Moving up from a condo to a single family - where to go? (Boston: townhomes)

[B525]

Hi,

My husband and I are thinking of making the leap from a condo in Boston (Jamaica Plain) to a single family in a surrounding community. We love it here but it is time to find more space and to move on from condo living. Our priorities are yard space for our dog, commuting distance to the city (I am in the Longwood Medical Area, he is in Cambridge) - preferably by train or bus rather than driving, safe, and family friendly features (good schools, parks, walkability) for when we have kids in the next year or two.

We were primarily considering Arlington, but due to extremely low inventory and bidding wars we're realizing that we need to expand our search area. Our price range is up to 625k or so. We've heard that good places to consider would be: Arlington, Belmont, Newton, Wellesley, Winchester, Westwood, and Marblehead (if the distance to the North Shore isn't prohibitive). It seems that these are all great areas but possibly out of our price range. Where else should we consider, or does anybody have insight into one of these areas? Thanks so much!

[495neighbor]

Originally Posted by B525

Hi,

My husband and I are thinking of making the leap from a condo in Boston (Jamaica Plain) to a single family in a surrounding community. We love it here but it is time to find more space and to move on from condo living. Our priorities are yard space for our dog, commuting distance to the city (I am in the Longwood Medical Area, he is in Cambridge) - preferably by train or bus rather than driving, safe, and family friendly features (good schools, parks, walkability) for when we have kids in the next year or two.

We were primarily considering Arlington, but due to extremely low inventory and bidding wars we're realizing that we need to expand our search area. Our price range is up to 625k or so. We've heard that good places to consider would be: Arlington, Belmont, Newton, Wellesley, Winchester, Westwood, and Marblehead (if the distance to the North Shore isn't prohibitive). It seems that these are all great areas but possibly out of our price range. Where else should we consider, or does anybody have insight into one of these areas? Thanks so much!

Westwood is not at all walkable.

Arlington is best for your budget, commuting and other criteria, very walkable.
Newton, since you are already in JP, could work if you are willing to go the shared duplex or nice townhome community option. Possibly add Needham, not sure of townhome stock in that town.

Milton and North Quincy are other areas you should consider.

[MikePRU]

Originally Posted by 495neighbor

Westwood is not at all walkable.

Arlington is best for your budget, commuting and other criteria, very walkable.
Newton, since you are already in JP, could work if you are willing to go the shared duplex or nice townhome community option. Possibly add Needham, not sure of townhome stock in that town.

Milton and North Quincy are other areas you should consider.

Most of the townhomes here in Needham seem to be selling for $800K and up lately. You could find something in the 600's but they're not terribly common.

[scratchie]

If you like JP, why not Roslindale or West Roxbury? Is there anything in your price range?