South of the city is the nicer area. The South Shore is the nicest but the further you go down into it the more expensive it gets. The Quincy/Braintree area might be what you're looking for. Both are only about a 15 minute drive into the city, then you go the other way and you have some really nice coastal areas with nice dining and shopping, The Plymouth waterfront area is fun. they both have access to the train. Quincy has some good nightlife.