Most of the apartment complexes around here operate a monopoly. They even use software to homogenize and maximize the rent they can charge. Best bet is to get something private, maybe even rent a house instead. I'm about to leave the house I'm renting in a nearby town, I was paying $2250/month for a 2BR (in awful condition). But it's nice to have a yard.

Acton is awesome, especially for kids. The Acton arboretum is really beautiful, and the Children's Museum is also amazing. But it's extremely desirable because of rte 2. You may find something more affordable in nearby Littleton; but last I heard they were having COVID issues.

Chelmsford is . . . they have a nice highschool and dog park. Probably some decent food from Lowell too. Watch out for train tracks, there's a train that runs through Chelmsford that can be a dick to deal with.

Maybe check out Maynard, Hudson, Sudbury, Stow, Boxborough areas; if you're trying to get near Concord. Concord is expensive because of Thoreau. There's a bunch of weird literary types there, and people always riding bikes in the road like they have a death wish.