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Old 06-01-2013, 04:25 PM
 
69 posts, read 146,515 times
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I realize the difficulties of moving - I have done it more often than most. Commutes, rental costs, surrounding areas, social desires, etc etc etc.......it makes it a challenge, especially on a budget.

Amesbury to Waltham should only be about 45 minutes in no traffic, driving about 65-70 mph. However, in traffic, and given your social desires, I can see the lack of "excitement" about it.

Because of the absurdity of Boston traffic, especially during rush hour from the north shore, you may want to reconsider these options;

Beverly - rent is reasonable, if you're willing to sacrifice amenities, and it is close enough to Salem where that could be your "go-to" social spot.

Framingham - parts of it are reasonably priced, and it, as well as surrounding towns, could offer some nightlife (at least in comparison to Amesbury).

Worcester - yes, it is an hour from Waltham, and quite possibly 90 minutes or more in traffic, but it might offer you more localized social events than the alternatives.

I am not sure where you are from, or what your exposure to Massachusetts is, but in general, the state itself is overpriced. The north shore is absurd in terms of rent, cost of living, and real estate markets. The west loop is more reasonable, but a little more busy and compact and without the water. The south shore is like the north shore, except there are more Irish than Italian, and the people tend to be a little less elitist.

If commute is a principal objective, I would look around Billerica, Westford, and Lowell as well - about 45 minutes, and there are good and bad spots.

Otherwise, besides what I have already included, I would just look around route 1......places like Danvers, Saugus, Peabody, Wakefield, Lynn, Revere.......there would be enough restaurants, enough bars, enough of a nightlife, and it would be a quick on and off to the highway. Just remember, 30 minutes in no traffic equates to about 1 hour - 1 hour 15 minutes in Boston traffic.

But, on a 900 dollar budget, you should at least be able to find something in those areas - just, if you opt for Lynn, Lowell, or Revere, be aware of the neighborhood you are in, and check it out thoroughly prior to making a decision.

Anyway............good luck to you! I hope it all works out.
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Old 10-21-2013, 05:43 PM
 
11 posts, read 18,329 times
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Look into Salem. I moved to Amesbury from Boston, and I will tell you, it is a very different lifestyle. Salem is more cultural and slightly urban, diverse, and closer to Waltham. I'm moving to Philly after the holidays, and I cannot get out fast enough. Amesbury is a wasteland.
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Old 11-13-2013, 06:01 PM
 
10 posts, read 22,071 times
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I would avoid Georgetown if you are looking for nightlife. There really isn't anything there. I know because I grew up there and my parents still live there. Not a whole lot has changed since I left.
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Old 11-20-2013, 05:44 PM
 
Location: Mount Pleasant
2,625 posts, read 3,968,564 times
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I would not commute from Amesbury or Georgetown to Waltham. It's a nightmare - 2 hours+ on "bad" days and you never know what will slow traffic - rain, snow, accident. There's also nothing to do in Georgetown.

Beverly and Salem might be good options.

I love Concord, MA. A beautiful town - much like Newburyport where I live. I don't think there's much nightlife, and don't know about the rental market there, but it's a much better commute to Waltham. Worth checking out.
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Old 11-21-2013, 11:48 AM
 
6,039 posts, read 6,014,573 times
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I know this is an old thread but I'm surprised nobody mentioned Waltham itself. It's got at least as good of a downtown as Amesbury and is much more in line with the OP's stated wants than are Billerica and Georgetown.
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Old 11-23-2013, 06:23 PM
 
Location: Plum Island, MA
9 posts, read 15,978 times
Reputation: 14
There are those of us who find that Plum Island offers a break from the cost of Newburyport and has many advantages. You might consider something closer in such as Georgetown or even Topsfield for making the commute more managable.
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