Marlborough, Mass (Boston, Framingham, Hudson: apartment complexes, rentals, crime rate)

[InternationalOrange]

Could you fill me in on Marlborough? What are its safe/unsafe areas?

Let's say, just as a hypothetical situation, I were to rent, not buy, there. Would have a car, and be working in the metro west area. The area of Marlborough near the library looks like it would be a good walkable area to live in, but I've heard the Lincoln Street neighborhood is not the safest. The part of the city over near the Sudbury border is nicer, but naturally, more expensive. The city appeals to me because it has less expensive rentals, and is still close to Route 9, 20, the Pike, etc.

[brent s]

The center of town is a hole. The outskirts are actually quite nice.

[Parsec]

I wouldn't rent there. When I first moved to Mass, I needed to rent in that area and I chose Hudson instead. Much safer with comparable rents (at least it was back then). The one complex I considered in Marlboro was called Jefferson something, but it's on the other side of 495 across from Solomon Pond Mall.

[brent s]

Most of the nicer larger apartment complexes in Marlboro are in the outer areas, which are generally nice neighborhoods. Those areas of Marlboro are comparable to Hudson.

[495neighbor]

I looked at many apartments in Marlborough before I bought. Most of those rentals off of Route 20 were in bad condition, with a transient population and this was quite awhile ago. Downtown Marlborough has its ups and downs depending on what large corporation decides to settle there or leave. Several years ago when Fidelity moved out and 3Com was acquired by HP, it was in a downward spiral. It may be on the way up again as TJMaxx moved part of its operations there and Boston Scientific is scheduled to relocate their HQ there. Marlborough has some good restaurants especially Brazilian and more than a few dive bars. Downtown Hudson is a bit shady in spots, so you need to be careful there too. You might add Framingham and Westborough to your rental search.

[Rhapsodie2014]

Originally Posted by 495neighbor

I looked at many apartments in Marlborough before I bought. Most of those rentals off of Route 20 were in bad condition, with a transient population and this was quite awhile ago. Downtown Marlborough has its ups and downs depending on what large corporation decides to settle there or leave. Several years ago when Fidelity moved out and 3Com was acquired by HP, it was in a downward spiral. It may be on the way up again as TJMaxx moved part of its operations there and Boston Scientific is scheduled to relocate their HQ there. Marlborough has some good restaurants especially Brazilian and more than a few dive bars. Downtown Hudson is a bit shady in spots, so you need to be careful there too. You might add Framingham and Westborough to your rental search.

Well...glad I read this, was considering this area after being out of MA of 10 yrs.....

[massnative71]

Marlborough is not dangerous AT ALL. Some less than desirables in a few neighborhoods yes, but let's be realistic here.

[brent s]

Originally Posted by massnative71

Marlborough is not dangerous AT ALL. Some less than desirables in a few neighborhoods yes, but let's be realistic here.

exactly.

[J.M.M]

Originally Posted by massnative71

Marlborough is not dangerous AT ALL. Some less than desirables in a few neighborhoods yes, but let's be realistic here.

Pretty much this. I rented an apartment where I could hit the Lincoln inn by throwing a rock if I wanted to. That is generally considered the "bad" section of Marlborough and I never felt unsafe at all. Even walking by myself at 2 or 3 am. The crime rate for Marlborough is very low, I truly have no idea how it got a bad rep for crime. The Lincoln inn and some of the surrounding areas look like a dump, but it is far from unsafe.

[J.M.M]

I was kind of hoping the Marlborough bashers would explain their case