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Old 05-06-2010, 12:03 PM
 
4 posts, read 15,942 times
Reputation: 10

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Hi there,

My family is going to be relocating from Idaho to the Boston area next month. I am looking specifically at Waltham, but can't seem to find data for it. Is Waltham a decent place to live? Is the commute to Cambridge decent? I would be working off of First Street, in East Cambridge.

Also, I have kiddos, so wondering if the school system in Waltham is decent.

PLEASE HELP! I appreciate it!

Michelle
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Old 05-06-2010, 08:31 PM
 
Location: Westwood, MA
5,037 posts, read 6,926,821 times
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Waltham is a reasonable place to live. Some parts are nicer than others, but overall the city is decent. Will you be driving or taking public transit to Cambridge? Driving is ok--it's not that far--but you may have trouble with traffic and parking. Public transit options aren't great, though. The bus is slow and the commuter rail isn't convenient. There are some slightly better options in terms of commuting and schools--Belmont and Arlington spring to mind. Both are considerably more expensive than Waltham to buy, but would be more comparable for a renter.
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Old 05-07-2010, 05:00 AM
 
Location: Massatucky
1,187 posts, read 2,394,747 times
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Waltham has dozens of incredible restaurants and easy access to Cambridge, Boston and Rt 128/I95. Its a bit dense like a small city and has lots of traffic down RT 20. Might be a bit of a shock coming from Idaho if you are used to quiet and open space.
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Old 05-09-2010, 02:44 PM
 
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I think Arlington would be a much better choice, for kids and for commute, and for less of a crowded feel. Best wishes on your move.
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Old 05-11-2010, 08:05 PM
 
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Waltham's all right. It has a pretty decent downtown (Main and Moody Streets) with a great variety of restaurants, a movie theater, a good independent bookstore, and a bunch of ethnic grocery stores. The Charles River Reservation runs through it, if you like the outdoors. It's not a bad commute to Cambridge if you're planning to drive, but the commuter rail is pretty infrequent, like someone mentioned. Like others said, if you want to be closer to the city, Arlington or parts of Cambridge may be a better bet.

I know people who went to schools in Waltham, and it sounded like they're pretty good. I have heard Arlington's system is better, which isn't surprising, since several university professors live there.
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