Lived in both Framingham and Norwood. Natick has a nicer town center than Framingham, if that matters to you and you like walk ability. Framingham has been Up and coming for the last 15 years, but maybe the new apartment complexes downtown will finally improve things. Most spots in Framingham will make a nicer commute to Marlborough either via route 9 or the pike.

BJs and Target are right near the on ramp in Framingham. You could alternatively hit Costco after work in Dedham. $2k-$3k should get you a nice place (I haven't rented in a while) and the only reason I'd pick Natick over Framingham would be proximity to something you particularly feel the need to be close to (like a better town center).