverly - it was an easy 25 minute commute going up in the morning, and about 30 coming back down with no hassles. The toughest part was getting in to Cambridge from I-93 - that took up about 10-15 minutes of the 30 minute return trip.

I considered renting in Boston - but that bridge can be a BIG hassle. I estimated that it would be a 45 minute commute from Boston - so I stuck with Cambridge. It was great!

Good luck!