Any great towns near central mass that has great public transportation? (Worcester: apartment, rent)

[gm3333]

Hello!

Looking for some advice.

Me and my spouse currently live north of Worcester (think Rutland, Holden, Princeton, West Boylston - rather not say for security reasons!) and work in Worcester. We rent a townhouse and love the "remoteness" of where we live.

One parent of ours may be moving up here from NYC and we are thinking of getting a 2 family / house with in-law apartment. She does not drive. So the locations listed above are unfortunately out as their public transportation is minimal.

This may seem very specific, but I'm looking for a location with the following criteria:

1) Something within walking distance of public transportation (bus/train).
2) Within 1 hour drive of Worcester
3) A location that's somewhat secluded/quiet (woods, no city noise at night).
4) Budget: circa. $300-350k
5) Descent cost of living areas
6) Safe / low crime area

I realize trying to find something that is somewhat "remote" and be accessible to public transportation is probably not realistic, but figure I would at least ask! I'm sure there are some towns/cities with public transportation that have secluded areas that abuts nature preserves.

If not, are there any services in Massachusetts for 65+ (not disabled) that provide door-to-door rides (subsidized or otherwise).


Any ideas? Thoughts?


Thank you!

[gf2020]

Sections of Worcester proper may meet your requirements. I would start by looking at the WRTA service coverage map.

WRTA Map

[Weird Tolkienish Figure]

Therein lies the rub: you like living in the middle of nowhere but hate the lack of PT. But of course, if it had PT it would cease to be in the middle of nowhere, more people would come, etc. One of the true tragic paradoxes of our age.

[LivingBeyond495]

Some of the stops on the Fitchburg Commuter Rail may fit your bill. Specifically, Ayer and Shirley. The neighborhoods right near the trains stations are a bit whatever, but if you are willing to walk about a quarter of mile, it gets very quiet, very quick. The housing there fits your price range. (Actually, there are brand new houses in Ayer at that price level.) Ayer has more sidewalks. Shirley is more rural but not very walkable. Littleton and Acton are a bit pricier and their train stations are in the middle of nowhere. Leominster and Fitchburg are not quiet areas.

It takes about 30 minutes to drive to Worcester from the area.

[kmann-sherborn]

I think this organization may be able to help you with transportation options: MassResources.org Home

You could also look at train lines but the train service runs most frequently during commuting hours, so for ex, if your relative was looking to take the train somewhere to run a few errands and ride back, they may not find that as convenient as the smaller bus services offered in some communities.

That might open up more options for you as well to find someplace that's accessible for your relative but still offers the peaceful area you're looking for.

[brightdoglover]

Ayer makes a lot of sense. Agree with the downsides of other towns that might have train stations, but not well located (like Littleton).

[nei]

The Fitchburg line is useless if you work in Worcester. The only train line useful is the Worcester / Framingham line.