Reading or Lynnfield or? (Boston: rent, Home Depot, to buy)

[annwp]

Hi Everyone,

Could you tell me your opinions on Reading and/ or Lynnfield as far as community, school and crime?

I thought of Lynnfield and Reading because of the location close to 128/Rte1/93 and the higher rated schools.

We are a Middle Class Family returning to Massachusetts after an 8 yr absence. Currently living in England. We love being active with school and community - we have 2 children ages 7 and 8 yrs old. We would like to be near the city of Boston (for work and play) but far enough out of the city to enjoy a "town like feel". The kind of town that you'd feel safe, walking around shopping, have friendly people... Probably will rent in the town for a good 6 months to a year before we buy (can't afford to buy over 400k for 3 bedroom) I want to get a solid idea where so as not to uproot kids from school to school.

Thanks much!
Ann

[gf2020]

You're not going to find much housing for under $400K in either Reading or Lynnfield.

Reading has 24,000 people, Lynnfield has 12,000 people.
Reading has a downtown area with shops and a few restaurants, Lynnfield does not.
Reading has a shopping district near the highway with a Home Depot, 2 grocery stores, chain restaurants, etc., Lynnfield does not.
Reading offers town water and sewer, Lynnfield does not (town water only, no sewer).
Reading has a commuter rail station with service to Boston, Lynnfield does not.

I live in Lynnfield, my wife is a teacher in Lynnfield. Her best friend at work lives in Reading.

The towns are very similar in terms of "quality" but Reading does offer more amenities. It really depends on what you are after.