North Reading vs Reading? (Boston, Lynn: real estate, homes, school district)

[scarletfire]

Hi there,

Can anyone comment on the differences between these communities in terms of schools and which might be better for a family with young children? A friend of mine is thinking to move there and I really don't know that area very well. I drove through a bit today after seeing Lynnfield (which is beautiful!) but she wanted to know a second choice if they couldn't find what they wanted in Lynnfield. They want a decent commute between Billerica and Peabody (though closer to Peabody is ok). I thought of Andover and Winchester because of schools but both seem a little further away than they want for work.

I saw parts of North Reading and Reading today but I think either I hit the most unattractive parts of town or maybe they aren't that nice? I don't know. It seemed like lots of big stores and such. One of them had a nice town common (I can't recall which?) but didn't see much else that was attractive. Then saw part of Wakefield with that pretty pond and sailboats but the rest of downtown looked a little depressing. Or maybe that's just in comparison to Lynnfield, which looks so pretty.

What do folks think?

I'd love any advice! :-)

[bostongirl]

Lynnfield is a beautiful town. My friend lives there. The school district is excellent. Reading is more blue collar (don't mean to offend). There are some nice pockets. The homes are mostly smaller cape cod style homes. Wakefield is more blue collar and a variety of homes. They have built newer homes over the last 15 years, but they built the homes on top of huge piles or rock. North Reading definitely has some pockets of more expensive homes with huge lots. Reading or North Reading, you can easily get some land with your home. Lynnfield is more upscale. Andover is another upscale town. Winchester is even more upscale and too expensive. Lots of executives living in Winchester. Go to boston.com and read the stats for demographics on the towns you listed (check under the real estate section).

I used to walk around the lake in Wakefield. It's a pretty area. Close to 128 and the commuter rail comes to Wakefield. My friend just moved from Wakefield to Raleigh, NC

[bostonlady]

I agree with bostongirl- I grew up in lynnfield and it is pretty upscale and you have to be pretty wealthy to live there- (avg. home price 1 mil- for a newer home) It has gotten a little more crowded than when I was there- but the town is growing and they recently built a new jr high and renovated the high school. It is very-very clicky/snobby and they don't take to outsiders very well- especially for the kids- you have to be born there to be accepted -or (be really good at sports) Most HS kids there drive BMW's to school and live with their parents untill they are 35. lol ! (Who wouldn't with that set up !)


Most of the pros from the red sox and bruins/celtics live there and I grew up a stone's throw from a bunch of them- but it is very nice and pretty-just a little boring if you're a kid- and you'll see them hanging out at the center court in the middle of town.

It is very handy to Boston and you can take the train from wakefield (5 mins away) to boston or commute into the city.