Relocating to new job in Marlborough, looking for best town/activities for single living (Boston: vs., move to)

[charolastra00]

I'm 31 and rent in Marlborough. It's not ideal for my social life, but it's much more affordable than many of the other areas listed. It's about an hour commute to work in Waltham, but can be cut down to 35 minutes later at night (and I'd guess would be roughly the same on a reverse commute). Waltham is a good option for youngish singles, and is well-located if you jump ship to work in Boston down the road.



I lived in Medford close to the Somerville line before I moved and spent a lot of time shuttling back and forth. Even with limited traffic, it was at least an hour between the two. I wouldn't want to do that for my commute.




I do most of my socializing in Hudson, which has really invested in updating their downtown. If you're into craft beer, Medusa is one of the best spots in the state and way less packed on an average night than equivalent or lesser places closer to the city.

[huff100]

Newton is just a bad commute to Marlborough when Worcester is cheaper to live in and closer. I vote for Worcester, just make sure you pick a safe area in the city. Restaurants and lots of single people there, cheaper houses/rent than Newton.
If you had a family I would not vote for Worcester but for a single person, have fun and you do not have to think about schools, etc.

[panchilly]

Framingham
Hudson
Marlborough
Worcester

[scorpio516]

If you can find something near the Plantation 290 exit in Worcester, it's about 15 minutes to the end of 290 in Marlborough.

Not the best night life, especially that part of Worcester - near a housing project next to the best elementary school in town, but also where a lot of med students live. Downtown Worcester, canal district, and Shrewsbury street should keep you entertained during the week, but if your used to NYC and expecting the same, head there for the weekends! You'll save quite a bit staying in Worcester though.

[Shrewsburried]

Originally Posted by scorpio516

If you can find something near the Plantation 290 exit in Worcester, it's about 15 minutes to the end of 290 in Marlborough.

Not the best night life, especially that part of Worcester - near a housing project next to the best elementary school in town, but also where a lot of med students live. Downtown Worcester, canal district, and Shrewsbury street should keep you entertained during the week, but if your used to NYC and expecting the same, head there for the weekends! You'll save quite a bit staying in Worcester though.

Most of my NYC peers seem disappointed in Boston, so if OP is going to be disappointed it might as well be in affordable Worcester, or Hudson, or Shrewsbury (though Shrews has you paying for school district).

[DoubleEE]

Thank you all for the updated information and ideas, I will look at the areas mentioned. I was not expecting the same as NY, but agree its better to have more cash flow for other things by living in more affordable areas instead. As I started to look around I did not realize how expensive housing was getting outside of the Boston. I have only visited the city and downtown areas and noticed how expensive hotels are for it's city size. Guess I have to get back into snowboarding for the winters and see what coastal activities for the summer time.

[495neighbor]

Originally Posted by charolastra00

I'm 31 and rent in Marlborough. It's not ideal for my social life, but it's much more affordable than many of the other areas listed. It's about an hour commute to work in Waltham, but can be cut down to 35 minutes later at night (and I'd guess would be roughly the same on a reverse commute). Waltham is a good option for youngish singles, and is well-located if you jump ship to work in Boston down the road.

Now the larger question, what's good for oldish singles. I'm still working on that one.

[495neighbor]

Originally Posted by panchilly

Framingham
Hudson
Marlborough
Worcester

Framingham - No, No
Hudson - Meh, mostly young families
Marlborough - No, No, No
Worcester - lesser of the evils

[massnative71]

Originally Posted by 495neighbor

Worcester - lesser of the evils

Still kind of bleh though, why not just live near work and save the fun for the weekends?

[495neighbor]

Originally Posted by massnative71

Still kind of bleh though, why not just live near work and save the fun for the weekends?

It is ideal to live close to an area one might want to socialize in. I know from experience, there was always a density factor when I was doing OLD. When I lived in Acton, men who lived inside 128 were reluctant to pursue once they found out I lived outside the belt, whether it was all the way downtown or Lexington, only 8 miles away. However, I would get hit on by those 100 miles into Central Mass or New Hampshire.

I also dated someone in NYC long distance. It was difficult to keep that going despite both of our efforts.

If the OP lives in Marlborough, I'm afraid going to NYC or Providence or Boston on weekends won't be enough, and they may end up feeling rather isolated.