Relocating to Massachusetts
 

I'm considering relocation to the Boston area for personal reasons and, while familiar with Boston itself, I don't know much about the outlying towns and suburbs. I'm pretty flexible on things like city-size, convenience to shopping, arts and cultural events, etc. (I figure I can go into Boston for all my "big city" needs.) Some towns I know are close by, but have no knowledge of are: Andover, Tewksbury, and Lowell. If anyone can give me information on these towns, or any other places in that area, I would be grateful. Thanks for taking the time...<BR><BR>K<BR><BR>P.S. Before anyone asks, I am NOT a journalist, or anything similar, doing some kind of research. I've seen enuogh of the posts on this board to know that this is apparently a concern. :)

K -<BR>You've identified items on which you're flexible; so what issues are important? Assuming that you're single ??? So the school districts aren't critical? What about work? Do you already have a job or is accessibility to opportunities a consideration? The three cities you've cited are all west of Boston, so have you already ruled out anyplace by the water (north or south shore)? Is public transportation a factor? There are several towns well outside of Boston, yet are well connected to city thru commuter rail or MBTA.<BR><BR>

I wouldn't consider Andover, Tewksbury or Lowell close to Boston. Especially if you plan on working in Boston and commuting. But, for info on those towns, Andover is an upper-middle to uppper class town. There are both old houses and new developments. The town center is very small and quaint. Taxes are a lot! I don't know anything really about Tewksbury, but Lowell is a run down city with a lot of crime. Pretty much on the other end of the spectrum from Andover. I can't really recommend any other towns, without knowing your price range and expectations for a home (or apt.).

First off, one of the things everyone comments on when they move to Boston area is how expensive housing is (rental or purchase) - so be prepared. Lowell is a small city on the Merrimack River - one of the many old mill towns in New England. It is a very diverse city, economically, culturally, etc. There are some poor and/or tough areas, but it is special in that over the last 10-15 years it has undergone a major rebirth and is no longer a dump. (Unlike Lawrence, its nearby neighbor city). The schools are only fair, often because many students have English as their second languange. Arts, culture, and sports are growing.<BR><BR>Andover is an affluent largely residential community somewhat south of Lowell. Many residents commute to professional jobs either in Boston or on the highway belts around the area. Schools are very good, taxes high, and there is not a whole lot going on in town. <BR><BR>Tewksbury is somewhere in between. Largely white and middle class, it is somewhat more diverse than Andover, but not much. Schools are fair to good. Neither town has much public transportation except to and from Boston during rush hour. <BR><BR>That is my overview opinion. I am sure I have offended some who live in any of the 3 places, but I did my best.

How about Winchester. It's 10 miles northwest of Boston sitated by a parkland area called the Fellsway. Less than 25 minute commute down 93 to downtown Boston.<BR><BR>The town center has a lovely square with trees and grass surrounded by shops, boutiques and restaurants. If that is not enough there is a commuter rail station right by the square for trips into Boston and points north.<BR><BR>This town has no negatives.

K, you raelly haven't given us enough to go on.<BR><BR>1. Andover, Lowell, and Tewksbury aren't "close by."<BR><BR>2. Where will you work? Commuting across the city (e.g., from the South Shore to Cambridge) is a huge pain.<BR><BR>3. What are you NOT flexible about? <BR><BR>4. Do you want a house or apartment, what can you afford to spend.<BR><BR>5. What type of town or neighborhood atmosphere do you want?<BR><BR>6. Do you have kids or other concerns about education/resale value?<BR><BR>7. Are you willing to risk a purchase in a changing area? <BR><BR>8. How much time are you willing to spend commuting (more time translates into more house per dollar)?<BR><BR>9. Do you want to have access to public transportation into the city?<BR><BR><BR>10. Do you definnitely want to live northwest of the city, as Lowell, Tewksbury, and Andover are?

