Commuting to Cambridge: Acton, Topsfield? (Boston, Somerville: real estate, schools, live)

[Dblowe]

We're looking at a move to MA this summer, and both Acton and Topsfield are coming to the top of our list of towns to move to (schools, real estate, etc.) There's going to be a commute to Cambridge involved for the new job, though, so I had a few questions.

I know that Acton (as opposed to Topsfield) is on the commuter rail line in to Boston - but are there any problems parking at the station for a regular commute? And without the train, just how nasty a drive is it from that area to Kendall Square?

As for Topsfield, I have the same questions about the drive. It looks like Route 1 is the main way in from up there to Cambridge - I'd be glad to hear from people who've driven it, and who can speak to the time and traffic load. Thanks!

[surfingatwork]

Originally Posted by Dblowe

We're looking at a move to MA this summer, and both Acton and Topsfield are coming to the top of our list of towns to move to (schools, real estate, etc.) There's going to be a commute to Cambridge involved for the new job, though, so I had a few questions.

I know that Acton (as opposed to Topsfield) is on the commuter rail line in to Boston - but are there any problems parking at the station for a regular commute? And without the train, just how nasty a drive is it from that area to Kendall Square?

As for Topsfield, I have the same questions about the drive. It looks like Route 1 is the main way in from up there to Cambridge - I'd be glad to hear from people who've driven it, and who can speak to the time and traffic load. Thanks!

From acton you could drive the backroads (2a i think it would be) to the red line subway station in alewife and go into kendall square that way (depending upon traffic the drive could take less than 30 minutes or an hour - the time of day will determine this). i drove from lowell to harvard square via routes 225 and 2 for a few years and if i remember correctly it didn't really start to back up until i hit belmont and i believe it took me roughly an hour.

good luck

[NY'er lost in MA]

Acton is on the North Station line also. Some companies in the Kendall Sq. area have shuttles from N. Station. I would ask. Otherwise, the Alewife suggestion is good, but keep in mind you would be fighting traffic on the roads, paying to park everyday, and then commuting via subway for a good 20 minutes. That would mean 1-2 hours each way!

Have you considered Arlington or Winchester?

[Dblowe]

Acton is indeed on the North Station line - is there some reason why I wouldn't take the train directly from there, rather than drive to Alewife to get on the T?

[NY'er lost in MA]

You could take it directly from Acton to Porter Sq. Somerville and switch directly to the Red Line T. That would be the best option. 40 minutes on the commuter rail and then about 15 or so on the T. (each way)

[Dblowe]

That's the impression that I got from the MBTA web site, too - thanks! My last worry, though, is how quickly the commuter parking fills up there. I know that where I live the rail stations can be pretty crammed.

[NY'er lost in MA]

Originally Posted by Dblowe

That's the impression that I got from the MBTA web site, too - thanks! My last worry, though, is how quickly the commuter parking fills up there. I know that where I live the rail stations can be pretty crammed.

287 parking spaces = get there early!

[Dblowe]

Hmmm. . .I see what you mean. How long would the full drive in to Cambridge be?

[NY'er lost in MA]

I would try it one day.

I can say that Rt 2 has pretty heavy traffic and alot of lights. I did the drive once from 495 to Somerville on a weekend and it took an hour! I was amazed at how slow the road was until after you cross 95.

[Parsec]

I've taken the commuter rail from South Acton a few times. Every time I get there around 9 or 10am, the lot was already full but my wife was just dropping me off so I was fine. I'd imagine it gets full after the first few trains leave in the morning. I see many people walking to the station so there's probably street parking and other parking lots in the area.

If you take the commuter rail from South Acton, keep in mind the only stop in Cambridge would be Porter Square. From there, you have to pay another fare to get on the subway or bus to get to your destination. If you drive into Alewife, you have more options in terms of where you want to go and the subway runs much more frequently.