Moving to Boston

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Brookline!

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks everyone! We see a house in Needham we love-- wondering if you think it's as good an option as Newton?

Needham is great. Needham is a mid-sized/small town whereas Newton is a city so there will be differences in services offered, among other things. But it has a more relaxed vibe, like you're looking for. At one time it was a great option for those that couldn't quite afford Wellesley or Newton, though now it's become quite pricey.

Agree with all the PPs that Wellesley would be at the bottom of your list.

[Anonymous]

Lexington is really charming and character-filled. Needham feels a *bit* more big-box McMansion to me, but it's very nice too. Newton is a city - far larger - lovely too - but definitely not a small-town vibe, though it does offer many distinct neighborhoods.

Wellesley would be at the bottom of the list. It's a bit...Stepfordian.

[Anonymous]

How about Brookline? Commute will be rough anywhere near Boston, but Brookline has the green line. MBTA is pretty rough these days, but the drive is always bad. I’d say Brookline is more walkable than the other places you listed OP. That’s nice when you don’t feel like sitting in traffic! Brookline schools are great, but all the places you mentioned have good schools. Brookline has the biggest Jewish community out of those locations. It’s a nice, safe area and if you have to commute into Boston I think Brookline commute will be more tolerable than Lexington, Wellesley, and Newtown. Definitely better commute than Needham. If you prefer somewhere more suburban than Brookline, I’d go for Lexington or even try Milton. But for strong Jewish community and best commute I’d choose Brookline. All have excellent public schools. Commute is usually a killer around Boston, so really consider that strongly. Our MBTA has been terrible so more people are driving which is making our horrible traffic even worse!

[Anonymous]

Loved living in Brookline.

[Anonymous]

Winchester or Milton may fit the bill.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Lexington is really charming and character-filled. Needham feels a *bit* more big-box McMansion to me, but it's very nice too. Newton is a city - far larger - lovely too - but definitely not a small-town vibe, though it does offer many distinct neighborhoods.

Wellesley would be at the bottom of the list. It's a bit...Stepfordian.

Really? Have you lived there?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lexington is really charming and character-filled. Needham feels a *bit* more big-box McMansion to me, but it's very nice too. Newton is a city - far larger - lovely too - but definitely not a small-town vibe, though it does offer many distinct neighborhoods.

Wellesley would be at the bottom of the list. It's a bit...Stepfordian.

Really? Have you lived there?

Lived where?

[Anonymous]

So jealous, would love to move back. Newton is the place for you. at $2MM you might squeak into Weston which is another option.

Have you decided where your preferred summer/winter plans are? If Cape you may want to start further south, but Maine/VT you'll be fine in Newtown or anywhere north.

[Anonymous]

We moved to Newton from NYC and bought right near a T Line. (Then back to NYC 3 years later.) Living near a T Line into Boston is a must, imo. We loved Brookline but couldn't find anything we could afford that didn't need massive renovation. Granted, I really wanted in the Back Bay, but that was way out of our price range.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So jealous, would love to move back. Newton is the place for you. at $2MM you might squeak into Weston which is another option.

Have you decided where your preferred summer/winter plans are? If Cape you may want to start further south, but Maine/VT you'll be fine in Newtown or anywhere north.

Weston is boring and you don’t want to have to squeak in. I would not recommend Wellesley. Wayland has top schools and good location.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lexington is really charming and character-filled. Needham feels a *bit* more big-box McMansion to me, but it's very nice too. Newton is a city - far larger - lovely too - but definitely not a small-town vibe, though it does offer many distinct neighborhoods.

Wellesley would be at the bottom of the list. It's a bit...Stepfordian.

Really? Have you lived there?

I know people who grew up there and I agree.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Arlington, Cambridge and Somerville are nice options and may be more affordable.

None of these places is remotely affordable.

I'd vote for Lexington for Jewish but unaffiliated. Brookline and Newton are intense.

Needham is okay, not super walkable, and has really good special needs services in PS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lexington is really charming and character-filled. Needham feels a *bit* more big-box McMansion to me, but it's very nice too. Newton is a city - far larger - lovely too - but definitely not a small-town vibe, though it does offer many distinct neighborhoods.

Wellesley would be at the bottom of the list. It's a bit...Stepfordian.

Really? Have you lived there?

I know people who grew up there and I agree.

Grew up where?

[Anonymous]

Lucky