Considering a second home in Plymouth (Boston, Newton: real estate market, rent, new home)

[bberlan]

We are long-time Baltimore, MD area residents that relocated to Newton, MA 3 years ago. We loved the Boston area and felt very comfortable in Massachusetts. Last year we had to move back to Baltimore for family/job demands. We miss Mass very much and felt that Plymouth might be a great place to eventually retire - proximity to the Cape and Boston seemed ideal. Are we right in that thinking? We've looked at several options, a new home in The Pinehills and another new home closer to downtown Plymouth. We have two major questions: (1)We are about 5-8 years away from really retiring, and can't decide if it is a wise move to buy now and use it as a second home in the interim, or should we wait until we are really ready to retire to buy? (2)Do you think The Pinehills is a better investment (golf course, amenities, etc) than just a charming house in a open space community? Please help!

[baystater]

Since I been watching the real estate market on the south shore for better part of a decade. I'd say wait 2 more years before buying. I think by then the Massachusetts market will bottom out and you'll get a good deal on what every you buy.
Also you could thing about buying home and renting it out weekly in the summer when your not there. Of course you may need to hire a property manager to handle the property if your not in the immediate area. But you could still make some killer cash and maybe get to retire a little earlier.

[maggiekate]

have you checked out southport in Mashpee. It also has a golf course etc
they do the outdside work which frees up your time. Also at this time you might get a real good price.

[BillyPilgrim]

But then they'd have to cross the bridge and you know how Cape people hate to do that!

[capecodcathy]

I have an Aunt and Uncle who bought in Pinehills a few years back. They summer there and winter in FL. They love it. There's also a newer complex called Brookside, just over the Bourne Bridge. They have a good inventory of older and newer construction.

[tamiznluv]

bberlan, like BillyPilgrim said, most Cape Codders do not like going north/west over those bridges! It is hell in the summertime, no matter which direction you go! Plymouth is a great place. If you like to golf, I'd say The Pine Hills would be the way to go. Like I just posted on another thread, it has it's own Post Office, Fire Dept., Stop and Shop for groceries and a packie (liquor store). It really is a nice place.

[capecodcathy]

The bridge aren't so bad. We just plan our trips around the traffic in the summertime. Natives just steer clear of them during the peak hours. The rest of the time I fly back and forth with no problems.

[mecawa]

I have been living in Plymouth for 10 years and I think it would be a great choice for you. I know people who retired to the Pinehills about 3 years ago (they were coming from Waltham) and they love it. They summer there although I don't think they rent it out during the winter. I have been there several times to visit and it looks like a great place for retirees.