Relocating from Philadelphia to Marlborough (Boston, Worcester: apartments, rentals, how much)

[gobetween]

Hello,

Recent college grad here, moving from the city scene of Philadelphia to Marlborough (for a job). I am new to the area and I am seeking advice as to what would be an ideal living area for a young professional when commuting from Boston to Marlborough would not be such a wise idea (for the wintry months?) Seeing as though it snows a lot during winter, I would be advised to just not bother with commuting and live where I will have to work, no? I drove in the snow up to Rochester before and I would not like to experience that again. (I was driving a Ford Taurus 2000ish model...not exactly snow material...) I am torn though because I do not want to forgo the city env't.

I really would like to live in Boston but 30 miles of commuting every day is not an ideal situation for me especially when mother nature is added to the mix. I have been reading the threads here about Marlborough. I love the city feel where you can in the midst of the hubbub you can walk to museums, shops, restaurants, etc. So I'm not sure how I feel about moving to a small town. I was also considering living by the T but the furthest west from Boston, where the subway runs I notice is... Riverside? I also know of the commuter rail...but if it's anything like it is here in Philly, making weekend trips to the city would not be as easy and as affordable as on the subway?

What is the apartment situation like in Marlborough? From a past thread in 2007, there is a Windsor Meadows, Avalon Orchards..? Is living by where the subway runs to Boston a plausible enough reason to live away from Marlborough just so that it will be feasible for me to make frequent trips to the city?

I have been contemplating and mulling on my own with research without much luck. If you have read all these thoughts, then thank you but an even greater thanks if you would impart any words of wisdom for someone looking for that city feel for a job in Marlborough.

Thank you!

[ogre]

Well, you're right that Marlborough is not the first-choice place for a young person seeking the city life. It's unfortunate that the area around Marlborough is generally on the rural side, and that Marlborough is not on any transit routes. The suburban population concentrations in Boston's metro are especially heavy north and south of the city. To the west, you don't go very far before you begin to see a lot of woods and fields around.

Now, having said that, what options you might consider depend on your personal preferences about how to make the best of the situation. First of all, I guess the winter driving issue depends on how comfortable or not you are with driving in those conditions. I wouldn't use a trip to Rochester (I'm assuming you mean Rochester, NY) as a guideline for what it would be like to commute during winter in the Boston metro area. Boston averages quite a bit less snow than Rochester, somewhere betweenn Rochester's snowfall and what you get in Philly. Snowfall will vary, of course, but most typically during the peak snow period here--from late Dec. to early March, give or take--you might average one snowfall a week, maybe three times every two weeks, and most of those will be light to moderate snowfalls. In a typical winter we'll really get slammed only a handful of times, if that. In any given winter there can be more or fewer major storms, but that gives you the general idea. This is NOT upstate NY when it comes to snowfall, though, yes, it snows more here than in Philly.

Depending on how long a commute you're up for in general, here are a few options for getting some taste of city living without having to commute all the way from Boston:

Worcester. A small city west of Boston. Worcester is a small city, but it is a city, not a town, and has a certain amount of nightlife, including a couple of the rock concert venues in the greater Boston area circuit. There is also commuter rail service from Worcester to Boston. The disadvantages: Not sure of the fare, but Worcester is a long enough ride on commuter rail that the fare to Boston may be kind of expensive, and I think the ride one way from that far out is pushing two hours; you'd be commuting to M'borough going east, as in toward Boston, as in with the main flow of traffic, so traffic might be an issue (though this might depend on your route; I'm not familiar enough with that area well out to the west to know whether there are certain routes with reasonably light traffic, but it could be an issue).

Newton. That's the town with the Riverside stop on the green line. Newton is an older suburban town, trolley 'burb, commuter rail 'burb kind of place, with more population density and more nice old houses than quintessential post-war suburbia, and a number of neighborhood commercial districts with local shopping and some nice little eateries. And, Newton is very convenient for getting into the city. You can live near the commuter rail or the green line, depending on what section of Newton. I've heard that SEPTA commuter rail is more expensive than Boston's MBTA, but I'm not sure. Off the top of my head, I think a one-way trip on commuter rail from Newton to downtown Boston would be four or five bucks max.

Waltham. Immediately north of Newton. Large town or small city, depending on your definitions. Suburban on its north side, fairly urban everywhere else. Kind of blue-collar, with a growing population of young professionals downtown. Not much in the way of shopping beyond the basic stuff, but a decent restaurant scene for a small city of 60k or so. Also is on a commuter rail line, about a 20- to 25-minute ride to Boston. Should be priced about the same as the ride from Newton.

