Which boston suburbs for large family with young kids (Lynn: big home, school districts)

[cupcakesprinkles]

Help! Our large, young family (5 kids 11 and under) may be moving to Boston. Need to be <30 minutes from Charlestown. Looking for suburban town with excellent schools (top priority), good rec programs for kids, and relatively close to some good dance (ballet, jazz, tap ) schools. We prefer larger yards (1/2 acre min) and big home for our family (would love 4000+sf, 4-5 bedrooms). OUr house budget 850-low 1 million. I'm always busy running my kids around to their activities and prefer areas where I wouldn't be stuck in traffic so much. We really like the suburban feel, but don't want to be in the "country". Have heard Boston traffic is horrendous so need to factor in the commute time. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. We know we will have to make tradeoffs and are looking for as much information as we can get. Thank you!

[scarletfire]

Do you prefer to drive or take the train? If you're taking the train it would be helpful to know where in Charlestown you're commuting to. Off the top of my head I'd say Newton would make a great option for you.

[FellsMom]

For good schools, large lot and house size at the price range you had indicated, and ease of commute to Charlestown by train (commuter rail to North Station) or car (Rt 93), I would recommend Andover, Beverly, and perhaps Winchester. Winchester is much closer, but it would be challenging to find big house on a big yard.

[cupcakesprinkles]

Hi, I think the work area is on 13th street, near the water right off highway 1.

Just looking at school districts within a 30 minute commute, what are considered the "top" districts overall (elem thru high school)

thanks

[ackgirl]

How about Norfolk, great town, good schools, train in town to get into Boston....nice houses with large yards.

[ackgirl]

Also, Norfolk Recreation has great programs for the whole family!!

[CaseyB]

I don't think Norfolk would be very convenient for someone who works in Charlestown...

How about looking into someplace like Lynnfield?

[maggiekate]

Concord, Bedford, lexington, but costly, Arlington? Factor in the high cost of Boston, and taxes!

[scarletfire]

My top picks for great schools + an ok commute would be Winchester and Lynnfield (although the latter might be too long a drive).

I'm not sure what schools are like in Arlington but maybe someone else can pipe in on that point.

I should mention that this is assuming you'll be driving. I don't know that there's a train station that goes very close to 13th St. I have a client at City Square and getting there by train/T is a hassle. I think the only way is via the Orange line and then walk from there.

[commandingspirit]

Lexington is fantastic! Very welcoming community. Good luck!