"Reasonable" priced walkable towns outside of Boston (Cambridge: low income, apartments)

[Pbody08]

I know, I know, a very loaded, probably often asked topic. I will give you my particular parameters. I am looking for somewhere walkable (restaurants, bars, coffee, maybe a park etc), I don't have kids so schools are not a concern and I am looking to rent, not buy. I am a field service tech and I travel all over so geography is not a huge concern but centrally located with easy highway access is better. I do not need to be near a T or commuter rail stop, that's a plus but one you seem to pay for also. Urban vibe is a plus, low crime is of course a plus (I want to at least feel safe walking home for a restaurant in the evening). I really want to be able to walk my dog after work and maybe go out an get a drink/dinner a few times a week without getting back in the car. My budget is unfortunately about $1200 to maybe $1300 all inclusive (tough call I know). I have been looking and this budget seems do-able givin that I am able to live with my friends long term while looking and could settle for a nice studio but would of course prefer a 1 bedroom or if necessary a roommate situation. Just not sure of the areas to concentrate on, it's pretty spread out and diverse hear.Throw some ideas out there, I love to research and again I have time! If you need more details just ask. Thanks

[bostonguy1960]

Probably Arlington. Good bus access to Cambridge, good car access to Burlington Mall and Wayside Commons and hi-tech employers. Very good restaurants, Spot (Spy?) Pond, a minuteman bike/walk trail, low crime, two libraries, middle class and some higher incomes, along with small number of low income pockets. Next to desirable Lexington, Cambridge, Belmont & Somerville.

CL regularly has a few basic studios for under $1100 there.

[Verseau]

Look at Salem! You will probably find more available in your price range there than in Arlington or most of the other walkable towns immediately surrounding Boston. It's very walkable and vibrant - arguably more than any other suburb - and also has a commuter rail station for easy access into the city. It's next to 128, but I could see why it would be less convenient for commuting around the metro area than a lot of other towns. Definitely worth looking into, though.

[495neighbor]

Waltham and Watertown for the most centralized location and having many informal places to get a bite to eat or meet friends for a drink might work for you.

[tikaram]

Originally Posted by 495neighbor

Waltham and Watertown for the most centralized location and having many informal places to get a bite to eat or meet friends for a drink might work for you.

Second that, and rent should be less than Arlington. Many people scoff at Waltham because of the school system, but other than that it's a versatile town that has a lot to offer.
When you say you have time - when do you need to move? the rental / moving nightmare is coming up - the big day (or should I say big night?)is August 31 / Sept 1, so if you need a place by then you really have to start serious apartment hunting NOW. If you can wait, late fall should be good time. Keep in kind that no matter the time, good rooms / apartments for reasonable money are snatched up quickly.

[lz1982]

How far outside Boston are you willing to go? I can think of lots of towns, but some are farther from the Boston metro than others.

Arlington is a semi-dry town, which means there are no bars, and restaurants can only serve alcohol with a meal. Of course, you can go to bars in Cambridge, the next town over, but since you mentioned having neighborhood bars I figured I'd point that out.

[luvmyhoss]

Stoneham and Wakefield. Also Lynnfield Swampscott