Driving into East Cambridge daily for work....

[Sunduri]

You are correct, Holden, I just entered Waltham, MA into Mapquest. So, it sounds like Arlington and Melrose are still the front runners. I don't really care about living within walking distance of stores, etc... I currently live in an area with minimal public transporation and have to drive to grocery stores, malls, etc... I'm fine with that. If I worked from home, a suburban to semi-rural location would be my choice, but since commuting is a necessary evil, I want to keep the time in the car or on the train to a minimum. From what I've read on here, Watertown sounds a bit more urban-esque than Melrose or Arlington, is that correct? As far as affordability goes, Melrose seems to be the best of the three. I saw some nice looking homes in Stoneham too. On the map, Stoneham looks like a 10 min drive further than Melrose. Is that correct or would traffic add on even more time to the morning drive than leaving from Melrose?

[holden125]

Originally Posted by Sunduri

From what I've read on here, Watertown sounds a bit more urban-esque than Melrose or Arlington, is that correct?

I don't know that Watertown is, on the whole, that different from Arlington or Melrose in terms of urbanity. There are some denser parts with 2-family houses and small yards, but it's worth taking a look at what's available.

Originally Posted by Sunduri

As far as affordability goes, Melrose seems to be the best of the three. I saw some nice looking homes in Stoneham too. On the map, Stoneham looks like a 10 min drive further than Melrose. Is that correct or would traffic add on even more time to the morning drive than leaving from Melrose?

Stoneham is right next to Melrose Highlands and, in the end, may be about the same commuting time as Melrose. From Melrose, you have to make your way across town to 28 or the Fellsway East. Lynn Fells Pkwy heading west is, I know, not great in the morning. From Stoneham it's a straight shot down on 28 (still don't recommend 93).

[LincolnDad]

Hello Sunduri,

Arlington is great becasue of the RedLine option from Alewife Station; you coudl take a bus there from MAss Ave. There will nto be toomany options in your range because of the land but there are a few. Have you heard of the the Stone house that is for sale?

[Sunduri]

i think I know what you're talking about re: the stone house. Is that the one that was "hand built" by a man and his wife? i saw it on the realty sites. I've seen quite a number of Arlington homes in my price range on the realtor's site, but of course I can't know what the street/surrounding area is like until I see it in person. I plan on flying up to Boston mid Aug to spend 3 days with a realtor going through the different neighborhoods that I've identified as possibilities and should have a better feel for where I want to end up after that.

[LincolnDad]

Good Luck Sunduri. If you get a chance go by Robbins Road. It is in the Brackett school district (which was ranked #1 in the county a few years back) and it is a very nice quiet street.