relocating to Boston (Cambridge, Newton, Brookline: mortgage, environment, transplants)

[beantown2]

Yo, Puffle!
Just got on to citi-data last week as thinking of moving to CA ('nuther subject, 'nuther time...)! Been reading YOU re CA: small cyberworld! Your posts are tremendous--kudos!!!

Newton is a great town--my sister-in-law grew up there. Two high schools, huge rivalry (friendly, I think...) between them: Newton North and Newton South. No personal info. on either, think both good. Watertown, Arlington, Belmont all great for different reasons: not too current on any of them, but all good: really sturdy towns. Consistently have fans--near cities of Boston/Cambridge (all on Cambridge side of Charles River), all v. New England, v. artsy/intellectual and blue-collar, v. ethnic--so all 'way cool. Winchester one of my all-time favorite suburbs, but as they say here, "wicked" expensive: it's absolutely beautiful, as developed as it's ever going to be (was inaccessible to developers over 20 years ago: can't build tract mansions there: no room. Lucky! Ergo, v. desirable.) Great because you can see city skyline from Route 93 at Winchester (like maybe five miles as the crow flies), but still has a very small-town feel and atmosphere--a DUCK POND with a FOOTBRIDGE!!! As a newly-wed, wanted to live there*sigh*. Lexington/Concord=history meccas, also intellectual meccas, gorgeous: but....*sigh*...no beach, and soooo expensive. Great schools, great towns; April 19 (aka Patriot's Day) day of the Boston Marathon, too, there is an annual re-enactment of the battles of Lexinton and Concord--gotta go. Oh, yeah: no one has mentioned the North End--not to live in (although it's also on my life wish-list) but to visit--Boston's Little Italy--beyond words wonderful. Paul Revere's House and Old North Church right in the middle of it, too--only in America: 1776 in Little Italy: lovely!. Gotta get cannolis at Mike's Pastry with your son: the best expedition on a sunny day--you've gone to Europe in the heart of Boston!!!

Please make sure to check out b alt on citi-data postings, too: a wealth of info re Brookline/Boston, 'burbs, expeditions. The Globe arts section always has good info; most cities and towns have a free or cheap weekly, and I sure hope the Boston Phoenix has had another of its many reincarnations--great source--like our Village Voice.

Re "safety:" two things. One, crime is an issue anywhere, but as I mentioned in other posts, where I live now I have NEVER locked my car or house doors unless going away for a week. In my city apartments, I always locked up. There are bad "pockets" everywhere: when in doubt, safety first.

Two, your son/you may have some "culture shock:" I would! Until you know your way around, you will have heebeejeebies, sometimes feel scared. Totally understandable. Takes about a year to feel like you know what you're doing. V. common when you go to another country for a longish time, but unexpected when it's within your own borders. But! Look at it: everything looks different! Everything smells different! You have no familiar landmarks! The accents are wierd (wee-ud!)! There are trees you've never seen. The birds (except the ubiquitous pigeon) are odd! You don't know the Mayor's name! (In Boston, it's "Mumbles" Menino! Tom, actually.) Are you laughing yet? Good! Repeat after me: pahth. bahth. cahn't. hahlf. laaahf. rahther. See? Boston accent. OK. Deep breath. Take the T two stops on the Red/Green/whatever Line, then retrace. Take it slowly, and don't get down on yourself for wondering if you'll ever surface. (Download "Charlie on the MTA." Learn it. When you know the stops in the song--including the ones that don't exist anymore, like Scolley (pron "scully") Square--you have arrived.) Find your way to the corner store. Then the library. Then school. Then the video store. Then the Baja Fresh (...we've got one in Beverly!!! all the way from CA!!! LA brother impressed...). Make your way into Harvard Square (which isn't a square at all), get really lost, find your way out, and you will have triumphed. Go there, park, WALK; it's great on a summer evening. Then after learning the way in and way out to each place you go, try going coss-wise. Then mentally connect the dots to all the places you have been. Bit by bit, it will get familiar. When you have a mental map, you're on your way. Get an Arrow map book. Mine's twenty years old, tattered, and I still use it. Or Mapquest, print, walk/drive. You'll be fine. Drive over the Zakim Bridge--new suspension bridge on 93 N/S: breathtakingly beautiful. Read about Lenny Zakim--tremendous man.

