Working in Plymouth, Where to Live? (Worcester, Lowell: rentals, high crime, professionals)

[Ederosier]

I'll be moving to Plymouth at the end of August and need to figure out where to live. My job will require some (not too many) early mornings and more likely, late evenings, and a varied schedule, so normal commuting traffic is a concern, but one that can be worked around. I am single and while I'm not looking for a rocking nightlife, I do want things like a good coffee shop and yoga studio without having to travel too much. My budget is no more than $1200/month and I'm looking for a two bedroom, so I think Plymouth is likely out of my price range - what might be good alternatives? How far would the commute be to Fall River or New Bedford?

[Nobodybody]

Obviously, if you can find in Plymouth, that would be your best bet! A quick search on Craigslist 'by owner only' shows one 800SF duplex for $1,200. I think the price range is do-able, it seems the rental inventory is low at the moment. You could always contact a Plymouth realtor and see what they could show you in the way of rentals.

If Plymouth doesn't work out for you, maybe try Taunton. It looks to be a 40 minute commute, but it is a nice, typical town, which has your price range. I also noticed Marshfield has a few rentals in your price range - like I said I think it's a matter of inventory in Plymouth, not price range, and so maybe its just Marshfield having more inventory, but it's a nice seacoast town there, and you'd have access to the entire South Shore to find most everything you're looking for.

I think you'll quickly find that Fall River and New Bedford have a reputation for being not-great places with high crime.

[CaseyB]

Taunton isn't so great either. I'd look at the ones in Marshfield if there isn't anything in Plymouth within your budget.

[massnative71]

Stay out of Taunton. Consider Bridgewater or Middleboro.

[Shrewsburried]

Originally Posted by CaseyB

Taunton isn't so great either.

You're being generous with that statement. Unlike some other frequently slagged on cities (e.g., Leominster, Worcester, Lowell, even New Bedford), Taunton's only redeeming quality is it's low COL. There is zero draw for young educated professionals and the current population reflects this.

Plymouth, Bridgewater/ West Bridgewater, Easton, Middleboro, etc. are all better bets if you can find something in the $1200 range.