Where to move in Central Mass? (Boston, Worcester: apartments, houses, quality of life)

[massgirl22]

Hi all,
Want to get your thoughts.
My husband and I currently live in Everett and are planning to move towards Central Mass. We have a bit of a dilemma because our work locations are very far apart so trying to judge what makes the most sense in terms of quality of life and length of commute (under 45 min for each of us ideally!).

• My husband works by the Alewife Station (on the red-line, in North Cambridge). Commuting via the rail would be ideal, but driving is fine as well.
• I will be working in Great Brook Valley area in Worcester. I need to drive to work (to Worcester) regardless of where we live.

So we have considered 2 options:
1) Move to one of the towns between Worcester and Boston off the Mass-pike
considering: Westborough, Southborough, Ashland, Framingham, West Natick , Natick
We would look for an apartment next to the train station so my husband can take the Worcester-Boston commuter rail to work. He would have to go to South Station and then get on the red-line to Alewife.

2) We would move further up north to Littleton, MA which has access to both 495 and route 2. This means my husband could drive to Cambridge or take the Fitchburg commuter rail (45 min) - the train goes to Porter Sq. so he would take the red-line from Porter to Alewife.

What would you suggest? What's our best bet in terms of traffic?
We are in our late 20s/early 30s. We're not really into nightlife but we are hoping to be in an area with a nice little downtown with maybe a couple of coffee shops and good restaurants...where we are not the only people walking on the streets on a weekend.

[Dm84]

Your husband's commute is going to be hard no matter what. Option 1 will take a VERY long time each way. Easily 90 minutes door to door each way.

Option 2 is a little easier if he can take commuter rail to Porter. It will still be long but it can probably be done in about 75 minutes each way door to door unless he can drive during very off peak times.

You and every poster want a "nice walkable town center." The few walkable towns that meet your criteria are expensive, and the houses that are actually walkable are even more expensive.

[495neighbor]

Littleton and Fitchburg line is the best compromise between Worcester and Alewife. I've driven Acton to Worcester in 45 minutes. There are many back roads between here and there. Littleton is pretty sleepy, but nearby Concord has two town centers a short drive away with some nice places to eat, art centers, trails and coffee shops. You will see folks out walking around at least until 10pm on weekdays.

Not sure of your budget or other requirements, but you may want to also look in Westford and Acton if you are looking in Littleton.

[Peabody99]

I feel bad for your husband, move closer to Boston. I'd suggest Maynard, Waltham, or Framingham. It doesn't sound fair if you drive to Worcester and he has a much longer commute. Those 3 towns have apartments you can look at it won't make him hate the commute as much.

[Dm84]

Originally Posted by Peabody99

I feel bad for your husband, move closer to Boston. I'd suggest Maynard, Waltham, or Framingham. It doesn't sound fair if you drive to Worcester and he has a much longer commute. Those 3 towns have apartments you can look at it won't make him hate the commute as much.

Waltham is the only place you listed that would be "easy" for the husband.

[gf2020]

You didn't mention a budget, but Hudson, Stow and Maynard, would work from a geographic standpoint.

[495neighbor]

Originally Posted by Peabody99

I feel bad for your husband, move closer to Boston. I'd suggest Maynard, Waltham, or Framingham. It doesn't sound fair if you drive to Worcester and he has a much longer commute. Those 3 towns have apartments you can look at it won't make him hate the commute as much.

I forgot Maynard. Yes, OP should check out Maynard too.

[495neighbor]

Originally Posted by gf2020

You didn't mention a budget, but Hudson, Stow and Maynard, would work from a geographic standpoint.

Good call, agreed.

[Peabody99]

I disagree about Stow, not a good commute to Boston. I still think Maynard, Waltham or Framingham are better for Boston commute. What's the budget?

[gf2020]

Originally Posted by Peabody99

I disagree about Stow, not a good commute to Boston. I still think Maynard, Waltham or Framingham are better for Boston commute.

Who's commuting to Boston?