Commuting in Waltham (Boston: rentals, to live in, prices)

[ssb0]

My son got a job offer in Waltham and is thinking of relocating there. He does not have a car. We were wondering if it would be feasible or advisable to live in or around Waltham and to commute to Waltham using public transit. If so any suggestion on places to look for affordable rentals? Appreciate any and all help

[timberline742]

I guess it would depend on where in Waltham he's working. I wouldn't want to be T dependent to get to Waltham though for the most part as it is primarily served by bus routes. Are some of them frequent? Yes, but I've been dependent on frequent bus lines like the 73 and 77 in my life and they're still no joy compared to being on the subway.

Again, depending on where he is working in Waltham, I'd likely try to live in Waltham itself. But more info is needed.

[ssb0]

Thanks for the quick response. His work location will be at 50 Sylvan Road (Verizon)

[timberline742]

Oh, that's easy then. There is a shuttle from Alewife that goes right there. He could live anywhere on red line. There is also a Waltham Center shuttle bus, though I have no idea how frequent it is. More info here on the shuttles: http://128bc.org/

Assuming he's young 20s, or something like that, Davis and Porter Squares would be great. Not cheap, but fun for that age.

[ssb0]

That sir is very helpful information. I checked out the shuttle service and looks like it would be convenient though a bit pricey. A follow up question if you do not mind - what is the red line?

[495neighbor]

Originally Posted by ssb0

That sir is very helpful information. I checked out the shuttle service and looks like it would be convenient though a bit pricey. A follow up question if you do not mind - what is the red line?

Here is a good interactive map compliments of our public transportation in Massachusetts:

MBTA Subway 'The 'T' > Maps, Schedules, and Fare Information for the Boston Area Subway System

You can click on any of those circled Ts (they represent the subway T stops).

The map will show you all the MBTA bus line routes that connect with these stops.

But wait there's more:

Here is a downloadable map of the all the MBTA bus lines that run through Waltham.

http://www.mbta.com/uploadedFiles/Sc...stem_map-4.pdf

[timberline742]

Your son should ask if Verizon is a member of that group (128bc), if they are, the shuttle prices are far less... I'd be surprised if they weren't.

[walthamguy]

VZ is member indeed.

[dravogadro]

If he lives near downtown Waltham, he can take a shuttle or the 70A bus.

[walthamguy]

70A stop is like ~ 1.5 miles from VZ office. Also, bus timings can be restrictive