From AZ to MA...lots of variables and need help! (Boston: rentals, month to)

[BellaMi]

I was born and bred in AZ. My DH was raised in the Springfield area of MA his entire life...but knows NOTHING of the Boston area. He was offered a transfer through his company (in Everett) and will be taking a good increase according to AZ standards, but just a fair increase according to MA standards. More than the money, it's a career move we can't pass up.

I am a local photographer and so my business will be moving with me. I am mainly a child/family photog, so an area with lots of family is ideal.

We are Messianic Jews and already have/know of a Messianic congregation we will be attending in Stoughton.

We are also homeschoolers...so a conservative area is desirable with a good homeschooling network close by.

DH wants to take public transportation so that he is not leaving me and the littles carless during the day.

We are looking near Worcester simply because the cost of rentals is soooooo incredibly cheap compared to living in the Boston area...but we are unsure of how the commute will look. Are there any comparable towns, closer to Everett, that are comparable to Worcester in regards to cost of living?

Thank you for any help you may be able to give me.

[Xenos]

I have spent some time (work-related) in the area around Stoughton, and it sounds to me that it might meet a number of your needs. In fact, I have met some of the folks in the Messianic Jewish community there, and found them to be delightful, spirit-filled people. So you may want to find something in that area south of Boston, as it is culturally pretty traditional and family-oriented, and there should be affordable rental housing for a small family.

I don't know about the commute. Going from one side of greater Boston to the other side (such as South of Boston to Everett) can be very difficult. The route from Central Mass, such as eastern Worcester County or southern Middlesex County may not be any better, as the trains leave you at South Station, from whence I think you would need to take a bus to Everett. Maybe something affordable farther north along the coast could work, but the towns tend to be scary dumps or to be very expensive, exclusive, and WASPy.

So, I am not sure what to recommend. Just make sure the commute is feasible, because you could be signing up, in some situations, for a 2+ hour commute to cover, say, 25 miles.

[westcoastbound]

The town of Newton is known for having a big Jewish population, as is Brookline. I would recommend calling a synagogue or a Jewish Community Center in either of those areas and asking for community recommendations regarding housing.

[brightdoglover]

Newton and Brookline are hardly affordable, however, I think a commute to Everett from Worcester would be dreadful, and too long, whether by car or train. Is the Everett job close to a train stop? Remember, the commuter trains run into North Station, and you still have to get another train or something to get to Everett.
Hmmm. Wonder if a Jewish-oriented town like Swampscott might suit? Not cheap, but very nice, family oriented, and on public transport to Everett, not too far.
If the best temple is in Stoughton, how often would the OP be going there? Maybe it would be better to choose a place to live based on the daily needs of children and commuting, and make the trip to Stoughton for the temple.
Best wishes.

[BellaMi]

thank you for the replies.

The most hindrance for us is cost of living. We will be taking care of my mom, along with our 3 children...so a lot of our increase in income is already taken. We need a 3-4 br and would never be able to touch for 1200 or under (that is closer to Everett) will we?

We have no problems comuting to our congregation each Sabbath.

[twiggy]

Good luck to you! I am also moving to MA from AZ in Feb. I hope you keep us updated as you transplant so I can see how your doing with the transition. I also have 3 children, and my mother. Small world! Although my mom will be staying summers and fall with me and winter and spring in AZ with my brother. Lucky woman! lol I do not have to deal with Boston either, I will be relocating on the Cape.
Hope it works out well for you!

[charolastra00]

Originally Posted by westcoastbound

The town of Newton is known for having a big Jewish population, as is Brookline. I would recommend calling a synagogue or a Jewish Community Center in either of those areas and asking for community recommendations regarding housing.

Originally Posted by brightdoglover

Newton and Brookline are hardly affordable, however, I think a commute to Everett from Worcester would be dreadful, and too long, whether by car or train. Is the Everett job close to a train stop? Remember, the commuter trains run into North Station, and you still have to get another train or something to get to Everett.
Hmmm. Wonder if a Jewish-oriented town like Swampscott might suit? Not cheap, but very nice, family oriented, and on public transport to Everett, not too far.
If the best temple is in Stoughton, how often would the OP be going there? Maybe it would be better to choose a place to live based on the daily needs of children and commuting, and make the trip to Stoughton for the temple.
Best wishes.

I wouldn't recommend moving to a Jewish area for this family. Messianic Jews are not considered Jewish by most Jews and the term is actually quite offensive to many of us. I don't want to start a fight over the issue, but I go to Brandeis University (which is a Jewish school) and have many connections with the Jewish community in Boston and quite simply, Messianic Jews aren't going to be welcomed at the JCC.

If there's a church in Stoughton, then the community the OP seeks is probably in that area.

[brightdoglover]

I'd be surprised if you could find the size place you want with that budget. Sorry.
Cost of living/housing is a major gulp for most of us. Best wishes.

[BellaMi]

Originally Posted by twiggy

Good luck to you! I am also moving to MA from AZ in Feb. I hope you keep us updated as you transplant so I can see how your doing with the transition. I also have 3 children, and my mother. Small world! Although my mom will be staying summers and fall with me and winter and spring in AZ with my brother. Lucky woman! lol I do not have to deal with Boston either, I will be relocating on the Cape.
Hope it works out well for you!

WOW...it is a small world...lol! It looks like my mom will be seasonal for a couple years as well and will head back to AZ for the winters. I fear her bones can't take the cold.

Originally Posted by charolastra00

I wouldn't recommend moving to a Jewish area for this family. Messianic Jews are not considered Jewish by most Jews and the term is actually quite offensive to many of us. I don't want to start a fight over the issue, but I go to Brandeis University (which is a Jewish school) and have many connections with the Jewish community in Boston and quite simply, Messianic Jews aren't going to be welcomed at the JCC.

If there's a church in Stoughton, then the community the OP seeks is probably in that area.

no worries, I pretty much ignored those recommendations...I no more want to be in an orthodox community, than the orthodox community would want me to be there

[Concepts]

This is a tough one which is probably why you're not getting a ton of replies.

Honestly, for under $1200 and a 3 bedroom, you may have to settle on Worcester even tho it's going to be a heck of a commute.

I would suggest buying an old car that you can use around the City for errands so your husband doesn't have to travel hours to and from work on public transportation. It will be a hike to Stoughton also (over an hour probably) but maybe once you get here you can find something closer.


You may "fall" into something closer to Everett but it will be just luck.

If you decide on Worcester, be very careful. There are some very nice areas and some very rough ones. With 3 small children, you need to be safe. Maybe you could take a month to month lease somewhere so you can move if you find something closer.