Possible move to Boston (Beverly, Melrose: city hall, transfer to, public schools)

[southfan123]

Family may be moving to the Boston area as early as next year and wanted to get a jump on things.

So here's the particulars:

If the move occurs, I'll be working in One Center Plaza in the 02108 zip.

We need the following:

1. Good public schools (this is the most important factor)
2. 45 minute or less car ride to work (up to an hour if the schools are that much better), or train if available.
3. 4br for less than 600k.

So please tell me, where should we live?

Thanks.

[HowGoesIt]

Well, you have a lot of options. There are 3 main suburban regions. The Metrowest, North Shore, and South Shore. The most affordable being the South Shore. I would look into towns like Hingham, Scituate, or Duxbury. All three have good public schools within commuting distance to downtown.

[holden125]

Originally Posted by southfan123

Family may be moving to the Boston area as early as next year and wanted to get a jump on things.

So here's the particulars:

If the move occurs, I'll be working in One Center Plaza in the 02108 zip.

We need the following:

1. Good public schools (this is the most important factor)
2. 45 minute or less car ride to work (up to an hour if the schools are that much better), or train if available.
3. 4br for less than 600k.

So please tell me, where should we live?

Thanks.

First advice is NOT to drive to downtown Boston for work. The traffic from most directions is rough and the parking runs $400 a month or so. One Center Plaza is across from City Hall and right next to the Green Line. From South Station you'd be looking at the Red Line to Park St and walk or transfer to the Green Line. For that reason I'd think about something going into North Station. In that price range there might be something in Melrose, Wakefield or Reading, which range from are about 25-30 minutes to N. Sta. and a few more on the Green Line. Also Beverly, which is about 5 minutes farther away on a different train line.

It depends on your definition of "good public schools" and where you're coming from because a lot of towns around Boston are very top-notch in that category but with corresponding price tags and pressure on the kids. Maybe others can offer specific info about the schools in the towns I've mentioned but to my understanding they're good.

[southfan123]

May have to drive company vehicle in. Train may or may not be an option.