Moving to Brockton. Opinions? (Boston, Newton: renter, purchase, high school)

[Bostonian08]

Originally Posted by Sean S

My Fiancee and I are moving to Boston this fall and are considering Brockton as a place to live. What is everyone's opinion on Brockton? schools, housing, safety etc...

Here's my advise about moving to Brockton -

Don't.

(and I live in Roxbury!)

[carol w]

I read in a magazine that Brocton was becoming one of the hip places to live for upwardly mobile young people. Since the price of homes in Brocton are still reasonable, many first time homebuyers are moving to Brocton. There exists an already developed arts community and it is known for its sports. There is a push to encourage young professionals to purchase homes there and the banks have a program for teachers to enable them to do so. Brocton is a city, so there are gorgeous areas and areas that you would not want to buy, so I would check out the neighborhoods. I believe the west side and campello areas are nice.

[BostonSean00]

I was born in Brockton and spent the first 10 years of my life there. I currently reside < 4 miles from there in Stoughton. My parents were extremely adamant on moving out of that city due to the crime and general sluminess of it. I frequently go there for shopping and to visit friends and it hasn't gotten any better.

Since you are in the planning stages, I would definitely look elsewhere. Brockton is full of drugs, prostitution, etc etc.

[maggiekate]

Brockton is not safe, and no way go there-if you need this area check out Bridgewater
mansfield. or norton, the Hip place with safety is J.P. on the Pond side!

[Antwain]

Sigh, I hate how people bash a place they've never been or because they see a couple streets, they've decided to sum it up as a horrible slum. Visit wherever you decide a few times and get to know the place before committing. You can't go wrong with your own gut instinct; it's really that simple.

[golden_calf]

I know Brockton has some serious incentives for homebuyers. You can get a fantastic deal on a place there. Of course, you will likely have problems selling it down the line.

The one thing I like about Brockton is that it's the only place I know of around here that has a Popeye's Chicken. Yum!

[maggiekate]

Originally Posted by Bostonian08

Here's my advise about moving to Brockton -

Don't.

(and I live in Roxbury!)

I also would pick Roxbury over Brockton!

It does have way more class. it is near J.P. and Boston!

[bettiboop]

Do your homework before you make statements Brockton school system is one the the best . I am white drive a nice car have a beautiful home and ya I live in Brockton!

[DaveV]

The west side is nice, afforbale and right by the highway..

[Vneck]

Ha Ha Ha!! You guys are too funny! And maybe prejudice in a way... and maybe chicken too. Chicken to explore different people and different cultures. Or maybe never had a chance to, but whatever. Grow Up! I've been in Brockton for 32 years.. I've never been shot, mugged, raped, robbed.. what have you. I have 8 brothers and sister and none of them ever did either. Anyway... Brockton has its good and bad. JUST LIKE ANY OTHER PLACE. You have to do your own research. I'm a R.E. Broker and I tell my clients to drive by their area of choice in the morning, afternoon, nights, and weekends and make their own decision. Its your preference. And Canton, Medford, Milton, etc. etc... is SOOO expensive. C'mon! And the Bridgewaters, about 3 years ago were on the news for having the most registered and non registered sex offenders in this area - It was a high amount too. And Boston has its issues too. Lets be real... And as far as the homeless... Whoever it was, said earlier (someone smart), it is about the same 3 homeless people you see. They don't bother anyone. One of them is a brother of a police officer with a great family but does not want help from them. Another used to be a bodybuilder years ago, was in the military and just became Schizophrenic, another has just been around for years! Its not that bad. Where I live, I have conservation land in my backyard.... deer... hawks... rabbits... turtles... coyote... yeah.. I know.. all that is not appealing to all.. but at least I don't have gangs or gunfire in my area.. The point.. Brockton has its beautiful areas.. It's a committed town with lots of programs and great people.. School programs are great and one of the best... Especially east of the Mississippi (did I spell that right?) lol. Good luck to you, wherever you decide will be best for you and your family.