Affordable walkable town in the north shore? (Boston, Cambridge: apartment, neighborhoods)

[orangeroses]

We are looking for a place in the north shore where we can find a nice apartment around 1,000 - 1,500 a month.

I love to walk (I'm moving from NYC) and would love to have a walkable downtown with restaurants, stores, etc. I'd also like an easy commute to the city.

His extended family is from North Reading so he'd like to stay near there.

We are in our mid-twenties and would like some place with some sort of a social life as well. We'd like to meet other people.

I've been looking at Salem, Melrose and Beverly- are those any good? Are there any other places we should be looking?

Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

[holden125]

Originally Posted by orangeroses

We are in our mid-twenties and would like some place with some sort of a social life as well. We'd like to meet other people.

I've been looking at Salem, Melrose and Beverly- are those any good? Are there any other places we should be looking?

Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

Salem seems like a good bet. It's the most urban, like a small city, and has the most restaurants. Rents are reasonable compared to some other towns in the area. There are some sketchier areas, and it can be a pain to access by car (traffic heading to the highways on roads like 114 and 107). But it's got walkability, a pretty nice downtown area, and much more going on than most North Shore bedroom communities.

Beverly has some very tony areas and some run-down areas. Near the train stations you'll find meh neighborhoods and tiny little village centers like Beverly Farms. I'm not sure I'd recommend it in your situation.

Melrose is, I believe, a dry town and very suburban/family-oriented. Really no nightlife there, but it's a nice town to live in with kids.

If you can stand 1 hr, 10 mins on the train to Boston you could check out Newburyport. Small, urban downtown, attractive with restaurants, bars, etc.

Another possibility is Gloucester. It's out on Cape Ann, a bit of a trek, but it's an interesting old fishing city. Downtown has been evolving a bit in recent years.

e-Marginalia :: Ghosts of Gloucester :: John Regan (http://www.e-margaux.com/en/story/gloucester/index.htm - broken link)

Closer to Boston is Waltham, which has a fair amount of restaurants and bars near the center.

[gf2020]

I imagine you can find something in Wakefield for up to $1500 per month. Melrose and Wakefield aren't technically "North Shore" but they are a convenient location.

[capecodcathy]

I agree that Salem is a good choice. I lived there in my twenties without a car and commuted to Cambridge. Otherwise, I walked everywhere.

[unit731]

Originally Posted by gf2020

I imagine you can find something in Wakefield for up to $1500 per month. Melrose and Wakefield aren't technically "North Shore" but they are a convenient location.

Both are nice towns. Both have train to Boston. Melrose has the T near the Malden line.

Salem is fine. Salem State College is located there.

[seeriously]

I'd go with Wakefield. I love walking around Lake Quannapowett and the downtown area is pretty decent.

[lz1982]

Salem might be the best bet for your age, although I know someone who went to college in Beverly and thought the downtown was nice. The bad thing about Salem, according to a coworker who lived there, is that during the month of October the downtown is so swamped by tourists it's difficult to even get your basic errands done.

Melrose is semi-dry, meaning you can order alcohol at a restaurant with your meal, but there are no stand-alone bars. That may not be what you're looking for. I think Wakefield would be a quieter scene also.