Lynnfield vs. Topsfield (Boston, Peabody, Reading: middle-class, home, neighborhoods)

[powwow]

We are relocating to the North Shore next month and we have a 12, 10 and 7 year old. We are ready to make offers on a home in Lynnfield and one in Topsfield. Our objective is to find a community and a school system that makes the transition as easy as possible. We hear excellent things about the communities and school systems in both towns.

We are slightly nervous about Masco as a regional school in terms of the kids having friends from three towns and constantly commuting fom town to town to get them around but it may not be a big deal.

Although we have not been active in the Jewish community in the past, we are interested in getting more involved with this move.

Any help or perspective would be appreciated.

[goyguy]

Hi,
Topsfield and Lynnfield are similar demographically in two ways that'd be important to you. Both are "decidedly" upper-middle-class, Topsfield a bit more so (it's one of those towns where it's practically assumed that you not only have horses but also keep them on your property!) Also, neither have an especially large Jewish population. On the North Shore, that distinction belongs to Marblehead, Swampscott, and West Peabody.

Suburban life is the same wherever you go: a constant shuttling of kids from pillar to post and back again. There'll be plenty of locations in the other two Masconomet district towns that're situated closer to where you'd be living than would some sections of Lynnfield relative to your potential residence, most likely. So that shouldn't be a major consideration.

It's definitely a buyer's market these days, so I envy your being in that position!

[emma lee jackson]

OMG Bar none Lynnfield.I have nannied in Lynnfield .I love that town it's a semi affluent town ,much like topsfield but it's more quaint and also it depends what you are looking for as far as what you do for fun? kids or not?
But do some homeowrk
you're closer to different side of the same highway 95 or RT1

[holden125]

Better off posting on the Mass. board. This Boston board is more popular with city people who don't know the towns that far away as well.

[Cold Up North]

Both Lynnfield and Topsfield are beautiful towns but if you are looking to do less driving I would suggest Reading. There are 5 elementary schools and 2 middle schools. There are several really nice family neighborhoods which would allow your kids to walk to school until they get to high school. Depending on the neighborhood they may be able to walk to high school as well. The downtown area is currently getting a facelift, the train runs right to Boston and you are at the intersections of 128 & 93. You can get anywhere pretty conveniently. Good luck with your move!