Can you tell me about Sudbury, Concord/Carlisle and Andover? (Boston: houses, elementary school)

[NH2008]

So I just got back from my scouting trip and the one town I didn't have time to see was Sudbury. Our realtor couldn't squeeze it in and since it's not on the train I didn't bother driving through on my way to the airport. Now after searching the MLS and seeing some beautiful old houses with huge yards in our price range, I'm kicking myself. Can you tell me about it? Does it have a downtown area like a town, or is it more of a modern sprawling suburb/bedroom community? If my husband were working in downtown Boston, what would be the fastest way to get there and how long would it take?

The other towns I liked were Concord and Andover. I decided I really like small towns more than suburbs so the other Metrowest burbs didn't really appeal to me. How do these three towns compare? Schools, community, etc?

Thanks!

[hiddenboston]

Sudbury is a nice town with a similar feel to Concord, though it is more wooded, while Concord has a lot of farmland and fields). But while Concord has two real downtown areas (including West Concord), Sudbury doesn't really have much of one. The true center of town consists of churches and old homes, and maybe one store (if that). Very quaint, but nothing really there.

Andover is a bit more suburban than Concord, and its downtown almost feels like that of a small city.

All three towns are nice, and the school systems are all fine. I'd say you might want to stick to Concord or Sudbury, as they have more of a rural feel to them. And if you are looking for a place with an actual town center, Concord might be your best bet.

[NH2008]

Concord was lovely, but the old houses are sooo expensive...

[smarty]

Does it have a downtown area like a town,
Sudbury does not have a downtown. There is a couple strip mall on Rt20.

or is it more of a modern sprawling suburb/bedroom community?
It is fairly rural with most houses 1+ acres. Smaller lots are usually neat downtown or the lake (old summer vacation house turn into 4 seasons house)

If my husband were working in downtown Boston, what would be the fastest way to get there and how long would it take?
The fastest way is driving... However, if you live north of Rt20, you can go to the commuter rail in Concord or Lincoln. If you live South of Rt20, you can pick up commuter rail in Framingham/Natick. There is also a bus that goes into Boston 1-2 times a day M-F.
http://mbta.com/uploadedFiles/Docume...alierCoach.pdf

Here are some pictures..
Photo Spotlight Album

Photo Spotlight Album

Sudbury's Seasonal Album

[NH2008]

Thanks! It seems like it's definitely worth checking out. Smarty, some of those photos are beautiful.

- Can people swim in the lake?

- Any insight into the community/residents and schools?

My parents are headed to Boston this weekend and I think I'll ask them to drive around and check it out for me.

Thanks again!

[smarty]

- Can people swim in the lake?
Not sure. Don't think so. It is mostly for canoe and fishing.

- Any insight into the community/residents and schools?
Liberal.. One of the elementary school hired the principal from Lexington where parents oppose teaching with a book with same sex parent. Schools are competitive. Bigger and more populated than Concord... Again, West Concord has downtown and Sudbury don't. All towns around there are similar. Very little difference.

[BostonFamily]

Take a look at Jamaica Plain if your husband is working in Boston. It's within the city but feels like a small town Good schools, great parks, pond, restaurants, etc. Great old houses and history. Also very close to best private schools in area.