andover or westborough (Boston, Salem, Shrewsbury: apartment complex, good schools, place to live)

[puffle]

Found an apartment complex that has locations in Andover and Westborough that will take the dogs. Of the two areas, which would be more desirable for a family and to commute from?

[pjscdn]

I don't know about Andover, but used to live in Westboro. A good place to live. Very nice town, good schools and good family atmosphere. Your son will like it. There's been a lot of development since I left, but I still think there's enough open space for you and dogs to enjoy.

[scarletfire]

What is the name of the complex? I know several of the ones in Westboro

[puffle]

Originally Posted by scarletfire

What is the name of the complex? I know several of the ones in Westboro

scarletfire, Are you familiar with Andover and Westborough? They both have Windsor apartments...my question is more about the towns.

[Parsec]

Hey Puffle, I have a friend who lives in the Windsor apt in Andover (the one across from the IRS?) If that's the one, they like it a lot there. Very generous floor plans and amenities for the money compared to other places in the area. The commute to Boston's much shorter from Andover and it's straight down I-93. It might be better for you guys since you won't be doing it during rush hour. In terms of school system, I think Andover has a better reputation, but both are highly regarded so everyone has their own opinion. They also have the prestigious Philips-Andover School, which gives preferential admission to local residents. I know a lot of families move into town when their kids are young because of this fact (meaning there are many educated families in town). Both towns have commuter rail, so there shouldn't be an issue w/public transportation.

[Parsec]

I should also add that the 2 towns are very different. Andover is mostly a bedroom community of Boston. There are more families doing the downtown Boston commute from here. The biggest employer in town is probably the Raytheon plant and there's an office park just off I-495, but besides that there isn't much else. You'll be much closer to the tax-free shopping over the border in Salem, NH. Westborough has more retail shops and an ugly and congested road (Route 9) w/lots of strip malls. I think the Western part of town is much more rural and pleasant though, like Andover. I'd assume you need to pass through the congested part to get anywhere though, unless there are back roads that I'm not familiar with. I usually only travel through the Eastern part of town off Route 9 (there's a church group I attend on the Shrewsbury border).

[scarletfire]

My folks live in Westboro and I work in Andover. Both nice towns with good school systems. My recollection about Windsor Ridge is that they allow dogs but don't have fenced yards, just a small patio area with a partial fence that I think the dogs could get under. If you choose Westboro and end up in that complex I'd try and get a unit that is more toward Rt 30 than Rt 9. There's quite a bit more highway traffic noise on the Rt 9 side.

[puffle]

Originally Posted by scarletfire

My folks live in Westboro and I work in Andover. Both nice towns with good school systems. My recollection about Windsor Ridge is that they allow dogs but don't have fenced yards, just a small patio area with a partial fence that I think the dogs could get under. If you choose Westboro and end up in that complex I'd try and get a unit that is more toward Rt 30 than Rt 9. There's quite a bit more highway traffic noise on the Rt 9 side.

what is your opinion of Andover? Would it be too sedate for a teenager compared to Westborough?

[brightdoglover]

what is your opinion of Andover? Would it be too sedate for a teenager compared to Westborough?


Both are sedate for a teenager. Basically no public transport. I think, in Andover, any teenager will have a "higher class" of people to spend time with, more education-oriented. Westborough is "new money" more, with McMansions. Andover is more "old New England" and has a lot more charm. Both areas are fine, but I'd vote for Andover.

[Parsec]

Oh yeah, don't forget Andover's closer to the Ocean!