Hi all,

Can anyone recommend towns outside of Boston that are accessible to the city by public transportation and have decent schools where we might find a small 3 br for 300k?  We are doing our research, but numbers don't always tell the whole story.  Since we aren't from this area, I'd love recommendations from any locals on this board.  I am getting to know which towns have the absolutely best schools (out of our price range) and which areas are downright bad due to crime or really horrible schools, but there are a lot of in-between towns and I don't know how to decipher which are good family areas and which aren't.  Any tips?

Thanks!

I live in Malden now, and it's a perfectly nice little city.  It's right on the Orange line, the schools are all new, and reportedly good (though I don't have kids so don't pay much attention) 

Malden doesn't have a great deal of Cache to it.. but its a nice place to live and convienent to Everything!

I wanted to add, I have been told by developers and realtors alike that Malden is up and coming....I'll add that I grew up in Malden and did OK- I have a graduate degree in Architecture. I will say growing up I believe that I did not get a great preschooler education. I had great friends and found Malden to be very safe- I graduated high school 22 years ago and can only imagine it is even better now. Many of my friends went to Pope John in Everett or other inexpensive local private schools, also maybe an option? I would suggest also looking at Mellower, I think this town has better public schools. Wakefield is also a very inexpensive, decent town but not sure about school ratings.

Boston Mom, I feel your pain...I am trying to sell a South End condo and move to Brookline for the school system but am thinking it may just be out of our reach...

jenbo:

Could you please tell me why you are not able to sell your condo in the south end? I thought it is a desirable neighborhood in the city except there is special stigma attached to it.

Is it you are asking too much (I am sorry but this seems to be odd question to a seller) or paid too much few years ago than what market is paying right now, or just no buyers or no showing/interest at all or not even a low ball offer. I hope if you could share your seller's side of story.

What do you think, in your case, price calculation by average or median price per square foot provided by Redfin by zip code or your neighborhood?

Framingham has great options for affordable homes, good schools, and commuter rail options. 

Hi,

We are evaluating options ourselves. We are moving from the UK. We have a young child (another one on its way). We have looked at Arlington. It has good schools and housing is 30% cheaper than Cambridge. It is easy commute and also good for cycling into Cambridge & Boston.

However, both my wife and I are urban creatures and hence prefer the mix and urban feel of Cambridge.

Any other suggestions?