Okay - sorry to be so vague. :) I wrote the message in a hurry. So here's more details: I'm single without children, will be renting, do not have a *definite* job in the area yet, and have no immediate plans to purchase a house over there. I know about the added expense, so I've factored that into my budget. I also know that the towns I mentioned aren't "right next door" to Boston... but I don't necessarily plan on working in the city. I guess living "near" the city will be nice from the standpoint that I can rely on it for nightlife, shopping. etc. I don't need to be on the northwest side; I only mentioned those towns because that's the section of Boston outskirts that I'm sort of familiar with.<BR><BR>As far as what I'm inflexible about... I'm not a safety-freak, but I don't want to live in a warzone either. (Who does?) I'd like a town that is *somewhat* culturally diverse, just because living in an insular city can be so stifling. No kids, so school district is not a concern. I have experience in multiple fields, so there are several employment options.<BR><BR>What have I forgotten?

Re: rental budget - definitely an apartment or townhome and I can spend between $1000 - 1800 a month<BR><BR>Re: public transportation - it would be nice if I didn't have to drive *too* far (not more than an hour) to reach an outlying train station. Again, I don't really plan to work in Boston... but I'd probably go there a lot on the weekends.

I lived in Cambridge for 5 years in the 80's. Great place. On the T, you can be in Boston in 10 minutes. Very convenient. You'll probably pay for it, but check it out. I also like Arlington and Arlington Height, Watertown and Wellesley/Newton. Best thing about all these towns I've mentioned is there close proximity to Boston. By the way, Lowell isn't bad. It's had a renaissance and is quite nice. But it is quite aways out.

try jamaica plain, arlington or even cambridge. more to do, more diversity, more singles, etc.<BR><BR><BR><BR>

I might try Cambridge/Somerville area - diverse enough not to be too suburban but not in the middle of Boston. (I just answered above on Lowell, Andover, Tewksbury because that is what you asked about). Some areas, especially in Somerville have also had a rebirth and are consequently more interesting and more expensive. Arlington is also a possibility. If you might need to commute to other than Boston, Medford area is closer to highways, but not as nice a place to live and more family-oriented. I am sure there are some great places south of Boston, I am just not as familiar with that area.

For commuting (driving - not public transport) ease, since you're not sure which town you'll end up working in, consider towns along either Rt. 128 or Rt. 495 between Rts. 93 & 95.<BR>So, Andover is part of that category, but so are Amesbury/Newburyport, Peabody, Wakefield. North Reading and Burlington are decent towns, too. These are all "northshore" choices, simply because that is the area I am most familiar with too.

K<BR><BR>Why not live in the city? (I do). If its where you want to spend time, it makes sense to live there. ANd Boston is (aside from expense) a safe easy city to live in.

Charles..you read my mind. Kelli, with that kind of a budget why not consider Back Bay or Beacon Hill?

Kelli,<BR><BR>Sorry, just thought of another town you should consider. Newton. It's on the MBTA, it's culturally diverse, very close to Boston, nice town/city with some shopping and restaurants.

I lived in Bradford for a time and LOVED it. It's actually a rural part of Haverhill, but borders North Andover. Shopping, restaurants, and convenience were excellent there.<BR>I eventually moved over the border to southern New Hampshire. If you work in NH (not Mass) you pay NO state income tax. If you rent, not buy, you pay NO property tax. And NH has NO sales tax. You can save a bundle - and still be 45 minutes from Boston! Towns in southern NH you may want to consider: Portsmouth, Hampton Falls, Plaistow, Atkinson, Salem.<BR><BR>

Check out some towns S of Boston: Milton, Quincy, Braintree Weymouth, Hingham, Hull are all great places to live with ots going n. You can comute into Boston via fat-ferry boat service & not have to worry re drivin

I am familiar with Tewks. (grew up there), Andover (next door) and Lowell (live there now). I would recommend Lowell. Housing prices are lower than many areas closer to Boston. Very diverse population. Lots of festivals. Minor league baseball and hockey. Merrimack Repertory Theater. Umass Lowell and Middlesex community College. Train to Boston. Crime is way down and the people work very hard to keep improving the city.

I almost forgot,Lowell also has a beautiful river running right through the middle of the city.

Lowell is dump. No matter what anyone says it's a pit.