Why Northborough is cheaper? (Boston, Marlborough: lease, houses, where to buy)

[1980user]

Hi,

We are indian married couple with no kids right now. We plan to move either Acton/Andover or Northborough/Shrewburry by end of this year since our lease is ending. We would like to buy oue first home but confused where to buy? We visited homes in all these areas and found out that houses are comapritively cheaper in Northborough than Acton/Andover/Shrewsburry. Is there any specific reason why houses are not that expensive? How is the school district and quality of life in Northborough?

Please advice.

[brent s]

Northboro and shrewsbury are actually quite similar overall in home prices. Shrewsbury does have a far lower property tax rate though.

[kmann-sherborn]

You'll find comparable prices in Northborough & Shrewsbury. Northborough's high school (shared with Southborough) is ranked in the top 10 by Boston Magazine. It's a nice suburban community with a mix of home inventory, from smaller starter homes to larger new construction. There's an active moms group that includes parents from Northborough and surrounding towns, and a great recreation department offering lots of community, cultural, and sports activities. There's also a new Wegmans and shopping center in town.

The only knock I've heard from clients against Northborough is that it's just a bit further from Boston than some other suburbs of similar price ranges so for my clients that drive or take the train to Boston they ended up ruling it out for that reason.

Also, here's the respective tax rates:
Shrewsbury 11.11
Northborough 15.49

[KellyCrash]

I love Northborough. I wouldn't hesitate to live there with my family. It's a great little town. It's more expensive than where we are tho. We're out in Charlton and we get more for our money here. Plus its where my husband grew up so he's partial to this area. I lived in Northborough for a short time several years back. It's got a lot going for it with shopping and access to 495 in Marlborough, 290, Rt. 9, Rt. 20.

[tigerclaws]

I would vote for Shrewsbury over Northborough if we want to live in Metro West.

If you want to live north, Acton would be my choice followed by Andover (though you would never get a bang for your buck in Andover).

All depends on where you work though.

[kenz6987]

I lived in Northboro for a few years. Not sure why it would be cheaper but there school system is one of the best. Its a suburban community and is really peaceful to live there. Shrewsbury as well, I dont know first hand about the school system but the area itself is very nice.