Tewksbury, Lowell, Billerica may be the area to look at. Prices aren't terrible, for instance this is for sale down the street from me, on a quiet cul de sac: https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/54-James-St-Tewksbury-MA-01876/56344771_zpid/

And the commuter line is super close (~10 minutes) will bring you into boston in ~an hour (give or take 20 minutes).

The YMCAs in the area offer childcare at a great rate, and - at least in Tewksbury - there are a number of SAHP who watch other people's kids for cheap.