Single empty nester seeks greater Boston location for new place (Cambridge: condo, townhouse)

[jcdmass]

Such great advice on here I thought I would throw my question out there.

I'm a single woman, empty nester, currently in a Brookline condo but looking to cash out and buy a somewhat bigger place (1400+ sq ft) a bit further from the city. Here's what's important to me:

--not much more than 30 min drive in to Boston/Cambridge since I anticipate a cultural life here in the city
--my new town would have its own cultural life and activities to get involved in
--School quality NOT important, lol
--Could find a place close to the city center so I could walk in (yes, living in Brookline has spoiled me!)
--*relatively* affordable (seems like I'm priced out of Lexington, Belmont, Newton, Needham, Wellesley, Westwood)
--I'd prefer a townhouse or a single family with tiny lot to keep lawn maintenance at a minimum

I've looked at: Melrose (seems to be getting crowded and pricey), Canton (nice downtown but doesn't seem big on culture); Natick -- nice... Medfield - maybe too far out??

Any and all suggestions are welcomed!

[495neighbor]

Natick is pretty kid focused. The kiosks at Morse Library and the Town Hall bulletin boards are good info sources to find out what's going on in town. See if there is anything that interests you. Medfield is horsey and agricultural. I hear that have a pretty active newcomers group. Sounds like that isn't your scene though. Melrose is kid focused like Natick and probably less intellectual than Natick. Maybe look at Arlington. There are two townhouse complexes near Arlington Heights in the 400s range. Certainly, there is easy access to Cambridge and intellectual stimulation to be found there. You'd probably like Concord. But there aren't many cottages and townhouse communities there.

[massnative71]

Quincy, Waltham, Salem, Beverly?

[Boston_Burbs]

Salem or Beverly would be good choices

[jcdmass]

Great insights, thanks, and you're right, I like "intellectually focused". I think I would like Arlington but had been scared away by costs -- I'll check out the Arlington Heights area.

[brainbree]

Why not just stay in Brookline? It already meets all of your requirements except probably square footage.

[jcdmass]

Thanks. Beverly is one I hadn't looked at but will check it out. Quincy, maybe. Salem--I love the downtown but it seems like such a hassle to get to Boston/Cambridge.

[jcdmass]

Would love to, but need to increase living space and cut expenses at the same time.

[495neighbor]

Originally Posted by jcdmass

Thanks. Beverly is one I hadn't looked at but will check it out. Quincy, maybe. Salem--I love the downtown but it seems like such a hassle to get to Boston/Cambridge.

I don't think Quincy will meet your requirements for intellectual stimulation. Great red line and waterfront access though. Hull might have a better single and arts scene.

Salem and Beverly are a bit cut off from Boston proper and have their own North Shore scene.

[timberline742]

Originally Posted by jcdmass

Would love to, but need to increase living space and cut expenses at the same time.

I'm curious, since you're an empty nester, and single, why would you need to increase space? 1400 sq ft is a lot of space for one person... do you have a business you're running from home?