Back to business: a thing I forgot to mention is that in ALL Massachusetts schools there is testing at grades 4-8-10 called MCAS (pronounced Em-cass). MCAS is about ten years old; it's periodic testing of academic content areas (i.e., English Language Arts, Math, Science, etc.). All students in the state must pass the 10th grade MCAS tests to get a full HS diploma. Various exceptions for special ed, but by and large a requirement for graduation; without an MCAS "pass" students get a certificate of completion, not a diploma. Multiple re-takes allowed (up to three, then school can petition a waiver, yadayadayada...). Big song and dance about whether the schools are teaching for the test. In my view, both as a teacher and as a parent, it's a big "So what ?" (except for special ed, where it's totally ridiculous, but being worked on--also another subject). Don't let it scare ya: first, it's not rocket science, and second, it's a start for upping ed standards--not perfect, but not awful. But for someone coming in, it may be a jolt to hear about this thing called "MCAS." Go to the Mass. Dept. of Education website for info--it will tell you how cities and towns do (but use that info. cautiously: it's not the be-all and end-all assessment of a school system by a LOT), and also look at the actual tests: last year's are downloadable. Takes away a lot of the scare-factor.

I'm so new to citi-data I may have trouble re-finding this thread, but I will, so ask anything else. Are you in MA yet? Where?

Gotta go--it's trash night. Almost forgot...yuck.

[beantown2]

Smarty--
No two ways about it: lie, go. But the message is still sound. The whole sorry story reminds me of Charles Stewart Parnell and his political downfall. Parnell was an extremely gifted politician who very nearly achieved "Home Rule" for Ireland in the late nineteenth century, but was brought down by the scandal surrounding his affair with a married woman. An extremely poignant part of his last effort to salvage a measure of independence for Ireland was along these lines, " I have Home Rule in the palm of my hand. Destroy me and you destroy Home Rule." They did, and his disgrace made the Easter Uprising of 1916 inevitable. The horror of that event, the ruthless executions that followed it, the bloodbath of the Irish Civil War, the partition of Ireland, and the sectarian violence to the present day might never have happened if his message had been separated from his personal life. My point is this: MJ lied about her degrees, which is indefensible, but her message re students in this country is not only defensible, it is right on the money.

[Lisa_from_Debary]

I can't WAIT to see what Boston looks like after the "Big dig"...I grew up near there and still think of Massachussets very fondly...

I want to take my daughter up there and show her around, there is so much to see and do there.

[puffle]

Originally Posted by beantown2

Yo, Puffle!
Just got on to citi-data last week as thinking of moving to CA ('nuther subject, 'nuther time...)! Been reading YOU re CA: small cyberworld! Your posts are tremendous--kudos!!!

Newton is a great town--my sister-in-law grew up there. Two high schools, huge rivalry (friendly, I think...) between them: Newton North and Newton South. No personal info. on either, think both good. Watertown, Arlington, Belmont all great for different reasons: not too current on any of them, but all good: really sturdy towns. Consistently have fans--near cities of Boston/Cambridge (all on Cambridge side of Charles River), all v. New England, v. artsy/intellectual and blue-collar, v. ethnic--so all 'way cool. Winchester one of my all-time favorite suburbs, but as they say here, "wicked" expensive: it's absolutely beautiful, as developed as it's ever going to be (was inaccessible to developers over 20 years ago: can't build tract mansions there: no room. Lucky! Ergo, v. desirable.) Great because you can see city skyline from Route 93 at Winchester (like maybe five miles as the crow flies), but still has a very small-town feel and atmosphere--a DUCK POND with a FOOTBRIDGE!!! As a newly-wed, wanted to live there*sigh*. Lexington/Concord=history meccas, also intellectual meccas, gorgeous: but....*sigh*...no beach, and soooo expensive. Great schools, great towns; April 19 (aka Patriot's Day) day of the Boston Marathon, too, there is an annual re-enactment of the battles of Lexinton and Concord--gotta go. Oh, yeah: no one has mentioned the North End--not to live in (although it's also on my life wish-list) but to visit--Boston's Little Italy--beyond words wonderful. Paul Revere's House and Old North Church right in the middle of it, too--only in America: 1776 in Little Italy: lovely!. Gotta get cannolis at Mike's Pastry with your son: the best expedition on a sunny day--you've gone to Europe in the heart of Boston!!!

Please make sure to check out b alt on citi-data postings, too: a wealth of info re Brookline/Boston, 'burbs, expeditions. The Globe arts section always has good info; most cities and towns have a free or cheap weekly, and I sure hope the Boston Phoenix has had another of its many reincarnations--great source--like our Village Voice.

Re "safety:" two things. One, crime is an issue anywhere, but as I mentioned in other posts, where I live now I have NEVER locked my car or house doors unless going away for a week. In my city apartments, I always locked up. There are bad "pockets" everywhere: when in doubt, safety first.

