working in worcester & boston - where should we live?

[runningirl]

Okay, that makes sense. Would we be able to find updated homes with an open floor plan (3br/2ba) for no more than 400,000? We'd really like to be closer to the 300,000 range.

[Shrewsburried]

Originally Posted by runningirl

Okay, that makes sense. Would we be able to find updated homes with an open floor plan (3br/2ba) for no more than 400,000? We'd really like to be closer to the 300,000 range.

Acton? Ain't no way. Maynard? Most likely, but on a smaller lot.

If you have job flexibility (i.e., your profession isn't Boston-centric) I would suggest you consider finding a job in greater Worcester. This would allow you to focus your home buying efforts to the nicer Worcester suburbs which are, in my opinion, still below market. One can buy a very nice home in Paxton, Holden, Sterling, or West Boylston for <$330K ... with plenty of well maintained homes available in the $240-300K range.

Of course, none of these towns work if you have long term intentions of commuting to Charlestown.

I really cannot suggest buying east of 495 right now as one can rent for far cheaper than they can own. If you are set on greater metro-west, I would be very patient. I think the market will cool over the next 12-18 months as investors/cash buyers leave the game, current owners remain overleveraged, and first time buyers remain stand-offish as they contemplate why they didn't buy in 2009 when prices were sane (which is me right now).

[MidwestRedux]

I agree with Shrewsburried, the market inside 495 is pretty ridiculous at the moment.

Additionally, its probably a good idea to spend some time here before making a more permanent decision like buying a house. Waltham would be a decent geographic location to rent a place for a year or so. Its on the Acton line of the commuter rail and a reasonable drive to Worcester. There are plenty of rental units available.

That way, you can get a feel for different towns before deciding where to settle down.

[runningirl]

Okay, that makes sense. As of right now I'd be working more long-term in the Worcester area, but my husband would need 1-2 years in Boston before he could work more west of Boston. We aren't 100% sure of our situation yet, but we probably wouldn't be buying until spring/summer of 2016-ish.

As for rentals, then, are there affordable rentals in the Acton/Maynard area?

[Shrewsburried]

Originally Posted by runningirl

Okay, that makes sense. As of right now I'd be working more long-term in the Worcester area, but my husband would need 1-2 years in Boston before he could work more west of Boston. We aren't 100% sure of our situation yet, but we probably wouldn't be buying until spring/summer of 2016-ish.

As for rentals, then, are there affordable rentals in the Acton/Maynard area?

I'm assuming no kids ... correct? If so, I'd stick to Maynard as you won't be paying for access to a desirable school district. You can also check out Littleton and Ayer, both of which have train access and are 30-35 minutes to Worcester. Ayer has plenty of rentals within walking distance to the commuter rail, a small but active main street, and is cheap (due to underperforming schools + generally roughness/rep). It also provides close access to all of Groton's beautiful conservation land and associated trails. Acton and Littleton are upper-middle/white collar; Maynard and Ayer are blue color rough but generally safe.

Don't be mistaken ... all of the towns mentioned, including Acton, would make for a rather miserable commute to Charlestown.

[runningirl]

That's correct - no kids. I am worried about the commute for my husband into Boston.... but I think using public transportation might be less of a headache (driving frustration, parking, etc)??

[Shrewsburried]

Originally Posted by runningirl

That's correct - no kids. I am worried about the commute for my husband into Boston.... but I think using public transportation might be less of a headache (driving frustration, parking, etc)??

It really depends on his schedule. I live within walking/biking distance to the Ayer Commute Rail (via the rail trail in Groton/Ayer); however, I hardly ever use the line due to the hours I head into Boston ...typically off hour flights or client meetings. During off hours, I can get into Boston in 50-60 minutes via car. During peak commuting hours, well, I can't say as I avoid it altogether. It would be miserable ... I'm guessing 100-120 minutes.

If you start pushing out towards Littleton/Ayer, you start looking at an hour on the commuter rail + travel to/from the station. Depending on the station, parking becomes an issue. He'd probably be looking at 80-90+ minutes one way.

As others have suggested, you really want to stick to the rail lines which drop at North Station. Acton/Fitchburg or Lowell lines (there are others but I'm keeping Worcester proximity in mind).