From a would-be home buyer, a desperate plan to escape Greater Boston prices
Bynxers thinks he's found a solution to Greater Boston's home price conundrum. He's even dubbed it the "Third Way."
I'll give him A for creativity, but I think it boils down to another variation on a now well worn path - moving to a cheaper home well beyond the 495 ring and settling for an epic commute.
Here's how Bynxers, who has managed to wrangle three days of telecommuting a week from his boss, pitched his idea in a recent comment.
Scott- we have looked at the real estate "Third Way" recently to avert what we have also seen as a problem that exactly matches this:
My wife can pretty much work at any hospital due to her specialized training and I recently- despite this horrible recession, have negotiated for be able to telecommute and work from home 3 days a week (keeping me from having to come into Boston).
As such- we've simply considered moving out towards Worcester, or up to New Hampshire or even Maine. We will be able to get what we want (and need) in the way of space and schools. My wife will really not need to commute and I can either drive or take the commuter rail or even the DownEaster when I need to come into the city.
But then again- we are not fans of huge population density- a large yard for a garden and room for our dogs to really run is a must. Good luck finding that in metro boston
Later, Bynxers added this:
Additionally- with our first baby on the way- daycare will be MUCH cheaper than anywhere inside 128.... I'm just sad I have to wait until the Spring to realize our plan (hopefully).
Here's my take.
Bynxers, you are right on target about the cost of living in Greater Boston - from home prices to day care, everything is more expensive.
But this sounds like a complicated plan - I'm betting just getting the jobs in alignment is likely to prove more complicated and time consuming than you realize.
And if the boss, amid a souring economy, decides he/she wants to see your face in the office more often, commuting from Maine or New Hampshire everyday could prove to be pure hell.
Then there is the small matter of parenthood. Take it from me, who has three little ones, all seven and under - your life will change and change dramatically once you become a father.
You are about to enter baby boot camp - I'd think twice before adding a multi-state commute to your daily schedule.
Before moving out to Maine or New Hampshire, I would first look hard at homes just beyond the 495 ring. It's still a long commute, but more doable if push comes to shove.
What's your take? Has Bynxers really found a "Third Way" or this more of the same old, same old of trading a long and possibly unbearable commute for a more reasonably priced house?
