Moving from Europe, want ocean front house or similar (Newburyport: for sale, schools)

[curator]

We have been looking at the estate agent websites but don't find much for sale that is interesting. We would like to be on/by the sea beach. However an estuary would be fine ---place to dock a boat a plus.

We don't care about the schools system [too old for that sort of thing] but would like at least good communications ----road,rail etc.
Our home study indicates either to north as far as York,Me or south into RI. Golf and gardening are the activities for most part.

Any advice to give a couple oldies who after many years are returning to states.

[professorsenator]

Originally Posted by curator

We have been looking at the estate agent websites but don't find much for sale that is interesting. We would like to be on/by the sea beach. However an estuary would be fine ---place to dock a boat a plus.

We don't care about the schools system [too old for that sort of thing] but would like at least good communications ----road,rail etc.
Our home study indicates either to north as far as York,Me or south into RI. Golf and gardening are the activities for most part.

Any advice to give a couple oldies who after many years are returning to states.

Can you provide a target price range?

[curator]

We would like to limit our spending to 6-700k.

We really need advice on locations........we are also realistic about locations but hope spring eternal etc

[gamecock43]

Nantucket, Hull, Glauster, Newburyport...all these are waterfront towns in MA, old fishing towns. Lots of character, lots of money (expensive).

[professorsenator]

Originally Posted by gamecock43

Nantucket, Hull, Glauster, Newburyport...all these are waterfront towns in MA, old fishing towns. Lots of character, lots of money (expensive).

You're not getting waterfront, certainly not with a dock, for $600-700K in those towns.

The OP ought to take a close look at Rhode Island -- lots of waterfront around Narragansett Bay, very scenic, and generally lower prices than Mass. SouthCoast Mass. around Marion and Mattapoisett might be worth a look, too.

[curator]

Thank you for the advice. I will give Rhode Island at look. We know we cannot afford Newport but perhaps around the bay as you suggest.

It is a real problem making housing decisions from a great distance. Plus the fact that we have never lived in the general area. But, we don't have a lot of choice but to move ---- AMerican expats over here are being killed by the weakness of the dollar.

[Hollytree]

I concur. Look at RI.

Once you decide to make a visit, you'll see that the state is divided into west bay and east bay areas- you'll have to decide which side best floats your boat ( I couldn't resist...

[professorsenator]

In Rhode Island you might take a look at the towns of Bristol, Portsmouth, Middletown, Tiverton, Warren, Barrington, and a place called Riverside (in the city of East Providence, not to be confused with nearby Providence). All of these are waterfront communities that have some very scenic places. With your budget you could definitely find something on the water in some of these towns, even possibly with a dock.

Do a search at realtor.com -- I find that it's a good place to start. Also check out riliving.com, which often shows more photos and may provide more info on house listings.