Re: best commuter town
If OP want to commute by train than driving, I would suggest Drogheda. It has a lot of new shops etc happening at the moment, but has its share of issues too - and def. more affordable than Skerries or Donabate etc.
Had I not bought my current house, I would be looking in Laytown - more trains stop there these days, and miles and miles of sand and nice atmosphere - no major shops etc, but you can always drive down to Swords, Blanch, Drogheda or Newry for shopping!