Towns for a reasonable Cambridge commute (Boston, Quincy: apartments, rental, condos)

[wingedmunkie]

Yet another "where should we live" thread.


Spouse is looking at a potential job offer in Cambridge (Kendall Square area) so we're trying to pin down areas where we could live if this comes to fruition.



Key requirements:

1. Housing costs in the 600k-700k for purchase or ~$2500/mo rent. We realize that price range means condos/townhouses for much of the area.

2. Commute times <30 mins driving or <60 via public transit based on the assumption that commuting times will return to pre-Covid sooner rather than later. I work from home but need easy access to Logan a few times a month, also preferably via the T or commuter rail. The daily commute to Cambridge is the primary driver here.

3. Lively downtown area w/ local restaurants, shopping, and activities.



Childless adults in our 30s so crazy night life and schools aren't a huge factor and we're not opposed to city living.

Salem, Beverly, and Quincy seem to check a lot of the boxes. We're also thinking Norwood and Canton (though we're only going on housing prices for those areas). Where else should we check out? Thanks!

[bigfatdude]

700K should be enough for a basic house in Medford that's slightly larger than a shoebox and isn't in the process of falling over. You can do better if you go farther out but the commute will be absolutely soul-crushing.

[sawyer2]

I would suggest renting in Cambridge to start - you will be able to find a 2 bed in that price range

https://www.zillow.com/cambridge-ma/...oom%22%3A14%7D

[wingedmunkie]

Originally Posted by bigfatdude

700K should be enough for a basic house in Medford that's slightly larger than a shoebox and isn't in the process of falling over. You can do better if you go farther out but the commute will be absolutely soul-crushing.

We will check Medford out. I had forgotten about some listings we had seen in Medford that looked promising. Would Malden also fit the bill? Prices seem slightly lower and ease of access to the Orange line would be nice.

Originally Posted by sawyer2

I would suggest renting in Cambridge to start - you will be able to find a 2 bed in that price range

Initially renting may well be in the cards depending on time frame involved . We had written off Cambridge and Somerville based only on the fact that purchasing in either of those towns seemed out of reach. We've spent times in both cities as visitors and do like the vibe.

[bigfatdude]

Malden isn't bad either and keeps getting better, lots of people priced out of cambridge/somerville moving in.

We've also tried house hunting and decided to put it off until all the covid-related communisms are repealed, there should be a lot more inventory on the market which will hopefully push prices down to slightly more reasonable levels.

Originally Posted by wingedmunkie

We will check Medford out. I had forgotten about some listings we had seen in Medford that looked promising. Would Malden also fit the bill? Prices seem slightly lower and ease of access to the Orange line would be nice.





Initially renting may well be in the cards depending on time frame involved . We had written off Cambridge and Somerville based only on the fact that purchasing in either of those towns seemed out of reach. We've spent times in both cities as visitors and do like the vibe.

[chicagoliz]

Renting in Cambridge or Somerville is not a bad idea. For either renting or buying, you could look also at Arlington (where if you bought you'd probably be looking at a duplex or condo rather than a SFH) or Melrose.

[GeePee]

I would check out the massive new developments near Leechmere. I think that for your price range post covid you can get a 2 bedroom in one of the older (Avalon) units in your range.

[lrfox]

If you're not from the area, I'd absolutely consider renting first and $2,500 should allow you to get a comfortable 2br in the area. Somerville and Cambridge would be great since your spouse's commute could be either on foot, by bike, or by relatively short train/bus ride. Logan access from either is pretty easy as well. Plenty of decent looking 2/1 and some 2/2 apartments seem to be available in that range in the area at a quick glance. You could save a little on rent by going to Medford, Malden, Allston, etc. but if you're getting acquainted with living in the region, staying in Cambridge/Somerville (Beacon Hill in Boston could work too) might be the best bet.

From there, you can explore some of the communities a bit further out and get to know them before you buy.

[robr2]

If you will be bringing a vehicle, note that Somerville and Cambridge are difficult for on street parking. Add a couple of hundred for a parking space - even in your own driveway.

The Washingtons in Melrose is a newish building only a 10 minute walk from the Oak Grove station on the Orange line. Lots of amenities and parking.

[brightdoglover]

After a rental period for assessment, I'd certainly consider Salem for childfree people in their 30s. I have many friends who work in Cambridge and the area who moved to Salem and were very happy with it as a place, a jumping off spot for points north, and public transport to Cambridge.