Public School (Hussey Elementary) and Am I crazy to consider Augusta over Gardiner? (Gorham: to rent, house)

[elciddicle]

My family and I are relocating to Maine in June and we are looking for
a place to rent in the Augusta area. So far, we found two homes we
really like, and we are trying to decide.

We especially like the home in Augusta but everyone I talk to warns me
against living in the city. Is it really bad? The home we like is on
the east side of the river, right near the Hussey Elementary School.
Does anybody know of that neighborhood and the school?

The other home, also very nice but more expensive with heating issues
is in Gardiner. It is close to the Laura E Richards school, which
should be decent. Am I crazy to consider Augusta over Gardiner?

Some additional info that might help: We are renting and we will be
there two years max and my daughter will be starting Kindergarten this
fall, so I am only concerned with her very early education. She has no
special needs and in fact a smart little thing who I would like to see
challenged. I checked the school comparison sites but just couldn't
get a feel for the atmosphere of these schools or the neighborhoods in
which they are housed. Unfortunately financially and time wise it
doesn't look like we are able to come for a visit to check out the
homes and schools, hence my need to rely on your wisdom. Thanks.

[forest beekeeper]

Originally Posted by elciddicle

My family and I are relocating to Maine ...

A wise choice

... everyone I talk to warns me against living in the city. Is it really bad?

You have to decide that for yourself.

Many people would not consider that to be 'city', while others would.

... Am I crazy to ...

If you have to ask, then ....

... Some additional info that might help: We are renting and we will be
there two years max and my daughter will be starting Kindergarten this
fall, so I am only concerned with her very early education. She has no
special needs and in fact a smart little thing who I would like to see
challenged. I checked the school comparison sites but just couldn't
get a feel for the atmosphere of these schools or the neighborhoods in
which they are housed. Unfortunately financially and time wise it
doesn't look like we are able to come for a visit to check out the
homes and schools, hence my need to rely on your wisdom. Thanks.

We have done moves like that ourselves.

I honestly can not say which is better for you. Fortunately if you later find that you have made a poor decision, at least it will only be for a short period of time.

I think that since you have gotten into the lifestyle of moving frequently, you will likely prosper anywhere that you decide to go.

Good luck and may God bless you.

[elciddicle]

Thank you.
But do you have any information/opinions you could give me regarding East Augusta or the Hussey school? Thank you again.

[island mermaid]

^bump^

I am not aware of any regular posters from the Augusta/ Gardiner area. Give the thread another day or two...

Best of luck to you, it's Maine, you'll be fine.

[mollysmiles]

MBM can you help with any info on this one?

[mainebrokerman]

Originally Posted by elciddicle

My family and I are relocating to Maine in June and we are looking for
a place to rent in the Augusta area. So far, we found two homes we
really like, and we are trying to decide.

We especially like the home in Augusta but everyone I talk to warns me
against living in the city. Is it really bad? The home we like is on
the east side of the river, right near the Hussey Elementary School.
Does anybody know of that neighborhood and the school?

The other home, also very nice but more expensive with heating issues
is in Gardiner. It is close to the Laura E Richards school, which
should be decent. Am I crazy to consider Augusta over Gardiner?

Some additional info that might help: We are renting and we will be
there two years max and my daughter will be starting Kindergarten this
fall, so I am only concerned with her very early education. She has no
special needs and in fact a smart little thing who I would like to see
challenged. I checked the school comparison sites but just couldn't
get a feel for the atmosphere of these schools or the neighborhoods in
which they are housed. Unfortunately financially and time wise it
doesn't look like we are able to come for a visit to check out the
homes and schools, hence my need to rely on your wisdom. Thanks.

elc,,my son went to hussey school,,,(and i did one grade many moons ago)

i was very pleased with the teachers at that school, not a bad word i can think of...

augusta is the hub of the area, and i know the neighborhood you mentioned,,, again,,i cant think of any negatives,,,,

the laura richards school,,in gardiner is a decent school also,,i have a house within ten miles of that school,,know many kids that attended,,,,very good school also!!!
either choice would be good!!!

[island mermaid]

My deepest apologies MBM, I have no idea why I thought you were in the Gorham area?

[mainebrokerman]

Originally Posted by Fort Lauderdale mermaid

My deepest apologies MBM, I have no idea why I thought you were in the Gorham area?

no need to apologize,

ive lived in a few towns in maine,

[StevesWife]

Did you leave a question like this on Craig's List? I replied to someone with the exact same question. I live in Gardiner and one child attends LER and one child has attended LER. Great school. I have never had any complaints. Lots of family oriented activities after school hours that are free also. I work in Augusta and have co-workers whose kids attend the Augusta schools and have heard nothing bad about them either. I am partial to Gardiner since I have lived there my whole life. Good luck on your move.

[Jpurvis]

My family lives in Sidney and they have two young children that attend James L Bean school, I think is the name and they are pleased with that school. They are newbies, only lived in Maine for two years, but they work in Augusta and since I am moving in a little bit there myself, they said it is a nice place. Just like with anywhere, you are going to have your areas that are not so nice. We found a place right outside of Augusta and will be there in June also. My personal opionion, I didn't want to live on the east side, and it could be perfectly fine. It was a little to close to the state mental hospital for me, but that is just my own thing. Not meaning anything bad by that, just didn't want to be on the 'east" side.