Needham and Auberndale (Newton, Auburn, Weston: rent, neighborhoods, buying)

[puffle]

Would really appreciate some info on living in Auberndale in Newton and Needham. We would be renting for about a year or two before buying so we would be staying put where ever we decide. We aren't concerned with the friendly factor or safety, just the feel of these areas and how they might be different from each other. Thanks.

[CaseyB]

Auburndale is a very quiet section of Newton, bordering Weston. There is a train station, MBTA station and route 128 and the turnpike are right there, so it's a great locale for commuting. HOWEVER, I know that you said previously that you wanted stores and a nice downtown area and it really doesn't have that. There's a large park and you can rent canoes at the MDC facility there and paddle up the Charles River. It really has a small town feel to it in many ways.

[pmhalloran]

Newton itself also is more accessible. Needham does have 128 through part of it but the rest of the town seems very removed. Although the auburndale neighborhood doesn't really have too much of a "downtown" area, there are other neighborhoods of Newton that have little stores. West newton, Newton Centre and Newton Highlands. If you find yourself in Newton Highlands, visit Ohara's and try their pizza. Just plain cheese.