Work in Natick, can I live in Brookline or Dedham? (Boston: apartments, living)

[wishingwell2008]

I'm going to be working in Natick, and am currently looking for apartments. I've seen two listings - one is in Brookline, and the other is in Dedham.
Commute-wise, are either of the two good options? I have a car, but would prefer not to have to get on the freeway (route 9 is ok with me).

There's also a 1-bedroom in Woburn Center that I am looking at - although it looks like that might be a bit out of the way.

Also, I am a single female living alone, so security/safety is a priority.

Thanks!

[krizzybelle]

I would say Brookline is your best option, route 9 nearby and close enough to Newton and Boston area. Good luck with your search!!

[mommytotwo]

I worked in Framingham w/a guy who lived in Brookline, I think.

He liked the reverse commute, but he did use the Mass Pike, not route 9.

I don't know about Route 9 coming in from Boston, but I will tell you that for a period of time i commuted from Worcester to Framingham and then Worcester to Natick. Obviously this is not the direction you will be coming from, but Route 9 was a pain in the ass whenever I had to be on it. It's just annoying w/all the lights.

Is there any reason you don't want to use the Pike?

[wishingwell2008]

Originally Posted by mommytotwo

I worked in Framingham w/a guy who lived in Brookline, I think.
Is there any reason you don't want to use the Pike?

I'm just not a big fan of freeways - I don't like driving too fast

But Brookline does sound pretty nice - close to everything.

[mommytotwo]

Originally Posted by wishingwell2008

I'm just not a big fan of freeways - I don't like driving too fast

But Brookline does sound pretty nice - close to everything.

I know what you mean.

Believe me when I changed jobs from Framingham to Natick, the extra 7 miles on the Pike was unbelievable. I was also working an hour later.

When I'd get on the Pike in Natick at 5:30, it was like that hour and that 7 miles turned people into maniacs. Everyone was driving like 80 mph, then all of a sudden they'd be breaking and going down to 30 mph within seconds. I did that commute during the last two trimesters of my pregnancy and let me tell you, it was so stressful. You'd be cruising along and BAM! everyone was freaking out and breaking and practically coming to a screeching halt. It was so annoying. I would have never imagined there would be such a difference from the 4:30 Framingham commute and the 5:30 Natick commute.

So I hear you about the highway. It all depends on how everyone is behaving.

[krizzybelle]

Mommytotwo is rigth in some point, route 9 could be annoying but I think the commute is terrible everywhere. I work in Boston but I live in the North shore area. I take commuter rail and I love it. I don't like the stress to drive back and forth.