Happy to help! I think trying the commute out for real on a normal workday is a great idea. I did the commute on my way to my interview to make it as realistic as possible. It’ll help you get a sense of how busy it is, how long everything will take, and what your overall morning routine will be like.

Moving further south definitely puts you closer to a train station, but also increases your commuting time. There’s a lot to consider and it can be overwhelming. If you’re not sure, I’d say go with MBTA - there’s a reason a majority of commuters go that route over Amtrak. The flexibility is really nice to have.

If you have any specific questions about the commuter rail, let me know, happy to help.

Good luck!