Boston to Lawrence Commute (Haverhill, Medford: apartment, rentals, insurance)

[Dugan1]

Single and moving to Boston. Job is in Lawrence, MA. I would really like to live in the Boston Proper area. Would this be a crazy commute? Looks like 93 would be a straight shot but not sure on traffic, even in a reverse commute. Any other recommendations on where to live. I would really like to be somewhere where a lot is going on. Rent range from $1500-$2000

[lrfox]

What's your definition of "crazy?" It will probably be a 45 minute drive or so. You would be reverse commuting which would make a HUGE difference on 93 and you'd likely avoid the bulk of the traffic.

Any particular reason you want to live in Boston (I don't blame you, it's a fantastic city)? If you do live in Boston, you can say "screw the car" (as owning a car in the city is expensive and it'll get little use while your in town) and commute via the commuter rail out of North Station to Lawrence which is about a 45-50 minute train ride. In fact, if you live IN Boston, you'd almost be better off leaving the car at home.

for $1500-2000 you could get an apartment in just about any Boston neighborhood you wish. The more exclusive the neighborhood, the less apartment you'll get, but $2,000 will get you a nice little apartment in even the most exclusive neighborhood (Back Bay, Beacon Hill).

If you want to live in the city, it's perfectly doable if you don't mind commuting 45min- 1 hour each way to Lawrence (by car or rail). A good middle point isn't a bad idea either. Places like Stoneham, Woburn, Wakefield, Medford, Winchester, and Reading are a bit more suburban, but are located close to Boston and a bit closer to Lawrence. These would be a good option if 45 minutes is too far of a commute and you want to keep your car AND still be close enough to Boston.

hope that helps a little. good luck!

[Dugan1]

45 minutes isn't bad but I would prefer to keep my car. It's company provided and insurance is paid for. Back Bay and Beacon Hill look great but maybe not if I want to keep my car. I'm reading a lot of good things on Wakefield. Is there a "walkable downtown" area there?

[lrfox]

^Yes, Main St. in Wakefield is quite nice. See for yourself using the "Street View" feature on google maps. Here's the link to Wakefield: http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=...99776751677165

It's also RIGHT on the Haverhill line so if you choose to drive to work, you can, but you would also have rail access from your back door to Lawrence AND Boston's N. Station. It would be a great spot. There are some nice homes and some decent rentals in Wakefield as well.

Owning a car in Boston is expensive because of parking more than anything. It's also a hassle if you don't have off-street parking because of snow removal, parking bans, and just finding a spot. It's doable, but not usually a pleasant experience.