Two, your son/you may have some "culture shock:" I would! Until you know your way around, you will have heebeejeebies, sometimes feel scared. Totally understandable. Takes about a year to feel like you know what you're doing. V. common when you go to another country for a longish time, but unexpected when it's within your own borders. But! Look at it: everything looks different! Everything smells different! You have no familiar landmarks! The accents are wierd (wee-ud!)! There are trees you've never seen. The birds (except the ubiquitous pigeon) are odd! You don't know the Mayor's name! (In Boston, it's "Mumbles" Menino! Tom, actually.) Are you laughing yet? Good! Repeat after me: pahth. bahth. cahn't. hahlf. laaahf. rahther. See? Boston accent. OK. Deep breath. Take the T two stops on the Red/Green/whatever Line, then retrace. Take it slowly, and don't get down on yourself for wondering if you'll ever surface. (Download "Charlie on the MTA." Learn it. When you know the stops in the song--including the ones that don't exist anymore, like Scolley (pron "scully") Square--you have arrived.) Find your way to the corner store. Then the library. Then school. Then the video store. Then the Baja Fresh (...we've got one in Beverly!!! all the way from CA!!! LA brother impressed...). Make your way into Harvard Square (which isn't a square at all), get really lost, find your way out, and you will have triumphed. Go there, park, WALK; it's great on a summer evening. Then after learning the way in and way out to each place you go, try going coss-wise. Then mentally connect the dots to all the places you have been. Bit by bit, it will get familiar. When you have a mental map, you're on your way. Get an Arrow map book. Mine's twenty years old, tattered, and I still use it. Or Mapquest, print, walk/drive. You'll be fine. Drive over the Zakim Bridge--new suspension bridge on 93 N/S: breathtakingly beautiful. Read about Lenny Zakim--tremendous man.

Back to business: a thing I forgot to mention is that in ALL Massachusetts schools there is testing at grades 4-8-10 called MCAS (pronounced Em-cass). MCAS is about ten years old; it's periodic testing of academic content areas (i.e., English Language Arts, Math, Science, etc.). All students in the state must pass the 10th grade MCAS tests to get a full HS diploma. Various exceptions for special ed, but by and large a requirement for graduation; without an MCAS "pass" students get a certificate of completion, not a diploma. Multiple re-takes allowed (up to three, then school can petition a waiver, yadayadayada...). Big song and dance about whether the schools are teaching for the test. In my view, both as a teacher and as a parent, it's a big "So what ?" (except for special ed, where it's totally ridiculous, but being worked on--also another subject). Don't let it scare ya: first, it's not rocket science, and second, it's a start for upping ed standards--not perfect, but not awful. But for someone coming in, it may be a jolt to hear about this thing called "MCAS." Go to the Mass. Dept. of Education website for info--it will tell you how cities and towns do (but use that info. cautiously: it's not the be-all and end-all assessment of a school system by a LOT), and also look at the actual tests: last year's are downloadable. Takes away a lot of the scare-factor.

I'm so new to citi-data I may have trouble re-finding this thread, but I will, so ask anything else. Are you in MA yet? Where?

Gotta go--it's trash night. Almost forgot...yuck.

Thanks for the kuddos. Not in Ma. yet. Hoping to gather the cash by August. Lived in Lexington two years ago for a year so fairly familiar with surrounding and enough to know I would rather make Ma. my home than California. We have STAR testing which is our version of MCAST. Just to pump up the price of homes for the schools that test well, hoping the special ed kids stayed home that day. Thanks again for all the info and feel free to ask about Ca. both good and bad...I'll tell you straight.

[puffle]

Originally Posted by janice3

Hi,

I am a true blue New Englander! and we are very friendly! Try MASCO HIGH!!! (three towns Topsfield, Middleton and Boxford) Boxford has to be the best kept secret around! close to Boston (20 to 25 min tops, right down rt. 1, it is also very close to the ocean)

Masco was rated one of the top high schools (including in private rating h.s.)

It would be great for you son too, because entering the kids come from three top towns and everyone has the feeling of being "NEW"

Check it out. and good luck...we too are moving and I will miss New England!

Thank you for the info. Never heard of Masco but have heard of Boxford. Will check it out now.

[smarty]

Originally Posted by beantown2

Smarty--
No two ways about it: lie, go. But the message is still sound.

My point is this: MJ lied about her degrees, which is indefensible, but her message re students in this country is not only defensible, it is right on the money.

If MJ was never in her position, I doubt the message re students in this country will go far and have as much support.

