I commute in suburban Boston around the I-495 belt and I would strongly suggest using studded tires.

Plowed roads will leave snow banks. Snow banks melt during the day and the water runs across the road. If the water doesn't dry before dark, it will freeze as the temperatures drop. I don't care how good your lights are, it is difficult to spot and avoid icy patches at night.

I use the Schwalbe Marathon Winter tires and these work well unless the snow starts to get deep (more than two inches).

Steve