move to devens ma area need input on good school & sports programs (Acton: house)

[gemfarms]

We're looking at relocating from WA state to MA in near future. Main priorities are good school, good youth sports opportunities, and a nice house with at least an acre. Our 12 yr old son is active in youth baseball & football. What cities/schools would be best to consider? We've got about 5 acres now, and would like to find something with the rural feel if possible. Local input/info greatly appreciated.

[brent s]

What is your budget? That will help people give you relevant suggestions.

[gemfarms]

would like a home under $500K. Hope that helps!

[gf2020]

If you need access to Devens I would look in Acton and Littleton.

[Valerie C]

I suggest checking out Ayer, Littleton, and/or Groton. And Acton, as suggested earlier. These would give you the rural feel that you're looking for. I can't comment on youth sports--hopefully somebody will chime in with more information than I have in that regard. Happy Hunting!

[gemfarms]

Thanks! We've been looking a bit in Ayer & Littleton. Anyone have feedback on the schools? jr high & high school?

[thenewtexan]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Harvard or Stow. Harvard's high school, Bromfield, is among the best in the nation, $500k might get you a decent home there.

[ogre]

Another person here who's not up on the youth sports in that area, but I did want to point out that some of the towns suggested are more rural than others. Littleton and Acton are larger than most other towns suggested. Though Littleton in particular does not have much commercial activity, both of these towns have residential sections with a neighborhood character, in addition to more rural sections, while many of the other towns in the area are largely rural. Stow itself is quite rural, but next door is Maynard, which is a little urban island in the middle of sem-rural exurbia.

I'm basing this on hearsay, but hearsay is that Littleton's schools are good. Acton has one of those high-end school systems generally regarded as excellent.

If you either prefer or don't mind a town that is largely rural, other towns in the area you might consider are Lancaster, Princeton, and Sterling. I'm not sure what Boxborough is like. I think it's another mostly rural town, but am not sure of this. Boxborough is another town known for its good schools. They share their high school with Acton.

[kmann-sherborn]

I love Harvard but it might be too quiet for some.

Also, here's a bit of info on Acton recreation.

[gemfarms]

Thanks to all for the feedback. Much appreciated.