[beantown2]

Puffle--
Signing off for awhile, but before exit want to echo applause for Masco. "Masco" is Masconomet Regional High School. Located in Topsfield, it is a regional high school for three area towns, Boxford, Topsfield, and Middleton. EXCELLENT school! Niece and nephew attended, both did fine, both graduated fairly recently, went off to really good colleges, have decent jobs. Topsfield and Boxford are beautiful towns, but VERY expensive. Middleton until recently was pretty affordable, got expensive, but with glut of houses may be less so. Also has a more in condos/apartments. I noticed somewhere else you metioned you have/had dog, and that this will affect where you stay. Sometimes farms have outbuilding converted to apartments. If local law and landlord permit extra critters, you may be fine. And yes, you do have to make sure your critters are up to date in their shots (MA law), and yes, you do have to have each dog licensed (one per critter. Go to vet, get shots, take print-out to city /town hall, get tags: it's an annual event for pet owners. Now applies to cats, too. It's tighter than it used to be because rabies is back in New England: big). In some cities and towns there are ordinances governing how many dogs you can have without a "kennel" permit of some kind--over some number of critters you are not considered a "pet" owner, but a breeder/kennel owner and restrictions start to apply. But in more rural areas, the restrictions may be different: not sure. Check at local town offices.

Also worth checking are Essex Aggie, a regional tech school primarily for agribusiness-farming, landscaping, forestry; also a culinary program, etc., and North Shore Vocational/Technical High School. Both VERY good for students who want a combo of "regular" classes plus a trade. There are course at these two schools that *I* want to take!!!

Good luck. Still thinkng of the great trek West--will sign back in sometime with my questions; right now homing in on San Diego. What part of CA are you leaving?

[beantown2]

Smarty--Not sure what you mean here: that MJ was never a pressured student, or not a student at all? Turns out she was a student at a decent but small and lesser-known school. I think what has emerged is that she did get an undergrad degree, but did not go on to complete others she claims she did. Had ample opportunities to correct record, didn't. Sad, stupid: undermines everything she achieved. Still, as a parent and educator who has read some of her material, I think her overall take on the state of the kids and the state of the admissions process is by and large correct. I am just sorry a long-overdue message is coming from a deeply flawed messenger--but I'd still like to pay attention to the message in and of itself: she may have led the charge, and fallen flat on her face, but very creditable people have taken it up: if the idea has any merit it will fly with or without her name attached to it. Terribly unnecessary episode, terribly sad.

Swan song for now---other duties call!

[puffle]

Originally Posted by beantown2

Puffle--
Signing off for awhile, but before exit want to echo applause for Masco. "Masco" is Masconomet Regional High School. Located in Topsfield, it is a regional high school for three area towns, Boxford, Topsfield, and Middleton. EXCELLENT school! Niece and nephew attended, both did fine, both graduated fairly recently, went off to really good colleges, have decent jobs. Topsfield and Boxford are beautiful towns, but VERY expensive. Middleton until recently was pretty affordable, got expensive, but with glut of houses may be less so. Also has a more in condos/apartments. I noticed somewhere else you metioned you have/had dog, and that this will affect where you stay. Sometimes farms have outbuilding converted to apartments. If local law and landlord permit extra critters, you may be fine. And yes, you do have to make sure your critters are up to date in their shots (MA law), and yes, you do have to have each dog licensed (one per critter. Go to vet, get shots, take print-out to city /town hall, get tags: it's an annual event for pet owners. Now applies to cats, too. It's tighter than it used to be because rabies is back in New England: big). In some cities and towns there are ordinances governing how many dogs you can have without a "kennel" permit of some kind--over some number of critters you are not considered a "pet" owner, but a breeder/kennel owner and restrictions start to apply. But in more rural areas, the restrictions may be different: not sure. Check at local town offices.

Also worth checking are Essex Aggie, a regional tech school primarily for agribusiness-farming, landscaping, forestry; also a culinary program, etc., and North Shore Vocational/Technical High School. Both VERY good for students who want a combo of "regular" classes plus a trade. There are course at these two schools that *I* want to take!!!

Good luck. Still thinkng of the great trek West--will sign back in sometime with my questions; right now homing in on San Diego. What part of CA are you leaving?

Currently in Ventura County about 45 min. to Santa Barbara and 20 to Malibu. I think the areas you mentioned might be a bit too rural for us especially with dogs,four of them. Too many ticks,fleas and rabie risks. Thinking closer to the city. So many good schools to chose from, so different from here.
Enjoy San Diego. It is beautiful and relaxing.

[beantown2]

A last hurrah! Where in your area would you recommend for a single Mum with a daughter who wants to start at SBCC and then transfer to UCSB? Also, what are jobs like? I teach; have done university administration/student support (offices).

Re here--don't sweat rural or rabies. The rabies thing has been slowly creeping into New England for the last twenty years, moving up from the south. So the laws re shots are strict to make the risk close to zero for pets/owners: it's really not a big deal, because Petco does shots clinics on Saturdays all around here; and some cities and towns do them in the fall and spring. No biggie, cheap. It's the sympathetic landlord that's the issue. Some of the farms are not way out in the boonies--they are smaller, within town boundaries, easy to schools, etc. In the town I teach in, I drive by a beauty that rents a house every year--critters allowed. You'll be OK. How's your son doing wiht the idea of it all?