Ayer (Boston, Worcester, Acton: real estate, neighborhoods, high school)

[nibletsmama]

Can anyone comment on this town? We saw a lovely development about a month ago. The downtown looked cute but the surrounding area looked a bit sad and tired. We were also curious about the school system. An agent mentioned they were combining with Shirley schools which again we know nothing about.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

[brightdoglover]

Dunno about the schools, but I think the Devens (former Ft. Devens) lies in Shirley, Ayer and Harvard, and there's something about consolidating for schools. Don't quote me.
Ayer has some tired areas, but they're not bad at all, just kinda tired. Let me guess, was the development Pingry Hill?

[LivingBeyond495]

Hi, I live in Ayer. Yes, there are some tired areas, but it has some real surprises. Nice nature walks, a public town beach, access to a bike path that runs all the way to NH. Despite its small size, the neighborhoods can shift sharply within a few blocks -- going from very tired to modestly upscale. If all you see is the area along 2A, you are missing some of the nicest parts.

I can't comment on the schools as my own children are too young. From what I have heard, they are okay, but don't get as good marks as some of the surrounding towns such as Groton or Littleton. Excellent childcare is available at prices very reasonable in comparison to closer to Boston.

Some other pluses: Taxes are very low compared to other towns, and the town is reasonably well run. (However, they are probably going to have to build a new high school, so that will raise taxes soon.) For the most part, people are very nice and neighborly here, in my experience. People tend to stick around longer than they expected.

One thing to keep in mind -- it is pretty quiet. You are a long way from the action in Boston, so if that is important to you, keep it in mind. The commute into town is also tough. Rt. 2 East is terrible from 6 AM through 9 AM, and the commuter rail has limited service beyond South Acton. Commutes on 495 or toward Worcester are much better.

For the most part, you get a good deal for your money in Ayer. It is certainly one of the most affordable towns in the area, and I have never feared for my safety or anything. However, it *is* rough about the edges, and I don't think that will change anytime soon now that the real estate bubble has burst. If that makes you uncomfortable, I would check out Littleton.