Best spots south of Boston but close to city for family

[MikePRU]

The Market Basket requirement makes this a bit tricky as there are only so many of them around and they tend to locate them in towns that don't have high performing public schools.

Have you thought about Westwood or Canton at all? This would put you closer to Waltham so that part of your commute wouldn't be as bad. Plus, you could ride the commuter rail in and switch to the Red Line for your Cambridge commute. There's a fantastic Costco in Dedham. I say it's fantastic because it has both a Costco gas station and a Costco liquor store which is pretty rare around here. You could do your shopping at Wegman's in Westwood. Your money goes surprisingly far there although not as far as Market Basket. However, IMO the meat and produce at Wegmans tends to be higher quality than what I was getting at MB. I tend to buy my non-poultry meats at Costco though because it's the best combination of quality and value there IMO. If you're insistent on MB though there is one in Stoughton. The schools in Westwood are more highly regarded of course but I would think you could get a nice new construction house in your budget in either town.

If it were me, I'd put more priority on getting to Waltham than I would getting to New Bedford. I imagine you mostly see your family on weekends when there is less traffic to deal with. So, you can stretch that distance more without adding significant time to the drive. Whereas you would be battling some pretty brutal rush hour traffic getting to Waltham and every mile you add to that drive would add much more time to the drive because of it.

[matttah]

Originally Posted by MikePRU

The Market Basket requirement makes this a bit tricky as there are only so many of them around and they tend to locate them in towns that don't have high performing public schools.

Have you thought about Westwood or Canton at all? This would put you closer to Waltham so that part of your commute wouldn't be as bad. Plus, you could ride the commuter rail in and switch to the Red Line for your Cambridge commute. There's a fantastic Costco in Dedham. I say it's fantastic because it has both a Costco gas station and a Costco liquor store which is pretty rare around here. You could do your shopping at Wegman's in Westwood. Your money goes surprisingly far there although not as far as Market Basket. However, IMO the meat and produce at Wegmans tends to be higher quality than what I was getting at MB. I tend to buy my non-poultry meats at Costco though because it's the best combination of quality and value there IMO. If you're insistent on MB though there is one in Stoughton. The schools in Westwood are more highly regarded of course but I would think you could get a nice new construction house in your budget in either town.

If it were me, I'd put more priority on getting to Waltham than I would getting to New Bedford. I imagine you mostly see your family on weekends when there is less traffic to deal with. So, you can stretch that distance more without adding significant time to the drive. Whereas you would be battling some pretty brutal rush hour traffic getting to Waltham and every mile you add to that drive would add much more time to the drive because of it.

Definitely not a high priority for New Bedford, we only visit our family down there a couple of times a month just nicer to not have to have them (or us) drive through city traffic if possible.

Understood with MB, Wegmans could work as an alternative. I've heard a lot of positive things about Westwood so will have to try to swing by there this weekend to take a look. We have other family in Canton and know the area, but wasn't a huge fan of majority of homes on septic. It is very close to Avon Costco though! We haven't rule that out either.

[mwj119]

Originally Posted by massnative71

Already some horrible advice being given on this thread. For one, Sharon should be the last place you look if you want walkable/family friendly neighborhoods. And a Hingham to Waltham commute??? That is like a death wish. I honestly can't think of anywhere meeting all 4 requirements. Maybe put them in order of priority and cross off the lowest one or two?

"If OP likes the coast" was the only reason Hingham came up. And, commute to Waltham would be once a week. This might be a total shock, but some people will eat a one day a week commute to live on the ocean.

Leading considerations at that price point should be Needham and Milton, as I said.

[mwj119]

Originally Posted by matttah

Definitely not a high priority for New Bedford, we only visit our family down there a couple of times a month just nicer to not have to have them (or us) drive through city traffic if possible.

Understood with MB, Wegmans could work as an alternative. I've heard a lot of positive things about Westwood so will have to try to swing by there this weekend to take a look. We have other family in Canton and know the area, but wasn't a huge fan of majority of homes on septic. It is very close to Avon Costco though! We haven't rule that out either.

Westwood is fairly sprawled, no town center/downtown area. Doesn't sound like a great fit.

[matttah]

Originally Posted by mwj119

"If OP likes the coast" was the only reason Hingham came up. And, commute to Waltham would be once a week. This might be a total shock, but some people will eat a one day a week commute to live on the ocean.

Leading considerations at that price point should be Needham and Milton, as I said.

My wife really likes the coast (or at least wants to be near it), but we'd need a slamdunk house for Hingham. The Waltham commute is once a week and can be made at off hours so it isn't an absolute deal break. I really appreciate the thought you gave it.

[masssachoicetts]

Milton (Diverse)
Hingham (My goal town to live in)
Canton (Nice, traditional)

I think the best part of MA is living within good distance to the sea/ocean/shore. jI would personally chose Milton or Hingham with that budget.

[Lampert]

Originally Posted by CaseyB

No Market Basket and Costco, either.

There are both in a 20 min drive

[gf2020]

Originally Posted by MikePRU

The Market Basket requirement makes this a bit tricky as there are only so many of them around and they tend to locate them in towns that don't have high performing public schools.

Say what?

[massnative71]

Originally Posted by gf2020

Say what?

South of Boston (where the OP is looking), that's mostly the case.

[plummer1]

If you are looking south of Boston with these requirements, I’d say Milton. The Columbines and Milton Hill neighborhoods are family friendly with nice houses in that price range and walking distance to the 4 or 5 MBTA trolley stops in Milton to Ashmont, where you catch the Red Line to Central. The public schools are very good and you are right next to Boston (Dorchester Lower Mills, which has a bunch of good new stores and restaurants). An Uber to dinner in Boston is about $25. The challenge, noted by others, is proximity to Market Basket, as they aren’t as common south of Boston. I think the nearest one is Brockton, but not sure. Star Market and 2 Stop n Shops are close by, but the Wegmans in Westwood is pretty popular and a short ride too.

FWIW, given the need to go to Central and Waltham, I’d be looking at Arlington or Belmont with your budget (with Arlington being more likely) but get that you want to be south of Boston for other reasons. Assuming south of Boston is essential, Milton seems to be your best bet. Good luck!