Thoughts On Foxborough? (Boston, Franklin, Mansfield: 2009, apartment complexes, condos)

[Patapsco]

Hi again -

One of the realtors has sent us photos of an amazing house *almost* in our pricerange (figure they'll deal, in this market!) out in Foxborough.

I've done some reading of old threads, but thought I'd get a fresh set of info, too, if you all can help. (and I've gone to the town websites, schools, city-data, google, etc.... I'm looking for opinions, I guess.)

Yay or nay? Why or why not?

I hate to be so jaded, but why can we get SO SO much more for our money there? Is there a reason? Or is it really potentially a good deal?

Schools, commute, family-friendly are top 3 criteria. budget 650K, max.

Thanks,
Kim

[Parsec]

I've heard the schools aren't that great there. Families tend to settle in one of the surrounding towns for the better schools and quieter setting. Overall I'd say the are solid (didn't want to make you think they're bad or anything), but with the type of budget you have, you could be looking into a much nicer town like Sharon or even Westwood. That's just my opinion, and I'm not sure what your expectations are for a house. I know you currently live in a 200 year old house, so you're probably okay w/something that's not new construction (which is what you'll easily find in your price range in Foxboro). Also, I'm assuming you wouldn't mind spending $500k instead of $650k right? If you can handle the commute from Foxboro, then you could probably do Franklin too. I think all those would be better choices than Foxboro, but that's just my opinion.

[CaseyB]

Foxborough has changed the last few years - and not for the better, in my opinion. It used to be an up and coming suburban community with very good schools. I think the elementary schools are still good, but I don't think the high school is anywhere near as good as it used to be.

There seem to be so many apartment complexes and condos there now. Way too many. I just don't like the way that town looks anymore.

As far as the commute goes, there is good highway access, but you have to drive to a neighboring town to get the commuter train.

[findingmesomeday]

"Meh" on the schools.

Try Wrentham. The only problem is, you'll probably want an alternative to the high school, King Phillip Regional. But the elementary and middle schools are good.

[smarty]

Here's some statistic to consider... Most of the items are affected by the social economical background. Nothing against Foxboro.

Plans of High School Graduates in % (2005-06)

-----------------Foxboro / Sharon / State
4-Year Private College 36 / 49 / 31
4-Year Public College- 38 / 40 / 27
2-Year Private College 3 / 2 / 2
2-Year Public College- 4 / 3 / 19
Other Post-Secondary 3 / 1 / 3
Work --------------- 8 / 2 / 10
Military ------------- 2 / 1 / 2
Other -------------- 0 / 0 / 1
Unknown ----------- 6 / 2 / 7

Dropout rate
Grade 9-12 >>>>> 1.6 / 0.7 / 3.3


Educational Achievement in town: (among people 25 years or older)
-------------------------Foxboro / Sharon
Less than 9th grade------: 1.7% / 0.09%
9th-12th grade (nongrad): 5.7% / 2.3%
High school graduate-----: 25.9% /13%
Some college-------------: 19.6% / 14.4%
Associate degree---------: 9.6% / 6.4%
Bachelors degree---------: 23.2% / 31.2%
Graduate/Professional----: 14.3% / 31.8%
High school or higher-----: 92.5% / 96.8%
Bachelors or higher-------: 37.5% / 63.1%

[Patapsco]

Thanks, everyone -

That's kind of the impression I had. Franklin is one of the towns we're looking at. Hadn't really considered Sharon, but I think I'll look into it.

We're open to an older house, BUT we don't have the time/patience/money to get involved with renovations, lead paint abatement, etc. It doesn't have to have granite/stainless, etc... but needs to not be from the 1950s, either, and needs to be ready to roll as much as possible. I'm not unreasonable; I can paint a room, but I can't get involved with too much with the 2 toddlers.

Thanks again,
K

[dem3456]

Sorry to drag this thread up from so long ago, but I have something to say.

Just to let you know, I went through the Foxboro school system and got an excellent education. The schools are not "meh" at all.

I am not sure what to say about the fact that there are "too many" apartments and condos. I disagree, but I have to respect the opinion of others.

[JBTD]

Mansfield, which is right next door, has wonderful schools!

[TheJagMan]

Depending specially where you work and where that house is the commute could be awful...I'll assume you already know this but Gillette Stadium is there...Football, soccer, concerts and various other special events equal absolute traffic nightmares from the highway to the towns back roads...If that house is close enough you can hear what's going on, that could be a good thing or bad thing.

[TheRedSnapper]

Foxboro is in great financial shape because of the taxes received from Bob Kraft/Gillette Stadium area and they're using some of it to improve schools. The schools are getting better (I believe they have a relatively new School SuperIntendent with an excellent reputation who has gotten rave reviews in first year of service here) and I believe the state MCAS scores reflect that. They're also renovating the high school and football field. You also have the charter school which is getting rave reviews. My kids just were selected and I have the option to keep them there through high school if I want. Also, they've just built a brand new expanded YMCA (modern pool, workout, gym, softball/soccer, pre-school options). Mansfield definitely is not a better town IMO (more crime, overcrowded schools). Sharon is a bit snooty for my taste and damn straight boring...and yes I have a college degree and make good $. You also get better bang for your buck in terms of housing in Foxboro than Sharon. But, that's just my opinion. In Foxboro, there seems to be more and more upscale homes being built, so I can only think the median home values in Foxboro are destined to go up. In this tight economic and budget state crunch-ed times, Foxboro is in great economic shape with a reported $11 million surplus for 2009. Bob Kraft is now talking more expansion (which means more taxes for town) on Rt.1. Things are changing for the better in this town. I've been here since 2001 and love it. I live right behind Gillette Stadium and have season tickets to the Pats, have 'date night' with my wife at Patriots Place (without the worry of drinking and driving), bring my kids to the ShowCase Cinema on rainy/snowy days, and I'm going to see AC/DC tonight with no traffic parking issues for myself or my friends. Also, they have the Chestnut Green area (former state hospital they converted) for eats/drinks, haircuts, childcare, etc., so it's not just everything Bob Kraft and the Patriots. Normandy Farms for family camping. They have Foxboro Founders Day with a morning parade and night fireworks once every June. Also, we're right smack in the middle between Providence and Boston with easy access. I remember hearing a lot of the negative stuff from what I've read on this board when I first moved here, but I've seen nothing but improvement. There's some local grumbling amongst our local politicians every so often, but I love it here.

p.s. If you live anywhere near Gillette all the locals know the shortcut exit to avoid any event stuff. It's not that big of an issue.