I had a client who commuted from the Cape to Watertown for about 3 years (her and her husband) ... it was pretty daunting. She had to get up around 4am to make it into the city at a proper time. They eventually sold their house and moved to Framingham to make their commute better. If you are open to closer alternatives then i would suggest you don't live in the cape and commute to boston.

First off, no you are not crazy for not wanting to commute from the Cape. The driving commute from south of Boston can be miserable. And by train, you will have to take the train to South Station, switch to the Red Line, transfer to the Green Line, and then make your way to Brookline.

Brookline is a fantastic city, with great public schools, but you will have a hard time finding what you are looking for, especially with parking (no street parking permitted), for $400k. Same thing with Newton, Wellesley. I would recommend that you look at Watertown. The schools are good, but do not compare to the towns mentioned above. But, Watertown is on a bus line, not the subway.

Veronique mentioned West Roxbury and Dedham, those towns are very close to Brookline, but again the schools fall short. West Roxbury is part of the Boston school system. West Roxbury is on the Orange Line, which connects to the Green (Brookline).

So, to get the good fixer-upper and be on the T, you will have to decide how far from Brookline you are willing to live, and accept that you will have to take the train into Boston, and then the subway back out.

Try Needham - good schools and on the T (train, not subway). Realtor.com shows two houses between $300k and $400k, but they only have 1 bath, not 1.5.

Good luck.

Natick is a great place to live but the school systems are just ok. Here are some recommendations ...

Wellesley: Fabulous area to live and great school system

2 bedroom that needs some updating on the interiors
http://www.territoryre.com/SF_Property.php?LIST_NO=70672586

Newton: Nice proximity to Boston and great school system:

Here is a place that needs fixing up but is in a good commuter location:
http://www.territoryre.com/SF_Property.php?LIST_NO=70659067

Here is one near the D line and major commuting routes:
http://www.territoryre.com/SF_Property.php?LIST_NO=70711369

Brookline:Great commute for you and fabulous schools

Quaint updated SF:
http://www.territoryre.com/SF_Property.php?LIST_NO=70657179

This place needs a little love but has had some updating, is in a great spot and look at the amazing beamed ceilings, awesome:
http://www.territoryre.com/SF_Property.php?LIST_NO=70709914


Hope this helps :)

Another town you might consider is Natick. Some great fixer uppers, good schools and great proximity to both public transportation and major routes.

Hi There,
I live and work in the Merrimack Valley and North Shore area, and I think you would find it perfect. The area offers an easy commute, as it is surrounded by 3 major Boston commuter routes, and just about every town has a commuter rail station. It's a lovely area with quintessential and SAFE New England neighborhoods. It's a quick drive to the beaches, to Boston, and to skiing, and best of all it's AFFORDABLE!

I publish a Homes & Land Magazine for that area, we have a few thousand listings on our web site that you may want to check out. http://www.HomesAndLandMA.com. Or I would be happy to mail you a copy of the next issue, just let me know! Best of luck with your search.

Cary Bowman
Publisher
Homes & Land Magazine

How about Acton, Maynard, Sudbury area - in the Assabet Valley lies the best school systems in the state within a small town community and a great place to raise a family. If you would like a tour of the area please feel free to contact me @ 617-909-1318 or check out my website.

You don't need to go that far to find a great house near Brookline. Dedham and West Roxbury are both communities with good school systems and you could find a home like you describe.
I would be happy to help you if you need to.
Veronique
617-477-5079

Hi Sami. I am a Realtor who lives and works in the Metro West Boston area. Most of my clients work in the Boston area. They have bought homes in towns like Northborough, Westborough, Southborough etc. because of the commuter rail into Boston. They also have found affordable homes in these beautiful towns with excellent school systems. For $400K, you can expect MUCH more than a 2 bedroom 1.5 bath home...and not necessarily a "fixer upper". Please feel free to call 508.561.7164 or email me at jboyle@comvestresidential.com. I would be pleased to provide you with any information you might need! Best wishes. Judy

Billeirca Public Schools ,good sports, nice town, close to T,

Try Milton, Braintree, Canton - check out their MCAS scores - go to http://www.bostonmagazine.com and enter the word "schools" in the search button and you will get lots of useful details.