2023 Real Estate Observations (Boston, Lynn, Marlborough: middle-class, apartment complex, malls)

[msRB311]

Originally Posted by massnative71

You really think that 10-20% of those vehicles on the road at rush hour are making unnecessary commutes???

Um yes.

[ben young]

Originally Posted by AtkinsonDan

Remember that a 20%, 15% or even 10% drop in vehicle volume on the roads during rush hour would be beneficial to those who have to be physically present to do their jobs. It isn't just the WFH crowd that derives a benefit from WFH.

When I get down to Massachusetts which is perhaps 2x a month for several days at a time . The pre pandemic midday traffic was much lighter than Post Pandemic traffic More .folks maybe WFH but not the 6-8 hours a day they did in the office . After the required video conferencing a lot of WFH folks are on the road.

[BostonBornMassMade]

Originally Posted by msRB311

I guess that's what I'd like to see come back. More homes for around 500k...not affordable housing either.

requires building shtt ton.


affordable housing is what gets built instead. You can create 500k units directly rather than rely ing on building a ton.

What you want is a few 500k homes to be built market rate- its impossible.

[MtPleasantDream]

The commuter rails should be used more. Maybe most people just need to change their habit.

I know a European woman who also lived in Japan. She takes the train from Boston to Lowell to work every day, although she has a car. She just thinks taking the train makes more sense. Most people (including myself) won't think like her because of the car culture.

[BostonBornMassMade]

Originally Posted by MtPleasantDream

The commuter rails should be used more. Maybe most people just need to change their habit.

I know a European woman who also lived in Japan. She takes the train from Boston to Lowell to work every day, although she has a car. She just thinks taking the train makes more sense. Most people (including myself) won't think like her because of the car culture.

They're prohibitively expensive, especially for low-income people in the gateway cities they serve. And their diesel engines that run infrequently and stop at 10pm.

Metro North and PATCO and LIRR are electric and 24/7 or very close to it. Cleaner, quieter and faster.

[massnative71]

Originally Posted by BostonBornMassMade

requires building shtt ton.


affordable housing is what gets built instead. You can create 500k units directly rather than rely ing on building a ton.

What you want is a few 500k homes to be built market rate- its impossible.

Which is what we are doing. And continuing to fck the middle class.



But the alternative is of course building 1/2 a shtt ton of $800K homes which might ease the demand of existing older homes back down to where they cost $500K, etc..

[BostonBornMassMade]

Originally Posted by massnative71

Which is what we are doing. And continuing to fck the middle class.



But the alternative is of course building 1/2 a shtt ton of $800K homes which might ease the demand of existing older homes back down to where they cost $500K, etc..

IMO state needs to continue taking zoning privileges from towns. Allow a lot to be built and also build a lot of income-restricted (deeded) housing.

Look at this neighborhood I just came by last night in Maryland.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/81...g%2F11c4vpvkjm
https://www.google.com/maps/place/81...g%2F11c4vpvkjm

Now this is potential "overbuilt" I could see that argument. but id rather opt for this than nothing.

MsRB, this is what it would take for naturally occurring affordability an sub 500k homes.

[msRB311]

Originally Posted by MtPleasantDream

The commuter rails should be used more. Maybe most people just need to change their habit.

I know a European woman who also lived in Japan. She takes the train from Boston to Lowell to work every day, although she has a car. She just thinks taking the train makes more sense. Most people (including myself) won't think like her because of the car culture.

I've already decided that if I do ever go into the office I will not be taking the train. I have a commuter rail that is about 10 min way from me and it just isn't worth it. I would have to drive 10 min in the opposite direction, get into the parking lot and find a spot (which I think I'd have to pay for), wait for a train, spend an hour on the train (could be more if there are delays) and switch to two other trains I believe and THEN I would have a 10 min walk. My workplace just isn't in a good area as far as train access goes (long wood area).

[msRB311]

Originally Posted by BostonBornMassMade

IMO state needs to continue taking zoning privileges from towns. Allow a lot to be built and also build a lot of income-restricted (deeded) housing.

Look at this neighborhood I just came by last night in Maryland.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/81...g%2F11c4vpvkjm
https://www.google.com/maps/place/81...g%2F11c4vpvkjm

Now this is potential "overbuilt" I could see that argument. but id rather opt for this than nothing.

MsRB, this is what it would take for naturally occurring affordability an sub 500k homes.

Yuck.

I guess I'd prefer where we're at now than have that everywhere.

[yesmaybe]

Originally Posted by msRB311

Yuck.

I guess I'd prefer where we're at now than have that everywhere.

Yeah... seems like people either want cheap or an SFH. Building stuff like that wouldn't help either.