Hopkinton vs Boston proper (Worcester, Newton: transferring to, college, quality of life)

[riverguardian]

Dear all,
I am set on a job in Hopkinton and have found reasonable housing within a 10 minute walk from my job - however, as a city dweller for much of my life I feel the desire to live in Boston proper.

I am encumbered by the lack of a car, however.

Hence my alternative, which some of my friends have vehemently claimed is a bad idea, was as follows:

I have found some housing within walking distance of the Orange Line, which I would take to Back Bay, transferring to the Framingham/Worcester commuter line, then ride my bike to work (I like riding) from Southborough Station. I don't think I'll mind the commute time, which would be approximately 3 hours roundtrip daily, if it means I am within walking distance to a vibrant city life.

I'd love to hear your opinions on which one seems appropriate. This is a first job out of college, so as a green leaf and a nervous wreck I hope you'll all know I appreciate your comments very much.

[Missmoose]

It seems like a great idea, but:

You're screwed come winter - biking in the snow is impossible. They don't plow a lane wide enough to accomodate bikes.

The Mbta is up for several deep cuts, and it seems like metrowest will bear some of it.


If there were bike lanes and they were plowed/maintained in the winter, you'd have a workable situation.

I don't have any good ideas to offer, but I really think it'd be one he'll of a reverse commute.

[scarletfire]

You might also check with your new employer to see if they have shuttles from the Southboro train. EMC is the one big employer in town and I bet they probably offer something like that. However, the downside is still the train schedule. There are limited "outbound" trains going away from Boston westbound during morning commute times. You can check out schedules at MBTA.com > Official Website for Greater Boston's Public Transportation System.

[holden125]

This is a tough one.

On the one hand, while the housing near your job would spare you the need for a long commute, there is really not much to do in Hopkinton and you'd have a hard time getting anywhere but work if you live out there.

On the other hand, the commute by train from Boston is not going to be fun. You're correct about the 3 hours. The ride itself, not even counting getting to Back Bay station and from Southboro to the workplace, is pretty long and the train doesn't run in the reverse direction all that often. There also may be restrictions on taking the bike on the train (though perhaps it's OK going in the reverse direction from the normal rush). I really think you underestimate how old the three hours of commuting every day is going to get.

More importantly, I don't know how far your job is from the train, but you're going to have to do that ride in the winter, which is not going to be fun and may not be safe with snow and ice. or after dark. The roads in that area, like Cordaville Rd (which runs past a state park) are often narrow and rural or woodsy.

[scarletfire]

Absolutely right Holden. There aren't sidewalks or safe bike paths along much of the route from the Southboro train into Hopkinton. It's a bit of a hike anyway. Your best bet is if the company offers a shuttle to/from the train.

[riverguardian]

Hm. I hadn't thought of the snow factor. I don't think there is a shuttle, either.

[holden125]

I know it's an expense, but you could consider getting an inexpensive car and living in a place like Newton or Framingham, which would give you some nearby activity and make it possible to get to work against traffic via the Pike. You may save enough living in Framingham to swing it.

Unfortunately the whole situation will cost you either financially or in quality of life, since the train commute seems impracticable and living in Hopkinton without a car would be very limiting.