The Vibe in Reading? (Boston, Cambridge: transplants, luxury, high school)

[WhereInMass]

Hi. Have posted before about moving to the greater Boston area in the next two years. With many friends in the area, we've been advised to look carefully at Reading before we consider it: while it satisfies most of our criteria (solid school system and relatively affordable housing being the most important, for our purposes), several groups of friends have advised that there is a "townie" feel to it. I'm open to moving to Reading, in that most of what I've read about the town is that it is a wonderful place - but I'd like to hear from those who know.

What do you think? Is Reading a white collar suburb made up of newcomers and welcoming, long-time residents, alike, or is it an insular "townie" town where it will be tough to break into the social scene and tough for our daughter to settle in to middle/high school?

Thank you!

[kingeorge]

Although there are more abundant pockets of "townies" further out you go (and for the record every single human being is townie from somewhere), vibe in Reading is not "oppressive" as not to be able to find other people to mingle, and make friends, especially if you have kids in schools. It is neat place to call home. I would expect your kid to be able to make friends pretty fast.

Lately, Reading is one of the more attractive communities due to its location, amenities, and better RE prices, so there is huge turnover in population. It is getting more diverse as well. I would not worry. Unless you have unreasonable expectations. This is very busy, and overall very socially reserved area, as opposed to some other parts of the US.

But, if you do worry, and you can afford bigger budget, or you can deal with less space due to higher cost of RE, I would suggest Arlington which is definitely more cosmopolitan and with high numbers of people coming from elsewhere.

Good luck.

[Scriptkitten]

^^^ nope. I'm not a townie anywhere.

Townie is more than just being "from a town"

[kingeorge]

Originally Posted by Scriptkitten

^^^ nope. I'm not a townie anywhere.

Townie is more than just being "from a town"

I oversimplified it for sure. But, I think this us vs. them is not helping anyone. Most people accused of being "townies" often come from hardship, limited experience, and limited education. None of us are perfect either.

[gf2020]

I'm curious what your definition of a "townie" feel might be?

In your previous post you have asked about a variety of other towns. I grew up in Westborough and currently live in Lynnfield. I have also lived in Amherst, Marlborough, Shrewsbury, Swampscott, Lynn and Newbury. I don't think Reading is more or less "townie" than any other community I have lived in or visited.

My biggest knock on Reading are the relatively high property taxes and high water and sewer rates compared to many other north of Boston communities. The schools and services, however, are top notch and the location is tough to beat.

[495neighbor]

Originally Posted by kingeorge

Although there are more abundant pockets of "townies" further out you go ...

I don't agree. Townies are in cities. Townies are in suburbs. Townies are far far out in the country. In other words everywhere.

Lots of townies in places like Waltham and yes Arlington still too.

I actually find townies from "farther out" to be friendlier to non-townies, at least this one, than big city townies.

[kingeorge]

Originally Posted by 495neighbor

I don't agree. Townies are in cities. Townies are in suburbs. Townies are far far out in the country. In other words everywhere.

Lots of townies in places like Waltham and yes Arlington still too.

I actually find townies from "farther out" to be friendlier to non-townies, at least this one, than big city townies.

True, but they are getting priced out, or they are cashing out, closer to Boston or Cambridge. It is becoming land of transplants from all over US, and rest of the world. Townie is becoming an endangered species, slowly but surely, in most pricey areas of metro Boston.

[SalamanderSmile]

Generally people don't have the economic luxury of discounting somehwhere based on "townie"-ness. So it is not often that people who can afford Arlington choose Reading, you choose between Reading and Melrose. So the question is- is Reading more or less townie than somewhere else you can afford that meets your space and commute requirements.

Where else are you looking?

[kingeorge]

Originally Posted by SalamanderSmile

Generally people don't have the economic luxury of discounting somehwhere based on "townie"-ness. So it is not often that people who can afford Arlington choose Reading, you choose between Reading and Melrose. So the question is- is Reading more or less townie than somewhere else you can afford that meets your space and commute requirements.

Where else are you looking?

Thank you for bringing this thread down to earth. Great point.

[495neighbor]

Originally Posted by SalamanderSmile

Generally people don't have the economic luxury of discounting somehwhere based on "townie"-ness. So it is not often that people who can afford Arlington choose Reading, you choose between Reading and Melrose. So the question is- is Reading more or less townie than somewhere else you can afford that meets your space and commute requirements.

Where else are you looking?

Funny, do you know the OPs budget? Not everyone wants to live within 128. Perhaps due to commute outside 128 or perhaps they prefer less density.