Real estate appreciation in Hopkinton? (Framingham, Marlborough: rent, townhomes, buying)

[Atomicdoug]

So, for better or worse, I am moving from Central NJ to Mass (job in Westborough) this spring. House here is basically sold and I need to find something to buy. I am looking at areas only 10-15 miles from Westborough (Research Drive/Rt9 area) because I don't want a long commute and I am not really a city person anyways (prefer smaller towns). I'm considering Westborough, Marlborough, Northborough, Grafton, Upton. But someone suggested I look at Hopkinton. Newer homes being built by Pulte at Legacy farms.

I know the towns that have the best school districts are more expensive, and while I won't have kids in the school system, I still want to buy in an area that has price appreciation.

No crystal ball here, but entirely possible that I won't stay in Mass for more than 3 years. So was thinking Hopkinton is maybe an "up and coming" area with good schools, good access to 90 and 495 and desirable location in general.

Do people think Hopkinton is a good town and will real estate prices there climb as they have in other Metrowest suburbs?

One note on Townhomes.. maint. fees are ridiculous! Typically $400-500 a month. For that extra money I could borrow another $75-100k at today's low interest rates and get a single family home.

[wolfgang239]

Why not rent until you determine if you will be here for more than 3 years? Even a decent amount of appreciation could be eaten up by the cost of buying and selling so many times in a short span, and you won't be stuck with a house you can't sell if things get bad.

[Atomicdoug]

I may rent, but it would only be for a few months. I'm on a relocation plan, so no closing costs on either end. And in order to get all the repo benefits, they want you to buy something within 6 months of starting the new job.

[kingeorge]

You should do well in Hopkinton. It has lot to offer.

Good luck.

[495neighbor]

In my opinion, Hopkinton is appreciating. It is a town that does well preserving town character. At the same time they recently started a tech sandbox and are developing more businesses in the walkable town center. Nice people and you should be able to find a good house there, at a decent price (from a Massachusetts perspective). Hopkinton State Park is a lovely park for local recreation.

[CaseyB]

Hopkinton is a great town. I don't know about the Legacy Farms development, though. We've had other threads on that - do a forum search.

[mmyk72]

I wouldn't call it up and coming but Hopkinton has a good reputation. Make sure where you will be working is within relatively easy commute.

[Atomicdoug]

Does the town offer enough in terms of shopping, restaurants and amenities? For example, can you get Italian, Pizza, Sushi, Indian, Chinese or Japanese food? Is it in proximity to a supermarket as well as major stores like home depot, Kohls etc?

[CaseyB]

Best Hopkinton Restaurants: See 21 restaurants in Hopkinton, MA with 251 reviews - TripAdvisor

Most of the big box stores are located in Framingham.

[ocngypz]

It really isn't recommended one buy if they are planning on spending less than 5 years in their purchase.

I wouldn't buy a new build. Simply put...........the builder (Pulte) will close out the development at giveaway prices for their leftover homes..........and you'd be struggling to get what you paid for your home at the same time.