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The commute from Andover to Billerica would be decent. It is only 20 min. to go to Newburyport or Crane's Beach from Andover. Chelmsford had a nice downtown 10 years ago and it is not as nice now, more vacancies. I have not heard of any plans for upgrading. Newburyport and Ipswich might be stressful commutes during the winter.
I am from Billerica and lets just say that I have noticed with all these years passing here that I wouldn't recommend it as a place to move. That's my 2 cents. Its kinda lousy in most places here with some hidden gems and nice neighborhoods but I dunno, I wouldn't come here if I were you still. It struggles with an identity and lately seems to have been trying to be something it isn't. Go to Chelmsford.
Morris, we don't have a company vehicle, which would make commuting to an ocean town much better indeed. Judging from the map, a 30 or 40 mile commute to an ocean town doesn't appear too bad, but that's why I value your opinion...if it would make for a miserable commute, then we won't do that.
Keep in mind that a 30 or 40 mile commute (on paper) from Ipswich is likely to be (at least) double that in minutes, and that's not taking weather or traffic accidents into consideration. Newburyport would be much easier to get to/from than Ipswich, having direct access to Rte 95, and very easy to Rte 495 (which would likely be the best route to Billerica). You want to avoid 95/128 like the plague! King George nailed the descriptions of the towns very nicely, and I would agree that since you are considering Andover and Chelmsford, Westford & Littleton could fit the bill and may be explored as possibilities as well.
Keep in mind that a 30 or 40 mile commute (on paper) from Ipswich is likely to be (at least) double that in minutes, and that's not taking weather or traffic accidents into consideration. Newburyport would be much easier to get to/from than Ipswich, having direct access to Rte 95, and very easy to Rte 495 (which would likely be the best route to Billerica). You want to avoid 95/128 like the plague! King George nailed the descriptions of the towns very nicely, and I would agree that since you are considering Andover and Chelmsford, Westford & Littleton could fit the bill and may be explored as possibilities as well.
Valerie, this is great information, thanks! I had no idea that the commute to/fro Ipswich would be different from Newburyport. Many thanks for clarifying!
Lynnfield? Average home prices are going to be closer to your max, but with the current market, there are definitely options within your price range. Not a difficult commute to Billerica and close to the N. Shore, since you mentioned water.... And I would probably look at Groton over Westford (toss-up maybe). One of my favorite restaurants is in Groton so I have a slight bias.
It probably won't be for long though. Although it has taken awhile for the crowded masses to get out to Dunstable/Pepperell area.
The key to stopping this is blocking the expansion of sewer. If areas remain on septic systems then population density is prevented from increasing.
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