Lookinf for information on Bridgewater (Boston, Cambridge: renters, Home Depot, neighborhoods)

[KentuckyBlueMoon]

Hello. Im currently in a national exchange program and it looks like I may be situated in Bridgewater in a couple months. I will be living on campus but I plan to stay in the Boston area after graduating. Is Bridgewater as expensive as living in the city? Lots to do? Young professionals? Any information is greatly appreciated.

[not me ma]

Bridgewater is a nice little community. Very 'small town' appeal to it. It used to be a more rural, farm community than it is now, but even though it has been built up more, it has not lost a lot of its small town charm. They still have concerts on the town square.

Housing is always cheaper outside of Boston and the immediate metro-Boston area. I do not know the availability of housing there, though. You just need to look around for a good place and at a price you can afford - like anywhere else.

Also, the commuter rail goes right through the center of Bridgewater. This has opened the area up for more business professionals to move into the area and commute to Boston.

It has all the shopping and other business venues you would need.

It's just a nice place.

[Boston South]

KentuckyBlueMoon, I realize that you may have already wrapped up your stay. But if the question comes up again for a young professional or student, I'd recommend looking closer to Boston or even Providence. Bridgewater is about an hour away from each. It's a nice enough area but has little to offer for decent restaurants, pubs, gyms, theatre, and museums. In town there's a pricey local chain grocery store and CVS. There's a Wallmart (woo hoo!) in Halifax and a Home Depot closer to route 24. The train schedule out of Boston is limited and precludes late night activities unless you plan to drive back out of town. It's a hefty cab fare from South Station to the Bridgewater train station. Boston/Cambridge have many neighborhoods which appeal to renters and are accessible by the T. They also offer a wide selection of good dining (Back Bay, Cambridge, Somerville, JP, Brookline). By that I mean, good food prepared fresh on the premises. We haven't found any of that in the Bridgewaters which is okay since we can still head into Beantown or Providence when we want something more than microwaved.