Affordable area with easy commute to Longwood Medical and West Roxbury areas? (Boston: transfer to)

[aidenswings]

Hello, I wrote a post at the beginning of this month and received some great recommendations as to what areas are affordable and in good distance from Malden. However, now I have a different question..I am looking into jobs in Longwood Medical and also West Roxbury and am curious as to others opinions on the schools there. I have a 5 yr old and will put him in public school at this time. I was told to look into West Roxbury but the schools didn't get good ratings there. Dedham has better ratings..but I am not finding as many affordable 2 bedrooms there. If I live in Malden, is the commute to either area crazy by car? And is West Roxbury an easy commute via bus or train from the South End of Boston or Malden? Any info is really appreciated! I just want to get some opinions because I am unsure if I should just base everything by the reports on sites like schooldigger.com and greatschools.com,etc. Or? Thanks in Advance!

[brightdoglover]

Yes, the commute is crazy by car. Very crazy.
Not sure why you mention the South End as a possible residence. It's neither affordable now a likely place for a child or public schools. I think people who afford the South End (not in public housing) send their kids to private school.
From Malden, you can take the Orange Line into downtown and transfer to a Green Line for Longwood. Not sure what the public transport is for West Roxbury (bus?).
If you could squeeze yourself into living in Brookline, you'd have great access to the possible work sites, wonderful schools, and a very urbane and civilized daily life. If I had a kid, I'd try my hardest to find a way to live in Brookline.
Best wishes.