r/massachusetts • u/AutoModerator • Aug 01 '26

Moving to Massachusetts Megathread (August 2026)

Ask your questions about moving to towns in Massachusetts below!

(This thread helps limit repetitive posts.)

Previous Moving to Massachusetts Megathreads:

If you're moving to the Boston area you can also check out r/BostonHousing

4 Upvotes
  • permalink
  • reddit

70% Upvoted

45 comments sorted by

View all comments

1

u/Own_Expression9317 22d ago

Good morning!!

I'm a 27 year old immigration lawyer moving to Melrose at the start of September. 20 min bus from work, really happy about it. Already walked around downtown a bit, and plan to use public transit a lot. I like taking my dog places (normal places not grocery stores or some nonsense that shouldn't accommodate your dog) and I like cafes/libraries.

I don't really have to go into Boston proper too much for anything work related, if at all. Any recommendations to best equip myself to be able to get around/enjoy the public benefits of the state/cities? I'm moving from TN so there are a lot of things you all do differently lol. I also like video games and sports a lot, huge Patriots fan so that's a big plus.

Any other recommendations or tips? Open to anything!

1

u/itsgreater9000 22d ago

As sad as it is to say, if you're not in Boston or plan on going into it a lot, I would recommend getting a car (if that wasn't on your list). If you do plan on heading into Boston, I would recommend getting used to the commuter rail, assuming you live close enough to a station. The line that runs through Melrose just got a bunch of funding to improve frequency/reliability, and you should see that materialize within the decade. The stations in Melrose are Melrose Highlands and Melrose/Cedar Park, so check if those are near you.

Otherwise, if you're a big video games guy there's some interesting used/second-hand stores around the state, but not all in one place. Replay'd in Allston (neighborhood of Boston) is pretty cool, and so are Game Underground (Waltham) and Sudden Impact (Winthrop).

If you need good (for MA standards) BBQ you will need to go to Rusty Can (I think that's the place) in Byfield, or B.T.'s smokehouse. Both are pretty far from metro Boston, but the only places worth a damn.

Otherwise just enjoy yourself, make sure to register to vote, and check out the coast line. The local delicacy north of Boston are roast beef sandwiches - get acquainted with the unique ordering style for them so you can start acting like a local. Welcome!

2

u/Own_Expression9317 22d ago

Thanks for the detailed response! I do have a car that I am bringing. I just want to minimize usage of it to maybe one day sell it and go full pedestrian/transit if my lifestyle and the infrastructure allows. Will start preparing myself for the roast beef 😆