<p>Cobrat- I agree about Brookline, however the access to route 9 and the Pike can be tricky unless he lives in the Chestnut hill area which can be pricey and older people. Upper Brighton on Comm Ave by BC in Newton and Auburndale is not as loud and rowdy. Certain parts of Cleveland Circle are, but he is young. I lived in Cleveland Circle for a few years after college and both my husband and I had professional jobs and enjoyed living by the t and the chestnut hill reservoir. As young CPA, I travelled to clients very far away-- much further and less convenient than Southborough. My husband commuted into Cambridge at this time. It was fine and fun for after work hours and jogging. This area around BC is safe and fun for a young person. Someone mentioned the commute between Needham and Cambridge. There is a world of difference commuting from Boston to Southborough than Needham or Newton to Cambridge. Cambridge is a real pain from Newton/Needham. However metro-west going anywhere from Boston/Newton out West is not that bad IMHO. I think going to Southborough from Upper Comm ave near Cleveland Circle or further towards Newton is really fine. BTW- There is a ton of shopping along this commuter path. He can stop for groceries or any of the malls or Best buy and on and on.</p>
<p>Worcester isn’t a bad idea, but I checked and the commute would be at least 35 minutes, so no big win there.</p>
<p>It is true rents would be cheaper (and for a bigger place), parking most likely not a problem.</p>
<p>(My daughter has a college friend living in Worcester, and she is paying only $500/month to share with one other person, I believe.)</p>
<p>The OP’s son has to make a choice between living near other young people and probably paying more in rent vs living in an area that’s not as interesting to young people, but is closer to work and cheaper. The young woman who was the maid of honor in my D’s wedding worked at the same place as the OP’s son (she left about 3 years ago). D’s friend commuted from the South End (in Boston) to Southborough. She wanted to be in an area with restaurants, bars, and other folks her own age so she was willing to deal with the commute. </p>
<p>I commuted for 10 years from a town off Route 495 to Brookline Village (at the very end of Route 9) and I didn’t enjoy that part of my job at all. Believe me, I got to know Route 9 really well and the traffic during rush hours moves very slowly–one can sit through 2-3 traffic light cycles. When it’s not rush hour, it’s better but there are traffic lights the whole length of Route 9 and that slows one down. Audio books kept me sane. </p>
<p>looking at the commuter map, the rail goes to Southborough <a href=“Commuter Rail | Schedules & Maps | MBTA”>Commuter Rail | Schedules & Maps | MBTA. Wouldn’t it make sense to not drive and commute by rail? DS lives in Sommerville and commutes downtown on the T. He saves a lot of money not having to deal with a car. I do know we’re talking a longer commute, but regular driving makes little sense to me in the Boson metro area with such great commuting infrastructure. </p>
<p>In theory, commuter rail is a great idea, but the OP’s son still has to get from the commuter rail station to his workplace, which is about 3 miles from the station. Unfortunately, the most direct way from the station to his job would have him walking on two well-traveled routes–Rte 85 and Rte 9. I don’t even think there are sidewalks on some parts of that walk. It wouldn’t be a pleasant walk–one would really have to be aware of the traffic. </p>
<p>I hate commuting, so I’d chose to live nearer to job, and go into a city on weekends.</p>
<p>OP Update: Just wanted to thank you all again for your great advice. </p>
<p>We got back last night from moving our son into a Marlborough Victorian (found on Craigslist) that was made into a two family home. He is sharing an apartment with 3 other guys. Professional musician landlords live on site. He has a nice big bedroom (with 3 windows, no less) for $550 a month plus utilities. The commute is less than 15 minutes and he does have a car. We wanted him to have an all wheel drive car so we found a 5 year old manual shift Subaru Impreza which also has “hill assist” which is perfect for the area. I drove the car and the hill assist is great! </p>
<p>Unfortunately, this perfect little car got rear ended on the way up on I84 in stop and go traffic by a school bus that did the infamous hit and run. We pulled over and the bus didn’t. Sigh.</p>
<p>In any event - I suppose it could’ve been worse and for that we are thankful. It did take us 5 hours to make a 2.5 hour trip but let’s not go there. I am completely shopped out - can’t begin to tell how many Targets and WalMarts we hit - enough for a lifetime I think… Marlborough has tons of shopping and eating. Framingham is great too. We did have fun and I am sore but happy that he is all set up. Now I am supposed to “let go.” Like that’s so easy. :-/ This is way more traumatic than dropping him off freshman year. LOL </p>
<p>He starts work tomorrow and I am excited for him. A little nervous as well. As I understand it, I will worry till the day I die. 
That’s alright, I suppose. ;-)</p>
<p>Thanks again!</p>
<p>Terrific! Thanks for the update!</p>
<p>My D just got an apartment in Brookline (part of Boston) with four roommates for 650 each per month. With a free parking space. They looked in Cambridge, Somerville, and South Boston and Brookline was, by far, the best deal in the best neighborhood.</p>
<p>The best deal S could find in the Norwich/Hanover area was $700 per month, utilities included, for 1 bedroom in a shared 4-BR house. Rentals are not as cheap there as one might expect, no doubt due to the college(s).</p>
<p>I would have expected it to be much more expensive in the Boston area. Your kids have done well! :)</p>
<p>EPTR—Brookline may border Boston, but is in fact a separate town.</p>
<p>I didn’t realize that, MADad. Thanks!</p>