Best commute to Boston

[Dm84]

Originally Posted by MrLinderman

I'd second Braintree. Most of the other towns mentioned have commute that can be a lot longer than 45, depending on where in Boston you'd be heading.

The same can be said for Braintree unless you're commuting off peak.

[jan0105]

You're going to be really hard-pressed to find a four bed, two bath house with potential in-law space on a large lot for under $600,000 in Braintree. People still think of Braintree as cheap -- it's not anymore.

[MrLinderman]

Originally Posted by jan0105

You're going to be really hard-pressed to find a four bed, two bath house with potential in-law space on a large lot for under $600,000 in Braintree. People still think of Braintree as cheap -- it's not anymore.

It's certainly not cheap anymore and you're not going to get a huge lot, but there are still some properties that while perfect, are probably workable.

https://www.redfin.com/city/29818/MA/Braintree

It's at the top of their budget, but I'd imagine that short of their being weird plumbing issues that the basement on this one could be turned into an in-law reasonably easy. I'd imagine that there isn't much worry about flooding if the basement is already finished.

With the lack of in-laws in general, modified pseudo in-laws in finished basements are probably the easiest way to go.

The lot size obviously isn't happening anywhere near that price point, but sacrifices need to be made somewhere.

[MrLinderman]

Originally Posted by Dm84

The same can be said for Braintree unless you're commuting off peak.

Yes and no. Compared to the other towns mentioned, you're probably still saving 15-20 in Braintree as opposed to the other towns mentioned (other than Milton).

People tend to forget to factor in time commuting to the commuter rail stations (and sometimes from their station in town) in their commute.

Say it takes ten minutes to get to the CR, then 5-10 to park and wait, then another 5-10 to get to work from the station that's another 30 minutes added to the commute. That's also assuming the CR fits your work schedule well and is on time.

The expressway is miserable (I take it 3-4 days a week) but you're generally only looking at 30-35 once you're actually on it.

[Boston_Burbs]

Some off the towns off rt 3 have private bus companies that go into south station. More reliable than the commuter rail.

[NewfieMama]

I think Braintree is a good suggestion--you have the option of the T, commuter rail or bus. Prices have definitely gone up in the past few years, but the budget seems do-able. I would also throw Weymouth in the mix. There are a few commuter rail options, plus it's on the bus line. I used to commute from Weymouth to the Financial District via the commuter rail in 45 minutes.

[Southshorebound]

I like NewfieMama's suggestion of Weymouth. In North Weymouth you have the convenience of the ferry and you're close to good shopping/restaurants at Hingham Shipyard. Driving to Boston can be a hassle though.
As far as Braintree I'm a big fan of this house near Thayer (almost a half acre)
264 Tremont St, Braintree, MA 02184 | MLS #71931146 | Zillow
Needs a little work and is a little expensive but it has a lot of character
Good luck!

[MrLinderman]

Originally Posted by Southshorebound

I like NewfieMama's suggestion of Weymouth. In North Weymouth you have the convenience of the ferry and you're close to good shopping/restaurants at Hingham Shipyard. Driving to Boston can be a hassle though.
As far as Braintree I'm a big fan of this house near Thayer (almost a half acre)
264 Tremont St, Braintree, MA 02184 | MLS #71931146 | Zillow
Needs a little work and is a little expensive but it has a lot of character
Good luck!

In regards to Weymouth, North's houses might be too small generally. It's mostly small colonials and capes. However, if OP sticks to North Weymouth, OP may have some luck down by Prospect Hill and in Weymouth Heights. The houses there are generally a bit nicer and bigger than in most of North Weymouth.

As an almost lifelong resident of Weymouth, I think Weymouth gets a hugely unfair rap on this site. That being said, it does have it's warts. North (and East) tend to have more warts. I'd stick to South Weymouth. The houses there are generally the nicest, newest, and biggest. The commuter rail stop is also in South Weymouth, and there is easier access to Rt 3 from most parts of South Weymouth.

[cantthinkofanewusername]

You're working with some nice numbers and have lots of options. I'd say if you want your commute to be short but also get to a nice town, stay along the Rte 3 corridor. I'd stay away from Quincy and north. Go a little farther south. Definitely Braintree would be closest and best and is greatly accessable to both Rte 128 & 93.
Parts of Milton are stately and pricey but Milton is a boring town and paradoxically borders some VEY not-so-nice towns.
If you're willing to make the drive a little longer during traffic, go somewhere nice way south (you and the kids and wife will benefit with a good lifestyle and nice people and good schools): Hingham, Norwell, and most definitely Marshfield, the best of them all.