Where to live in MA (Boston, Cambridge: houses, neighborhoods, public schools)

[doverborn]

Hi all,

My husband and I are in a unique position where we both telecommute and can live anywhere. We are now researching Massachusetts. We are in our mid thirties, have a 5 year old and 3 year old (rising first grade and preschool). Some of the basics:

1. 3 bedroom house on a quarter acre of land is perfect.
2. Somewhat walkable - we want to be able to walk somewhere (park, restaurant, school) but we understand that suburbs do require driving (but not EVERYWHERE!).
3. Great public schools!
4. Community atmosphere, family friendly, where you live when you have kids...
5. Commute is not an issue now, but if one of us were to lose our job we need some possibilities (hour to boston)

Any thoughts on great towns in MA that meet the criteria above?

Thanks!

[kmann-sherborn]

Off the top of my head I'd say Newton, Wellesley, and Belmont would be among the top of my list for walkability, schools, lots of community activities, and proximity to Boston. There are suburbs you can live in where you can get more for your money but in a lot of the outer burbs you'll be much more reliant on your car (although there are a few neighborhoods in places like Holliston & Hopkinton, etc where you can walk to the park, a few shops, etc.)

[gf2020]

Price range?

[doverborn]

350k to 500k and I should add that it really doesn't need to be "walkable." Sidewalks would be great, we just don't want an area with windy country roads where you can't even safely walk to a neighbor's house. Hope that makes sense...

[kmann-sherborn]

Here are a few places to check out that are walkable to town commons, shops, etc:
- Mudville neighborhood of Holliston
- Charlesview Estates neighborhood of Hopkinton (a bit further from town center but walkable to schools & park)
- Streets off of E Main St near Charles St, Church St, etc in Westborough

[jackshaw]

I think the issue is price range as towns with the best public schools tend to have high property values -- property tax is used to pay for the schools.

Harvard is a supposed to have very good schools. There are houses there that are under $500K that meet your criteria except that there is not that much of a town center if I recall correctly. We bicycle there -- I don't remember sidewalks or not.

There are a few houses in Concord at just under $500K. Good schools. Two nice town centers (Concord Center and West Concord). Rail transportation from both into Boston and Cambridge. But, I don't know if those prices mean that the houses need tons of work or are just small.

There are more houses in Acton that would meet your criteria. Good schools. A couple of town centers, I think. Rail to the city.

I'm sure that on the north and south shores there must be similar towns but I'm not so aware of them.