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My husband and I have become enamored with a home we found on the internet that is for sale in Shelburne. We have a few questions however before we start calling agents and such...
What is the town of Shelburne like to live in? It seems primarily rural, which we like... We just don't want to hear any Deliverance Banjos to be playing whenever the locals come out. I know from my online research that there are some touristy destinations in the area, which is nice. Is it more of a vacation town than a residential area? and last, of course, how are the schools?
can't comment on the schools,but you will not hear banjo's playing when the locals are out.it is rural for the northeast but if you have been to certain areas of west texas and the midwest,then you might not think it is that rural.meaning that you rarely are in an area that is completely uninhabited,there is generally always someone within close proximity.
I am from the pacific North West, and we currently live in Texas, so I know what you mean by truly rural...without a soul in sight for miles. I have been reading more, and it doesn't look like that is the case. in fact, from what I have read it seems to be a town with a thriving arts community... this is very favorable to me, and my husband. he is a musician and I paint and do a variety of other fine arts.
My wife and I have been to that part of MA many, many times. We like it very much. The folks there are quite sophisticated, no banjos. Sorry I can't be more specific, just that we've always found the place very beautiful and I can understand why you find it attractive. I'd give it some serious thought.
Shelburne Falls is a really cool town! I have only hung out in the downtown a few times but I can at least say it is a very pretty. I wouldn't worry about Deliverenceesque Banjos. Shelburne Falls is more of a funky little hippy town (at least thats what the center seems like. I'm sure there are people from all walks of life). I would definitely recommed checking it out. There are some good restaurants and stuff but it is for sure a very small town, although that is what I assume you want.
I'm a scratch/tournament bowler and go all over New England to bowl candlepin tournaments... and I can say, without hesitation, that Shelburne Falls is the funkiest, coolest, not-to-be-missed old bowling alley EVER!
Great links and feedback! I am liking what I hear!
Would a commute to Marlborough be unreasonable? My husband would work from home, but the data center is located in Marlborough, so he would have to drive into the office several times a month for meetings and whatever. Google says the drive is about an hour and a half long.
For comparison, we are coming from Houston, where the daily commute can last an average of 2 hours, so it really doesn't sound that bad.
The commute is a long one for this area, but if it is not being done more than a couple times per week I doubt you would have a problem with it. In the bleak midwinter, though, the trip down rte 2 might be inadvisable, though, so as long as these meetings can be missed, postponed, or handled telephonically on occasion, this would not be a problem.
There is a lively music scene in the area. Nobody gets rich, but a lot of people come out to play and to listen. A great local band is the Winterpills, if you like that sort of thing.
As for schools, what are you looking for? Local school districts are under a lot of pressure right now, but while the town of Greenfield is in a real, ongoing crisis, I have not heard of any problems in Shelburne. Anyone's satisfaction has a lot to do with their expectations.
Thanks for the music recommendation! My husband will be interested to hear them.
Regarding schools, We're coming from Texas... so my expectations are quite low! LOL.
Ideally I desire for my kids to go to schools that educate them to become world citizens, Instead of the school spending all thier time and budget worrying about gangs and violence, or how long a child's hair is, or if they have a gun in their locker...and having ridiculous curriculum like intelligent design being taught in science class, or a 4th grade teacher who wouldn't allow my son to read Harry Potter during reading time, because "its satanic".
I come from a family of educators, and I know that there are good and bad teachers wherever you go, of course, so I am realistic. We aren't big sports people, so a strong athletic program isn't a concern. I just want a good solid school that teaches my child what he needs to know so he can go to college and learn about the world. The small class sizes appeal to me as well.
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