Link to Boston transit for more info: MBTA.com > Official Website for Greater Boston's Public Transportation System.

Unfortunately, M'borough is not in the best location to offer you urban living close by. The above are a few suggestions for getting at least a taste of city living within commuting range.

[DreamworksSKG]

A lot of small towns aren't really WICKed small towns like you might be thinking of (say in other states)

They just aren't cities but can still be decent towns of say 15-30,000 people depending on the town

Most towns aren't under 10,000 people ---at least until you get west of worcester

Yes, some parts of towns have country-ish feel but thats the beauty of it, you can live out in the country or in a small suburban town, but a couple minutes drive and you're in the town center with hustle and bustle, quaint shops, commuter rail stations and more.

The other good thing about that area. is they are smaller town centers, not places with Huge big box retailers (for the most part)...tho you can drive to those. -

there are scattered plazas with malls, and such around.

I would suggest checking out towns within 5- 10-25 miles of Marlrbough.

Some suggestions to check out would be


I would highly recommend putting Shrewsbury and Concord on the top of your list Concord and Shrewsbury both have nice downtown centers with shops and Concord has the added bonus of a tourist town, so you'll love the history there (the minuteman park and such is right there) battle road, old north bridge etc. museums, etc. - parks, etc. and tourists are always around which makes it interesting.

You might also like Acton area/S. Acton as Acton has a nice downtown as well as commuter rail access into Boston.

Since you like the more urban-suburban areas.
and you don't have children y

its probably not urban like city but some of the towns at least have services in the small towns and nice restaurants, boutiques, shopping areas, town commons, etc. etc.

I think you should also look into Natick and Framingham
they also have Commuter Rail access
to Boston and are within driving distance to Marlborough

I'll second what ogre said, Waltham has bus and commuter rail service, and a more urban feel though its a bit further to Marlborough driving wise

same with Newton - Newton is suburban-urban with different villages ---scattered into one town
each section of newton is different. Western side is more suburban Eastern and central more urban -
and has "T" (Green Line access) (Subway)

Chelmsford or even parts of Lowell Might work for you if you don't mind the commute on 495.
which would be about 20 miles

I would also recommend Hopkinton
its a small town but is also the start of the Boston Marathon on patriots day and is right on the mass pike.
very nice community

Some smaller towns you might consider ---that would be close to Marlborough/Worcester I would suggest would be:


Berlin
Bolton
Mendon
Stow
Acton
South Acton
Clinton
Maynard
Lancaster
Harvard
Boxborough
Hudson
Westborough
Southborough
Northborough
Hopedale
Milford
Franklin
Framingham
Natick
Newton
Waltham
Holiston
Ashland
Littleton
Lincoln
Concord

I think you would like Concord a lot since you seem to be a history buff, the town is small but has a lot of shops and services, and is easily acceessed to route 2, 128, 495, etc. and there are services within driving distances, malls, etc. - commuter rail to Boston and everything. -the museums and history is right there and I think you would love interacting with the tourists coming through town

it would be about a
8-10 mile trip via back roads. - or maybe 12-15 via highway to Marlborough
(would be a reverse commute most of the way)

Defintely look into Concord

[gobetween]

ogre-
Thank you for the deep analysis! Glad to hear that the snowfall is not what I had imagined. I was concerned with having to commute, if I live 10+ miles outside of Marlborough during the winter time. I think I will have to visit Worcester to see what it's like... I'm planning a visit to Mass. soon... When I was visiting for the first time earlier this year, my cab driver referred me to check out Worcester too. Newton will be on my list for spots to check out. The fact that the T runs through this area is very appealing to me.

DreamworksSKG

Your suggestions is providing great insight!
Yep, I think cities and towns are misnomers... because even though Philly is a city... I've gone to school here and even lived here...and I still think it's not that big. There are times when it's relatively quiet...to me. Concord and Shrewsbury shall be on my list to visit as well. Thanks for the Newton insight. Central Newton appeals to me too!



I appreciate the prompt responses and I will keep looking into these places and more.

[DreamworksSKG]

I still think you should check out concord since you seem to like museums-history and town centers

[Concepts]

How much can you afford for rent? Some of these towns (Concord, Lincoln, Acton) are very expensive and perhaps out of your reach.

Waltham and Worcester are good suggestions...Worcester would be an easy commute and rents are low.


Honestly, I don't think Marlborough would be all that bad for you. Yes, you would have to drive to museums, concerts and such but that may be better than an everyday communte from Boston to Marlborough. During non rush hours,(and good weather) you can easily get into Boston from Marlboro in 30 minutes for the nightlife and culture you're looking for. The area in and around Marlborough is pretty well packed with restaurants and some bar life, as is Worcester.

