New job in Lowell (Worcester, Haverhill: best town, good schools, place to live)

[keji56]

Hello, I just got a job in lowell and need to know the best place to live in. I have a 5yr old and need a good school for her. I've been looking at haverhill,north chelmsford and malden but can anyone tell me where the place to live is? Worcester is out of the question
HELP

[ogre]

Best place depends on your housing budget, the amenities and general character you'd prefer in a town, length of commute you can handle, whether you want access to public transit.

Chelmsford is a nice pleasant town, mainly suburban in character. Interesting that you're considering Malden, as it's farther from Lowell than the other places you said you're looking at. Malden might not be the best town for you if schools are an issue.

[keji56]

Thank you. I will look into chelmsford.

[Valerie C]

I would also suggest looking into Dracut and perhaps Tyngsboro. You mentioned Haverhill, and while I do love parts of Haverhill, as a parent you should be aware that the school budget has been stripped to the bone, very little extracurricular is remaining (school bands CUT, sports CUT, etc).

[*~Kim~*]

Does anyone know first hand how the schools in Dracut are? I know they are better than Lowell, but that's not saying much!

[brightdoglover]

Not sure why OP even mentioned Worcester- it's nowhere near Lowell and isn't a good drive, either.
I second the Chelmsford idea, and Tyngsboro is good, too. I don't have kids in the schools, just know what co-workers and other folks generally say.
Congratulations on the new job!

[keji56]

Originally Posted by brightdoglover

Not sure why OP even mentioned Worcester- it's nowhere near Lowell and isn't a good drive, either.
I second the Chelmsford idea, and Tyngsboro is good, too. I don't have kids in the schools, just know what co-workers and other folks generally say.
Congratulations on the new job!

Thank you so much.

[DoctorRain]

Originally Posted by Valerie C

I would also suggest looking into Dracut and perhaps Tyngsboro. You mentioned Haverhill, and while I do love parts of Haverhill, as a parent you should be aware that the school budget has been stripped to the bone, very little extracurricular is remaining (school bands CUT, sports CUT, etc).

A pretty big sports town as well. If thats not the sign of the times, I have no clue what is. Is football even huge at Chelmsford High anymore?

[elnene2k]

North Nashua, NH might be a good option as well as it will be 20 minute drive & N Nashua has good schools...the Rt 3 traffic starts right around Lowell so you will miss it when you get off your exit...