Locals! Tell us where to live (Boston, Lowell: tech jobs, neighborhood, movie theater)

[rethcir]

Originally Posted by Seattlefan

We checked Newton, Waltham and Watertown. To our surprise we liked Newton least. Watertown felt like Newton just less wealthy perhaps. Waltham seemed run down and sketchy but I think looks are deceiving as it felt safe.

I'm somewhat curious A) what parts (villages) of Newton you saw and B) what you didn't like about it?

Speaking as a Newton homeowner, I do get bummed about how much more house I could have almost anywhere else. I also have had a hard time making any kind of social connections in our neighborhood, which is mostly rentals, but I am somewhat reserving judgement until our child starts going into the school system, activities, etc..

I do love my commute and the highway connections here though (when not imprisioned by rush hour).

[ECPCVC]

From your description I’m not sure you saw Newton beyond what borders Waltham and Watertown. Did you go to Newton Center, Newton Highlands, etc? It’s pretty unaffordable so it’s actually probably for the best that you didn’t like it.

[life4orce]

Originally Posted by Seattlefan

We checked Newton, Waltham and Watertown. To our surprise we liked Newton least. Watertown felt like Newton just less wealthy perhaps. Waltham seemed run down and sketchy but I think looks are deceiving as it felt safe.

Checked out north shore coastal towns such as Swampscott, Marblehead and Newburyport and liked the vibe there but infrastructure and potential for flooding along with commute is concerning. I think South is our best bet. Still need to check Melrose and Medford though but we are leaning more towards South ( Quincy, Braintree, Milton, maybe Hingham) and SW ( Norwood, Canton and Westwood).

Westwood can be pretty high. Those that can't get into Westwood are having good luck with Walpole. Bit further out, but if you're checking Hingham it's about what Walpole would be distance-wise compared to Hingham from Quincy/Braintree

[Seattlefan]

We checked out Newton Centre, Newton Highlands and Newtonwville. Did not like aggressive and rude drivers, people actually felt coldest out of all places we visited. We don’t have any kids so we won’t fit in this town. It just does not have a vibe we are looking for. And it’s unreasonably expensive.

[rethcir]

Originally Posted by Seattlefan

We checked out Newton Centre, Newton Highlands and Newtonwville. Did not like aggressive and rude drivers, people actually felt coldest out of all places we visited. We don’t have any kids so we won’t fit in this town. It just does not have a vibe we are looking for. And it’s unreasonably expensive.

Very understandable. Quite frankly there is no reason to pay the "surcharge" to live in Newton unless you plan to make use of the school system.

I would strongly advise you to reset your expectations around rude drivers. They are unfortunately just a fact of life around here and the only alternative is to move to NH.

[CaseyB]

Originally Posted by rethcir

I would strongly advise you to reset your expectations around rude drivers. They are unfortunately just a fact of life around here and the only alternative is to move to NH.

The closer you get to the city, the worse the drivers.

[495neighbor]

Originally Posted by Seattlefan

We checked out Newton Centre, Newton Highlands and Newtonwville. Did not like aggressive and rude drivers, people actually felt coldest out of all places we visited. We don’t have any kids so we won’t fit in this town. It just does not have a vibe we are looking for. And it’s unreasonably expensive.

Forget Natick in that case too. At least three drivers speeding through crosswalks while I was in one of them.

[chicagoliz]

Originally Posted by rethcir

Very understandable. Quite frankly there is no reason to pay the "surcharge" to live in Newton unless you plan to make use of the school system.

I would strongly advise you to reset your expectations around rude drivers. They are unfortunately just a fact of life around here and the only alternative is to move to NH.

Rude drivers were one of the main reasons I did not like Boston the first time I lived here. They are, sadly, not limited to Newton. I've seen them in every Boston area town, so if that's a deal breaker, you may have a problem with moving here. Eventually you get used to people making left turns from the right lane.

[life4orce]

Originally Posted by chicagoliz

Rude drivers were one of the main reasons I did not like Boston the first time I lived here. They are, sadly, not limited to Newton. I've seen them in every Boston area town, so if that's a deal breaker, you may have a problem with moving here. Eventually you get used to people making left turns from the right lane.

Let's be real, rude drivers is not just a Boston thing. It's everywhere. I don't buy it that it's worse in the Boston area than anywhere else. I've seen plenty in Providence, NYC, LA, Orlando. It's worse today because of everyone's self entitlement and being clueless about your environment and surroundings.

[timberline742]

Originally Posted by life4orce

Let's be real, rude drivers is not just a Boston thing. It's everywhere. I don't buy it that it's worse in the Boston area than anywhere else. I've seen plenty in Providence, NYC, LA, Orlando. It's worse today because of everyone's self entitlement and being clueless about your environment and surroundings.

Providence is far far worse.