Affordable towns in the Boston metro area (Worcester, Cambridge: neighborhoods, buyer)

[RLCMA]

I’m originally from MA and I’m contemplating moving back. My job requires me to be in VT and the Adirondack area of NY each week. Needless to say, very sleepy areas. I’d like to move to the Boston metro area, preferably just north of Boston, to avoid the rush hour traffic south of the city. Since I’d only be spending like 4 nights a week in MA, Boston and some of the high end surrounding towns don’t make sense from a cost of living standpoint. Any suggestions of good places to live that aren’t Boston expensive? I’ve always liked Watertown and Charlestown but I’m sure the COL is close to par with Boston. Any other suggestions? Woburn, Medford, etc.? Other towns that I might not be aware of that are within 20 minutes of Boston?

[CaseyB]

What do you consider "affordable"?

[Bridge781]

Winthrop? Woburn is probably a good option as well.

[MassVt]

If you're going to be spending considerable amounts of time in the Adirondacks and VT, you should consider the Worcester area---much cheaper...

[RLCMA]

Originally Posted by MassVt

If you're going to be spending considerable amounts of time in the Adirondacks and VT, you should consider the Worcester area---much cheaper...

That’s a possibility. Worcester isn’t a bad place and only an hour from Boston. I just prefer the Boston metro area. I guess affordable is maybe 2k or less for a 1 bedroom apt for the time being.

[id77]

Originally Posted by RLCMA

I’m originally from MA and I’m contemplating moving back. My job requires me to be in VT and the Adirondack area of NY each week. Needless to say, very sleepy areas. I’d like to move to the Boston metro area, preferably just north of Boston, to avoid the rush hour traffic south of the city. Since I’d only be spending like 4 nights a week in MA, Boston and some of the high end surrounding towns don’t make sense from a cost of living standpoint. Any suggestions of good places to live that aren’t Boston expensive? I’ve always liked Watertown and Charlestown but I’m sure the COL is close to par with Boston. Any other suggestions? Woburn, Medford, etc.? Other towns that I might not be aware of that are within 20 minutes of Boston?

The big wildcard here is "within 20 minutes of Boston". Heck, there's parts of Boston that aren't even within 20 minutes of Boston. If your idea of Boston is up by TD Garden/North End, it can take 20+ minutes from the South End to walk/T there; conversely if your idea is Fenway, someone in the North End isn't going to get there in under 20.

If you're looking for a town that doesn't feel rural but is a reasonable train/car ride in to downtown, you're not far off with a Woburn, Medford or Malden. All are along 93 so you have your easy-ish path up to VT.

Charlestown (at least the buyer's market) is about on par with the cheaper parts of the South End now so I wouldn't expect rents there to be much better. Watertown is right there but it's also a world away. The T doesn't go there so you're either driving in or taking a bus to Kenmore.

It's worth noting $2k for a 1 bedroom is in the ballpark for even Boston, so that's not Boston expensive. You can get a 2 bedroom for $2600 in some of the better neighborhoods of Boston today; it's not luxury with an elevator, walk-in closets, and a roof deck, but it's doable.

Another thing that may make sense in your situation is roommates. With a 4 night/week rotation, your roommate isn't going to be bothering you 7 days a week, and you'll have someone local on the days you're not around for random housekeeping like package deliveries. And it will significantly reduce the cost of living aspect since you're now splitting expenses and rent.

[BosYuppie]

Watertown is not a world away. Pre covid I was commuting to Copley and before that South Station via Watertown Yard express busses. Very convenient and I actually get a seat on the bus, unlike all you step hangers taking the trains. There’s also the every 10 minutes service to Harvard Square along mt auburn. By car, you can jump on Soldiers Field Road or the mass pike pretty easily and be downtown in 20 minutes.

This falls down at rush hour if we get back to pre covid traffic levels. You can feel trapped in your area, but that goes for anywhere inside 128 I reckon. But even so, all your needs on a typical weeknight will be easily met in town. And depending where in town you are, Waltham, Newton Cambridge and Brighton are right next door.

All this said, I wouldn’t describe Watertown as an “Affordable Town” and I agree with the Worcester suggestion, an exciting city with convenient access to VT. Heck you can even find VT “whale” craft beers on tap in the Woo.

[porterhouse]

If my territory was VT and the Adirondacks, I’d consider living in Burlington, VT.

[RLCMA]

Originally Posted by porterhouse

If my territory was VT and the Adirondacks, I’d consider living in Burlington, VT.

I live here now. Very boring city. Watertown and Charlestown seem appealing. Possibly Woburn as well.

[BosYuppie]

I don’t see the appeal of Charlestown myself. From what I’ve seen there isn’t actually all that much to do compared to Cambridge, Somerville, or some other neighborhoods of Boston itself. Also if you’re going to be on the road, you’ll want reliable and convenient parking which I think you’d pay a price for in Charlestown.