It was hard, but I was able to find $1400 a month when I lived in Belmont and $1000-$1200 a month out in the Harvard/Bolton/Stow area. That’s going to be a home daycare, which has its pros/cons. Be ready to be waitlisted so get on this early if you can. It also requires some persistence with following up on emails, calls, etc.

Childcare costs are insane and incredibly prohibitive. And people wonder why millennials/Gen Z aren’t having kids…

There was a major fire in Braintree that caused the residue.

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Western MA is a good bet if you like a less crowded area. Springfield, Ludlow, Westfield, Chicopee, anywhere in the Pioneer valley. It is cheaper to live out here, but not much. A teacher's salary will be a bit tight. but doable. You start around 48K and 20 years in you are in the high 80's or 90K with excellent Union protections. It has fewer social outlets for a young person, so you will have to seek out cool things to do. Also we are close to Hartford, Boston, New York, the Cape, and the CT shore. If you are a Math, Science, or SPED teacher you should do OK. Other subject areas will be more difficult to land a job.

People will disparage Western MA because it is not as fabulously wealthy as the other parts of MA, but it has great natural beauty and areas where you will be able to live comfortably on a teacher salary provided you don't need to buy a house.

Dust from Oklahoma appears to be partly at fault post in r/Connecticut talking about this

No no no, I get your point, you win

That’s true

air too

Driving by you could sadly tell the love wasn’t there any more

>“Nothing in Massachusetts” implies the entire state. You’re only referencing Eastern MA.

According to my map, there's nothing west of Springfield other than the badlands and a note that says "here be dragons".

Is it from the toxic cloud from Ohio?

AHHHH

It doesn't apply to private schools, so that option is available

We pay 1600 for my 2.9 yr old to go 3 days a week

Did you not see the part where she specifically mentioned 495 and being able to make quick trips into Boston. Makes you wonder why I would focus on Eastern Mass huh? But who knows maybe she'll move to North Adams and enjoy the almost 3 hour drive one way. But hey, you are right, I'm wrong, you win the internet for today.

Hey anytime my friend

>Wherever you end up; make at least a couple of neighbor acquaintances, they may not act friendly at first, but will also probably help dig you out and help you if it decides winter is still a thing here.

They won't introduce themselves to you - that would be unthinkably intrusive and rude. But if you start the conversation, they'll continue it.

Would highly recommend Haverhill! Right on 495, 40 mins to Boston (without traffic) but has a commuter rail and Amtrak station for easy access to Boston or north to Maine. Great downtown with shops and restaurants and cute neighborhoods, and very affordable. I’m biased because I moved here 10 months ago but have loved it so far!

How so?

“Nothing in Massachusetts” implies the entire state. You’re only referencing Eastern MA. In the last 2/3 years there have been plenty of apartments built that cost less than 1,800 for a studio. So it’s not 100% accurate.

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I haven’t looked into it yet for my 3 month old, however my buddy did and his son is 10 days older. For 5 days a week he got quoted $3800 a month at one place. After continuing to look he found I think $2700 at another. It’s brutal.

There's a saying I heard about New Englanders: "we're not nice, but we're kind."

Hey neighbor! I'll second Haverhill and the surrounding area, you have the commuter rail and it's further north so a bit shorter ride to beaches and Maine too. Haverhill has some good restaurants downtown too.

I’d say Worcester and Lowell both sufficiently fit your description. Swiftly Developing cities with pretty vibrant downtowns, a commuter rail line straight into Boston, and still relatively affordable (though it’s getting a lot worse especially for a single income). The kicker is that they’re both still a bit gritty. If you haven’t been to former industrial towns in New England, you’ll understand when you get here. But don’t let that out you off. They’re safe.

My personal pick would be Worcester. 2nd largest city by population in New England and it’s growing very fast. Lots of food and bars and shopping and what-not. Also lots of parks and nature.

It is not an exaggeration. As I made this comment after recently looking at many of the new units in my area, including two in Plymouth and Kingston. I'm glad your neighborhood is seemingly cheaper, but my comment is still 100% accurate.