Job in Lexington/Bedford area, where to live? (Arlington, Woburn: apartment complexes, rental)

[RL5200]

I am interviewing for a job near Hanscom AFB and I wanted to game plan to get an idea of good towns that are around the base. Renting is definitely an option as I don't want to buy until I am reasonably sure I like the town. Wife and I have a child who will be eligible for preschool in the next year so schools definitely matter.

Would like to have a town with a nice downtown area, gyms, parks, grocery stores etc, but also have a lot of athletic activities for kids, ice rinks, and maybe a slight blue collar feel. I cant stand the total yuppie/hipster vibe.

I have looked into Burlington, Arlington, Melrose, Wakefield, Natick, Reading, but would appreciate a locals take on these towns or those I haven't mentioned.

Thanks
RL

[donewithpretty]

Burlington jumps out as the right place for you, based on your list and where you'll be working. You'll find a very family-oriented community, lots to do, plus you'll be able to commute to work without taking the interstate. Reading would also be a good fit, but why add the driving time?

Of the rest of your list, Arlington and to a lesser extent Melrose are probably too yuppie/hipster for your tastes, although both towns do have blue-collar roots.

[BHboston]

You might like Bedford itself as well, definitely more of a blue-collar feel especially when compared to neighboring towns like Lexington, Concord, and Lincoln. Bedford's town center is a little sleepy but there are quite a few shopping centers along Great Road with all the necessities of life, and it seems like a solid place to raise a family. IMO nothing beats a short commute!

[gf2020]

Burlington, Woburn, Reading

[MikePRU]

What is your price range for housing and what are your expectations (i.e. do you want a 5,000 sq ft brand new colonial or are you OK with a 1400 sq ft ranch from 1950)?

[wxjay]

Renting in Burlington, Lexington, and Bedford is expensive. So yes, a budget would be a good thing to have before making suggestions.

[InEurope]

We lived in Woburn/Burlington area for 5 years a few years ago. It's nice area with lots of families with kids. Nothing is walkable so if you can reduce your commute time you can drive to play grounds in the evenings. Nice summer concerts in the area. Don't know about the ice skating options. Renting is okay..around 1500-2000 for 2 bedroom depending on the model.

[RL5200]

This is great information. I have a budget that would support ~$2200-2500 a month. I would like to rent initially just to be sure we like the area, and from what it sounds like, Burlington may fit the bill as there seems to be a large concentration of shopping, and activities for kids. It also looks like the schools are rated fairly well in Burlington.

How does Woburn, Reading and Burlington compare? I just want to have some options in mind.

Thanks for all the input!

[bc02eagle]

My wife and I lived in wakefield for two years after moving back to Mass from Denver. I work in Burlington and the commute was very reasonable. IMO, I would recommend wakefield, especially the areas near the lake. Housing costs, either for renting or buying are pretty reasonable, the schools are pretty good and around the lake is very family-oriented.

[wxjay]

Personally, the commute on 95/128 from anywhere east of 93 is quite rough. Traffic is a nightmare for the PM commute especially. Reading would be the absolute furthest east I would consider to be honest.

Woburn is probably more 'blue collar' and a little more 'rough around the edges' than Burlington and Reading. Reading has the nicest downtown area of the three, but in all communities a car is necessary. The school system in Woburn is also below either Burlington or Reading.

With your budget, I would focus on Burlington if I were you. There are a couple of apartment complexes that fit your budget. One is Seven Springs, which is right off Middlesex Turnpike and walking distance to a plaza with a very large Market Basket (local supermarket chain). Technically, you could walk to the Burlington Mall also I think, but it's along the very busy Middlesex Turnpike and I don't think it has sidewalks in that area. Those apartments that will probably run you ~$2000-$2300/mth for a two bedroom + lots of amenities (pool, large fitness center, nice grounds for walking).

Houses are rare to rent in Burlington, but there might be a couple out there. Check out the Rental postings on Zillow or, if you want, even Craigslist.