Any advice about Salem area? (Boston, Worcester: apartments, rental, car insurance)

[m.boogie]

I'm curious
Is there any advice about Salem area?

How's the culture and lifestyle in MA?
I read most threads, but they don't touch on whether its ultra conservative, or if it's semi conservative with a lax atmosphere.

After reading many many threads posted in NC about religion issues out there and the fact that in order to have a job you would have to sign in agreement with the religion of your boss.. that just doesn't fly with our family.

Can anyone offer ideas of a nice SAFE place in MA that is affordable as in not in the 2200 or more for renting?

[Dragondog]

Salem is liberal politically- but like most of those in New England they live a quiet rather 'puritan' conservative lifestyle. The liberalism is on social issues, and the laws are very liberal.

New England culture is rather distinctive- with the 'feel' of the region decidedly 'European' more then any other part of the USA.

The food is geared to the sea- as is the regions orientation for recreation.
Sports revolve around the Red Sox in most of the state- bordering on fanaticism, followed by the Patriots.

New Englanders tend to be secular- and do not bring religion into work,play or judge others by their beliefs or non beliefs. Religion remains very separate from peoples day to day interaction with others. Another words its a private matter-

Salem is just north of Boston- has a long history and much culture.
Costs for housing are high as are rents.

As a rule the further west you go from Boston, things get cheaper. Look in the Worcester area, and Springfield area (even cheaper).

[CaseyB]

If your concern is safety, I'd look more to the suburbs than someplace like Salem. Definately not Springfield.

[probert]

Eastern massachusetts is pro liberal, socialist (car insurance) and full of impatient rude people. I would never consider moving here, unless you have a death wish. Go to New Hampshire, that state makes much more sense with it's laws and views. You can always drive to Salem. If you insist it is middle class, but anywhere in Mass. is overpriced.

[m.boogie]

Thank you all

probert - any reccomendations in specific to areas of NH?

[speaker781]

a Save place in the Salem area? Salem isnt even too bad, Swampscott, Nahant, Marblehead, Danvers, Peabody, But Swampscott, Nahant, and Marblehead are very expensive

just not Lynn

[baby_firefly]

isnt salem where all the witches were burned

[NY'er lost in MA]

I have lived in Salem for 3 years. From what I see, some of the big complex apartments have dropped their rental prices drastically. The area is so-so when it comes to crime. We are actually looking to move to a more rural town. Traffic is also bad in Salem- it's hard to get to the city...

[Eddy G]

Well its obvious there are some angry people out there.

I find you get what you give. Just like any were else. If your nice you will find nice people if your rude you will find people rude.

New England is different in a lot of ways but thats the rule of the world.

Now, Salem MA
Yes thats were they burned all the witch's. In fact its called the witch city and tourism is a big part of their economy as is the sea, fishing, Beach's, etc etc....

It has good and not so good neighborhoods like any were but I don't anyone would classify their least desirable neighborhood a ghetto.

The one thing I will caution you on is the commute time. It's an old city, one of the oldest in the country and getting in and out of the city can be tough at times. As are a lot of the area city's mentioned.

[Hedgecraft]

I know this is off topic but I have to say something. The "witches" in the Salem Witch Trials of the 1690's were not burned. All but one were hanged and the only one that was not, Giles Cory, was pressed to death.