Relocating from Sydney: Hingham vs Wellesley vs Needham vs Others? (Boston: rental, buying)

[JennyDownUnder]

My husband and I are returning to Boston after living in Sydney for 4 years. We were spoiled in Sydney with the sunshine, easy transportation, and clean & updated housing and are now struggling with where to live in Boston.

We're a young couple (late 20s) who are feeling like we are in between wanting 'city-life' and moving to the 'burbs. We're trying to find a town that has easy access to the city (the hubby commutes daily), has a more upscale town centre, has a friendly atmosphere, and could be the place that we'd stay when we started having kids. We're also really not wanting the old kitchens/bathrooms which seem to be all you find in places close to the city like Brookline.

We like the look of Hingham but are frustrated with the access from the highway and are worried about the 'snob-factor' that some have mentioned. We also like Wellesley, but would consider other towns.

We're really looking for a town that has restaurants, cafes, grocery, pedestrian and outdoor fitness options and is easy to get around.

Any thoughts?

[NotAPrincess]

Clean and updated housing is available in the Boston area...for a price.

You'll get all you want in Brookline or parts of Newton (Newton Center, Newtonville). Old kitchens and baths can be renovated, or you can learn to deal with the oldness. If I had to choose between an ideal location and a perfect kitchen, I'd choose the ideal location without a second thought.

If you move to Wellesley (and possibly Hingham) you'll be the youngest people there (aside from the school kids). Wellesley and Hingham are also probably the two towns people most associate with the "snob factor".

[tikaram]

Jamaica plain? Brookline/Brighton? Fenway / Mission Hill ?

Mission Hill used to be a so-so area (some 10 years ago), but in recent years it really developed nicely. the part between Huntington ave and along Tremont street, (till Roxbury Crossing T, or slightly before, I'd say "Mike's donuts" is a virtual cut off line) is getting nicer by the day. Which is reflecting on the rents as well. It's possible to find a decent place for a decent price. Also, if you'd be buying you could renovate kitchen and stuff. Other than that, I tend to agree with PP - access to public transport, and everything city has to offer, as well as nice parks (it takes you 10 min. to go to Arboretum from Mission Hill), means more than an updated kitchen in my book. Also, if a rental is in very nice shape - it costs more. As long as it's clean and you keep it clean for yourself - it might be a good trade off.

[tacovine]

All are great towns... and forget this snob factor nonsense.. largely depends in where you want to be in relation to the city. Hingham is south and can be a brutal drive to Boston but a great town. Wellesley is nicer that Needham but more expensive for what you get. Have you thought about Winchester?

[woody17]

I'm curious to know where you ending up? We are in the process of moving from NYC and are considering those towns.

[MikePRU]

Originally Posted by woody17

I'm curious to know where you ending up? We are in the process of moving from NYC and are considering those towns.

Sadly, people tend to get some advice and then disappear. A quick check of Jenny's profile shows she hasn't logged on since May '11. You could try sending her a private message as she'll likely get an alert email if you do so.