Where to live in Boston area

[Anonymous]

We are semi-retired and are looking to relocate to the Boston area to be near our adult child. We expect our younger adult child would move with us and would live with us for a time, so we would ideally like the option of an attached in-law apartment, or at least a separate living space. Other desires: access to public transportation, nearby green space to walk our dog, a community garden, and a walkable/bikeable neighborhood. Is this feasible with a budget of $1M-$1.5M? We wouldn't mind a fixer upper that we could renovate ourselves.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are semi-retired and are looking to relocate to the Boston area to be near our adult child. We expect our younger adult child would move with us and would live with us for a time, so we would ideally like the option of an attached in-law apartment, or at least a separate living space. Other desires: access to public transportation, nearby green space to walk our dog, a community garden, and a walkable/bikeable neighborhood. Is this feasible with a budget of $1M-$1.5M? We wouldn't mind a fixer upper that we could renovate ourselves.

I would look at Arlington.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are semi-retired and are looking to relocate to the Boston area to be near our adult child. We expect our younger adult child would move with us and would live with us for a time, so we would ideally like the option of an attached in-law apartment, or at least a separate living space. Other desires: access to public transportation, nearby green space to walk our dog, a community garden, and a walkable/bikeable neighborhood. Is this feasible with a budget of $1M-$1.5M? We wouldn't mind a fixer upper that we could renovate ourselves.

I would look at Arlington.

Arlington would be perfect.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are semi-retired and are looking to relocate to the Boston area to be near our adult child. We expect our younger adult child would move with us and would live with us for a time, so we would ideally like the option of an attached in-law apartment, or at least a separate living space. Other desires: access to public transportation, nearby green space to walk our dog, a community garden, and a walkable/bikeable neighborhood. Is this feasible with a budget of $1M-$1.5M? We wouldn't mind a fixer upper that we could renovate ourselves.

I would look at Arlington.

Arlington would be perfect.

What is it about Arlington that you think would be perfect?

[Anonymous]

Arlington has lots to recommend it: cute town center, very walkable, lots of ponds/parks, progressive vibe, well-located next to Cambridge. It's a fun town and very up-and-coming. The down side is older housing stock and the lots can be very small -- you definitely pay through the nose for not much space.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Arlington has lots to recommend it: cute town center, very walkable, lots of ponds/parks, progressive vibe, well-located next to Cambridge. It's a fun town and very up-and-coming. The down side is older housing stock and the lots can be very small -- you definitely pay through the nose for not much space.

I agree, Arlington would be ideal.

Not much on the market right now, but this would fill OP's needs:

https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/275-Florence-Ave_Arlington_MA_02476_M31260-83193

[Anonymous]

Arlington, Cambridge, Melrose, Brookline, Jamaica Plain, Roslindale...would all be my suggestions.

[Anonymous]

Jamaica Plain is very cute and walkable, with lots of charming older homes.

[Anonymous]

A buddy of mine lives in JP. Nice neighborhood.

[Anonymous]

Check out Jamaica Plain and West Roxbury

[Anonymous]

Cambridge is more expensive but much more urban. Grass lot difficult

[Anonymous]

Burlington is an undiscovered gem and up and coming hot area. Easy to get to Cambridge and Boston.

[Anonymous]

Arlington. It's great.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Burlington is an undiscovered gem and up and coming hot area. Easy to get to Cambridge and Boston.

IMO Burlington is great if you are a young family. Decent schools and affordable (relative to neighbors) housing. But you need a car for sure. If older/retirees,Cambridge is great but $$$. I like the Arlington recommendations! And people here keep mentioning Melrose so maybe look at that too.

[Anonymous]

I like Jamaica Plain and Melrose though the latter is not very diverse racially. Honestly, I would try to be as close as possible to your kid - easier for grandkids to go back and forth, etc.