Post homes in MA that people like (Boston, Arlington: houses, neighborhoods)

[simplexsimon]

Originally Posted by Boston_Burbs

I personally find great value in ranches or colonials (no cathedral ceiling) that were built in the 1950s-1960s range.

The less updated the better. To be there is alot of value in these homes for a somewhat handy buyer. You are new enough to avoid knob and tube wiring and probably steam heat.

Yet old enough to have vanities, tubs, kitchen cabinets, and flooring that is far superior quality to what is made now. A call to miracle method and a cabinet re-facing company will make those look great. Plus if there is no cathedral ceilings, Mass Save will pump the attic full of blown in insulation and make it 80-90% as good as homes now. If the house has gas heat, it will be cheaper to heat than a newer house with Oil.



Good example below

https://www.redfin.com/MA/Marblehead.../home/11768567

I was lucky to get a good agent that helped me identify solid houses since I was clueless and am in a colonial that you describe. It's a bit bigger, newer, and more updated than the one in the link you provided but we're pretty happy with how things have been so far.

[Beachcomber4]

A little bigger than I like but love the details and setting. https://www.realtor.com/realestatean...3_M45348-00721

[BostonMike7]

Allowing myself to go outside my normal criteria....and putting price aside for these....

https://www.redfin.com/MA/South-Hami.../home/12410054

The barn. Love every bit about it.


https://www.redfin.com/MA/Wenham/120.../home/11350775

Love the property this sits on


https://www.redfin.com/NH/Hampton-Fa...home/143824916

Like the house, and the edge of the marsh where it sits. Separate pool house and garage.

[charolastra00]

Ever since I was a little kid, I have dreamed of owning this house: https://www.redfin.com/MA/Haverhill/.../home/11306867

The inside is.... a lot. It would take a fair bit of money to tone it down in a tasteful yet still period style, but I'm impressed by how well kept-up it appears. A lot of the old Victorians in Haverhill haven't faired nearly so well.

Also in Haverhill is this house, which is a few doors down from where my mom grew up: https://www.redfin.com/MA/Haverhill/.../home/11326302 I've always wanted to move back to that street, and this house has always been my favorite from the outside, but clearly is pretty gorgeous on the inside (minus the industrial urinal in the bathroom and the sports bar in the basement).


Another dream house: https://www.redfin.com/MA/Essex/80R-.../home/70324175

I've always told my partner that if we won the lottery with enough money to not need to consider a commute but not enough money to up and move to a townhouse in London, Tel Aviv, or Stockholm, I'd want a house on the river/marsh in Essex or Ipswich. This fits the bill if we were to ever have a few spare million.

[BostonMike7]

Originally Posted by charolastra00

E
I've always told my partner that if we won the lottery with enough money to not need to consider a commute but not enough money to up and move to a townhouse in London, Tel Aviv, or Stockholm, I'd want a house on the river/marsh in Essex or Ipswich. This fits the bill if we were to ever have a few spare million.

That location is perfect. I would love to live there.

Personally, i've never understood the appeal (job commute aside) of spending $3mil to buy a condo in Back Back Boston when you can take that money and buy a beautiful home in a location such at that one.

[charolastra00]

Originally Posted by BostonMike7

That location is perfect. I would love to live there.

Personally, i've never understood the appeal (job commute aside) of spending $3mil to buy a condo in Back Back Boston when you can take that money and buy a beautiful home in a location such at that one.

I think if I had eff you money, I'd like to be walkable to a subway, coffee shops, etc. I like going out to eat, going to museums, etc. and in my ideal world I'd be walking distance from a lot of Jewish life, like synagogues, JCCs, classes, etc. I was rich enough to afford a condo in Back Bay then I would probably be rich enough to indulge in some of those more city persuits much more regularly.

But if I was not *that* rich but rich enough to buy a place where I could kayak to Crane Beach from my backyard, I think I'd be ok.

[msRB311]

Originally Posted by BostonMike7

That location is perfect. I would love to live there.

Personally, i've never understood the appeal (job commute aside) of spending $3mil to buy a condo in Back Back Boston when you can take that money and buy a beautiful home in a location such at that one.

Same. There are some homes in Beacon Hill that are beautiful but I would still hands down choose something bigger with more privacy with some nature.

[BostonMike7]

Originally Posted by charolastra00

I think if I had eff you money, I'd like to be walkable to a subway, coffee shops, etc. I like going out to eat, going to museums, etc. and in my ideal world I'd be walking distance from a lot of Jewish life, like synagogues, JCCs, classes, etc. I was rich enough to afford a condo in Back Bay then I would probably be rich enough to indulge in some of those more city persuits much more regularly.p

Makes sense. I see your point. I guess i am projected my lifestyle into that thought logic. WHile i like to partake in some of the activities Boston has, it's not that frequent. I don't mind driving in to the MFA once in a while, but I love to sit on my deck and drink a coffee and read or surf the laptop. I like that peace and quiet.

[matrix5k]

This is a 3 building compound, looks neat.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/3...ource=txtshare

[id77]

Originally Posted by BostonMike7

That location is perfect. I would love to live there.

Personally, i've never understood the appeal (job commute aside) of spending $3mil to buy a condo in Back Back Boston when you can take that money and buy a beautiful home in a location such at that one.

As someone who would happily spend $3 mil to live in Back Bay, I'd say it really comes down to priorities. The easy access to experiences and entertainment is big, comfy convenience that will be hard to give up someday. Think of all the things and events in Boston that people who live an hour away have to plan for, take an afternoon/day off to do, drive in for, find parking for, and then escape...All of that logistical up-front planning just melts away if you live in the middle of it. A trip to the science museum or aquarium can be a spontaneous, low-effort affair. I can be at home eating dinner at 6:30, decide to go see the Sox game at 7:05, buy tickets, and still be in my seat in time for the first pitch. Even things like the marathon become a easy 5-10 minute walk rather than the all-day planning and traffic nightmare.

Is that for everyone? No, certainly not. But the logic is sound -- do you pay big money for lots of space and privacy or do you pay big money for comfortable convenience to nearly everything you enjoy doing?

I spend many a summer weekend on the Cape at a big house on a big lot next to a big beach, and while it's very scenic and quiet and peaceful, I'd go absolutely insane if I lived there week in and week out.