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Old 04-11-2017, 07:55 AM
 
10 posts, read 6,637 times
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Hi everyone. I would really appreciate some advice on my upcoming relocation to the Boston area from Northern VA. It is just my wife and I (with 2 small dogs). We would like to buy a SFH or Condo (NOT a multi-family apartment building). Our budget is no more than $550K. We'd like a 3 bedroom, but would settle for 2 I guess. I have no idea about location (that is where I need advice). I would like no more than an hour commute to the financial district by rail if possible.

Thanks in advance for the assistance.
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Old 04-11-2017, 10:45 AM
 
Location: Cleveland and Columbus OH
11,046 posts, read 12,349,141 times
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https://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyl...pJP/story.html

Get ready!
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Old 04-11-2017, 11:56 AM
 
Location: East Coast
4,244 posts, read 3,687,996 times
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Are you looking for something similar to where you are? Are you in Arlington and want something more urban or are you in Fairfax or P.W. County and want something more typically suburban?

When you say a condo, but not a multi-family apartment building, do you mean that you would take a condo in a high rise building that has 10+ floors, and maybe a doorman? Or is in a large complex, where there are many condos, and would not want a unit in, say, a 3 story building? Are you against a duplex/townhouse?
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Old 04-11-2017, 01:28 PM
 
10 posts, read 6,637 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chicagoliz View Post
Are you looking for something similar to where you are? Are you in Arlington and want something more urban or are you in Fairfax or P.W. County and want something more typically suburban?

When you say a condo, but not a multi-family apartment building, do you mean that you would take a condo in a high rise building that has 10+ floors, and maybe a doorman? Or is in a large complex, where there are many condos, and would not want a unit in, say, a 3 story building? Are you against a duplex/townhouse?
Hello, I currently live in Fairfax County and would like something similar, like a suburb feel. I don't need a lot of night life. Nice restaurants and some shopping would be an added bonus.

You're right, I wouldn't mind nice high rise buildings with condos, but I want to stay away from those 3-level apartment buildings, townhouse, or duplexes.

Thanks!
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Old 04-11-2017, 01:30 PM
 
10 posts, read 6,637 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bjimmy24 View Post
Ya, I'm ready for the sticker shock in the area. Basically the same, if
Not more than the D.C. area. Can't believe the cost of living. Hopefully I can find something
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Old 04-11-2017, 02:57 PM
 
Location: East Coast
4,244 posts, read 3,687,996 times
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For starters, I guess I'd suggest Natick or Framingham. (Framingham is less expensive, but isn't considered as desirable. But if you don't have kids, it's a cheaper option that's right next to Natick and part of the same shopping area.) Is your wife going to be working in the financial district also? Or will she be looking for a job? If she will be looking for a job, the good thing about the Natick area is that it is fairly centrally located to a number of different employment hubs.

I'm sure others will chime in with other good possibilities.

Boston is even more expensive than D.C., if you can believe it.
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Old 04-11-2017, 09:13 PM
 
652 posts, read 744,849 times
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Tall order on that budget. Maybe some of the nicer towns in the Merrimack Valley such as Georgetown, Boxford, etc. south Shore probably has options too.

Note that the commuter rail fares rise significantly as you go to the further zones of the system. So your savings in housing cost may be offset by higher commuting costs.
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Old 04-12-2017, 05:59 AM
 
9,805 posts, read 7,080,636 times
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You might be able to get into a starter ranch or split needing updates in Burlington. You can catch the commuter rail in Wilmington to North Station or take the bus to Alewife or downtown.

Shopping, dining all on one end of town and standard suburban feeling in the rest of the town.
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Old 04-12-2017, 07:54 AM
 
Location: Quincy
31 posts, read 27,956 times
Reputation: 37
Look at Quincy or Braintree. Good mix of suburban neighborhoods, urban centers with dining/amenities and box box retail. Subway or commuter rail to South Station (20 – 30 mins), which is the most convenient terminus to the financial district. $550k would get you a 3 bedroom SFH, possibly within walking distance to a transit station. There are a handful of new construction condos in Quincy Center (mid-rise buildings) going for about the same.
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Old 04-12-2017, 01:10 PM
 
Location: New England
2,190 posts, read 2,216,776 times
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There are lots of places where you can get a 2-3 bedroom for under 550k. I'd look at Melrose or Wakefield.
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