My daughter and finance (late 20's) lived in Brighton for a year and have decided to move to Marlborough as it is more affordable and less of a hassle than living close to Boston. They found they spent so much money on rent they couldn't afford to enjoy the city anyway.

Something to think about anyway.

[Concepts]

Forgot to add....there are lots of rentals in Marlborough. ....either complexes or apartments in older multi families. The "T" also runs from Westborough into Boston which is perhaps 15 minutes away from Marlborough.

[gobetween]

Originally Posted by Concepts

How much can you afford for rent? Some of these towns (Concord, Lincoln, Acton) are very expensive and perhaps out of your reach.

Waltham and Worcester are good suggestions...Worcester would be an easy commute and rents are low.


Honestly, I don't think Marlborough would be all that bad for you. Yes, you would have to drive to museums, concerts and such but that may be better than an everyday communte from Boston to Marlborough. During non rush hours,(and good weather) you can easily get into Boston from Marlboro in 30 minutes for the nightlife and culture you're looking for. The area in and around Marlborough is pretty well packed with restaurants and some bar life, as is Worcester.

My daughter and finance (late 20's) lived in Brighton for a year and have decided to move to Marlborough as it is more affordable and less of a hassle than living close to Boston. They found they spent so much money on rent they couldn't afford to enjoy the city anyway.

Something to think about anyway.

Concepts-
I am looking for $600 and lower especially since a lot of properties I have researched online don't include utilities. Is that feasible for areas mentioned in other posts, such as Concord, Worcester, Waltham...etc?

I paid a bit more to live in the city over the past year and I have some regrets about that as well. I'm guessing if Brighton was a bit on the pricey range, then Newton will be similar? I will keep my eye out for the apt complexes in Marlborough, good to know!

[tuteishungry]

Originally Posted by gobetween

Hello,

Recent college grad here, moving from the city scene of Philadelphia to Marlborough (for a job). I am new to the area and I am seeking advice as to what would be an ideal living area for a young professional when commuting from Boston to Marlborough would not be such a wise idea (for the wintry months?) Seeing as though it snows a lot during winter, I would be advised to just not bother with commuting and live where I will have to work, no? I drove in the snow up to Rochester before and I would not like to experience that again. (I was driving a Ford Taurus 2000ish model...not exactly snow material...) I am torn though because I do not want to forgo the city env't.

I really would like to live in Boston but 30 miles of commuting every day is not an ideal situation for me especially when mother nature is added to the mix. I have been reading the threads here about Marlborough. I love the city feel where you can in the midst of the hubbub you can walk to museums, shops, restaurants, etc. So I'm not sure how I feel about moving to a small town. I was also considering living by the T but the furthest west from Boston, where the subway runs I notice is... Riverside? I also know of the commuter rail...but if it's anything like it is here in Philly, making weekend trips to the city would not be as easy and as affordable as on the subway?

What is the apartment situation like in Marlborough? From a past thread in 2007, there is a Windsor Meadows, Avalon Orchards..? Is living by where the subway runs to Boston a plausible enough reason to live away from Marlborough just so that it will be feasible for me to make frequent trips to the city?

I have been contemplating and mulling on my own with research without much luck. If you have read all these thoughts, then thank you but an even greater thanks if you would impart any words of wisdom for someone looking for that city feel for a job in Marlborough.

Thank you!

If you're looking for a city feel that isn't the city budget, I suggest Natick.

[brightdoglover]

I'd want to live in a real city environment at your age.
The trick to reverse commuting is to live near the highway you'll take. In your case, likely Rt. 9.
Brookline is a perfect place for young single professionals of all stripess. Very urbane, right next to Boston/Cambridge, and Rt. 9 runs through it.
If you were to use the Mass Pike, you could add Allston/Brighton (although I think that might be more college student than young prof), Cambridge near Harvard Sq (as opposed to East Cambridge, too far into the city) or consider East Arlington, steps from North Cambridge and lively in itself (only East, otherwise, too suburbo) and you can hop on Rt. 2 and get to 128 or Pike or whatever. The reverse commute shouldn't be too bad if you live near the highway you need.
Don't worry about snow. There are winters with a few plowable storms, and winters with none. Winters have gotten more and more mild in the many years I've been here (from Cherry Hill...) and I honestly think a young single prof would go mad in any of the towns mentioned. Oh, Newton would be good, the urbane parts (West Newton) but the parts near Rt. 9 are pretty suburbo, too. I'd vote for in-town, you can go somewhere great every evening if you want, and all weekend.
Best wishes. It's a great town to be a young single professional. Don't worry about the drive or snow- live where it's lively now.