Where to rent between Norwood and Marlborough?

Submitted by Lithium0725 t3_10i7aih in massachusetts

Hoping people here can share their expertise! I will be employed in Norwood while my bf is in Marlborough. We're looking for a place to rent in-between; considering around Framingham or Natick but will consider places close to either ends. Haven't been to either areas so any input would be useful!

More info:

  • Budget up to $3k, ideally around $2k (but affordable is always better)
  • Looking for 2 bd but will consider 3 bd if difference in rent isn't too big
  • Would love if high walkability but understand if not possible
  • I will be in the office 2~3 times a week while my bf has to go in every day; wouldn't mind if the suggestions were more skewed closer to Marlborough
  • We are both in our 20s but neither of us are the party/bar type people, so we likely wouldn't go into Boston often. Maybe once every couple week? But proximity to big stores (BJs/Costco/other grocery stores) and safety are more important than being in an "exciting" area

Appreciate any information you could provide 🙏

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Numerous_Resist_8863 t1_j5cs89c wrote

Marlborough is super convenient if you work on/along the 495 corridor.

Edit #1 Also one of the best walking trails in the state, (in my opinion)

Edit #2 It's also right next to Hudson, which has got a lot of good spots to eat.

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rygo796 t1_j5csncd wrote

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).

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SharpCookie232 t1_j5cxmn5 wrote

I think Framingham is your best bet - it's centrally located and has lots of restaurants and shopping.

This is cute.

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wintersicyblast t1_j5cxv7s wrote

I would say Natick is a nice in between. You will have a bit of a commute to Norwood from Marlborough.

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jp_jellyroll t1_j5d9jfh wrote

Traffic on the Pike can be brutal especially at the 495 and 95 junctions where you'll both be headed regularly. Whatever town you choose, make sure your rental has easy direct access to the Pike!

Natick is the nicest, safest, and arguably most walkable on your list. They built a new Rail Trail that runs through a big chunk of town and connects to the retail district. Great places to eat, shopping, public transportation, and close to Boston. But it's the most expensive by far. Mostly large single-family homes, not many rental units. May have to stretch the budget to get what you need.

Framingham is the most populated & bustling on your list. Lots of rentals and your money goes a little farther. But some areas, like south of Route 9, are rough around the edges. Drug-related crimes are still common. There is public transportation and lots of good Brazilian & Mexican food.

Marlborough & Hudson are both quiet and safe. Marlborough is the larger of the two with a lot more shopping & retail. Hudson is smaller and much quieter with a downtown area that was recently revitalized. Walkable with some good places to eat & drink. Commuting to Norwood might be a pain if you're not super close to 495.

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Waggmans t1_j5dqwog wrote

Replying to jp_jellyroll (#1,433,289)

Framingham is much nicer than it used to be, lots of brand new rentals within walking distance of public transport and parks- I just wouldn’t live in the downtown area. Some nice older apartments on route 9.

Lived in Natick for over 25yrs until I had to move because I couldn’t afford it. Lots of nice places in the Natick area as well, but you will end up paying for it wherever you live.

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bobmcrobber t1_j5f3mlj wrote

If you don't mind commuting a bit, Franklin MA might not be that bad of a place to look either. It's about 30 minutes from both Marlborough and Norwood. It has 2 commuter rail stops (Forge Park and Franklin) on the same line as Norwood. BJs, Shaws, and Stop & Shop are in Franklin, while Market Basket, Walmart, Whole Foods, and Home Depot are in neighboring Bellingham, and the Wrentham Outlets are quite close by. Walkability is a bit iffy, especially in West Central Franklin due to 140 being a 4 lane expressway between the Bellingham border and 495.

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out3lunch t1_j5g4e2y wrote

Mansfield, great highway access to 495 and 95. Mansfield to Norwood is around 30min for 9am commute. Safe and commuter rail to get into the city.

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JasperDyne t1_j5hiexe wrote

Replying to jp_jellyroll (#1,433,289)

Hudson has a lot going for it. The downtown has some really great places to eat and drink that are as good, if not better than Boston, Cambridge & Somerville. 495 is easy to access from multiple routes. The Assabet River Trail is a nice place to take an easy walk.

Another plus about Hudson is its municipal electric company, Hudson Light & Power. The rates it charges customers are significantly less than the large regional electric providers like Eversource. The only drawback to having its own power company is that it’s not part of the big MassSave pool of subsidized home heating and weatherization plans. HL&P’s rebates and incentives are pretty paltry in comparison to MassSave.

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