Looking for small town in MA, ME, IL or WA. (Boston: houses, job market)

[2monkeymom]

My family is looking to move this summer. We have two children, 5 yrs and 2 yrs. I would like a small, quaint town of approx 6,000-50,000 people (don't want TOO small). Preferably, we would like something that isn't outrageously expensensive, homes around $120,000-$175,000 would be preferable, so long as it's not ghetto. Looking for great schools, and some kind of activities, annual festivals, and just a "life" to it. Obviously, we don't want to move where there is a lot of crime.

We are actually torn between Massachusettes, Illinios, Maine, and Washington. We really just want to make a change from Arizona and are open to those areas. Looking for change of SEASONS!! A town with personality. Charm. A great place for our kids to grow up.

Any suggestions or info would be wonderful!
Thanks!

[wealthtrader]

For that price you're not going to find any single family 3 bedrooms unless it's in the sticks or somewhere like Springfield. On the other hand, Farmington, NH is known for being a family town, with good schools and affordability but I believe most homes are $269k-399k. I do hear where you are coming from (as a SoCal export),, I love the charm and character up here. To me that's one of the North East's greatest attributes. Sorry, but I recommend looking the MidWest where housing is cheaper. Good luck.

[ewbrown989]

I agree. I live in Uxbridge MA - a great location as it is in between Boston/Providence/Worcester with what would be considered "affordable" housing. I bought a house here about 1 year ago.
2100 sq ft, 4 bed (small bedrooms), 2.5 baths, 2 acres for 380K. It was a very good deal at the time. If you can go up into the 250-300 range you could get a house around here you are looking for and the job market supports it.
Personally I'm looking to move. Live here all my life (42 years old) - and just sick and tired of the winters.
But if you don't mind the cold - I'd say go further North - or go towards the berkshires - beautiful areas.

[surfingatwork]

there are only two homes in my town (Lakeville, MA population 10,000, 20 minutes north of cape cod) that fit your price range. One is a complete gut job with no plumbing, heating or electricity and it's on the market for $189,000 but it's over 1800sf and it's on 3 acres. The other home is listed at $114,900 and it's 3 houses from Long Pond (fully recreational pond in Lakeville) but it's only 720sf inside and it's on .25 acres of land. Both homes are located in good areas and Lakeville is a family friendly town. BUT, you're not going to find much in Massachusetts in your price range. Sorry. good luck with your search.

[2monkeymom]

I've been looking around and in IL, I found a town called Quincy. I don't know too much about it, but seems the houses are pretty cheap, but nice. Found one that I LOOOOOVE for $168,000 on 5 acres. Does anyone know anything about this town? I kinda figured MA was too pricey. The problem is I'm looking to start a brand new career/hobby project and with this being said, and not knowing where it will put us financially, I don't want to jump into another $300,000 house. Thanks for all your input!

[2monkeymom]

Oh, and what about Springfield, IL? Is that not such a good place?

[surfingatwork]

You'll probably want to post your last 2 questions in the IL section.