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Old 03-13-2015, 07:06 AM
 
36 posts, read 45,979 times
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Hello! I'll be working in Worcester, MA and my husband will be working in Hartford, CT. We're looking to live in MA in between the two. Seems like Sturbridge is a good area. I'm used to more rural areas in western MA. Does anyone know much about Southbridge or other areas we could look into? What about the schools in the area? Apartments versus houses? Thanks!
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Old 03-13-2015, 01:06 PM
 
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Looking at Southbridge in Google Maps I'd say it has good bones-- intact downtown, potentially walkable, but the very knowledgeable poster FCMA advises against: "Stay away from Fitchburg and Leominster to the north and Southbridge to the southwest of Worcester – isolated bigger post-industrial cities (big enough to have gang violence and narcotics, poverty problems, yet small enough to STILL feel isolated from the quality of life you'll find in Metro 'burbs or even Worcester) and the older affordable houses are full of lead paint, plus these towns may be "bigger" than what you are looking for."

Sturbridge seems to tick you boxes.
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Old 03-13-2015, 02:50 PM
 
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^Yes Southbridge is a dump (and imho creepy), definitely go with Sturbridge out of those two. Charlton is nice too, if you want semi-rural.
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Old 03-13-2015, 03:05 PM
 
Location: Massachusetts & Hilton Head, SC
10,006 posts, read 15,647,185 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by massnative71 View Post
^Yes Southbridge is a dump (and imho creepy), definitely go with Sturbridge out of those two. Charlton is nice too, if you want semi-rural.
Agree. Stay away Southbridge.
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Old 03-13-2015, 07:38 PM
 
Location: USA
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Look at Stafford, Connecticut. Right off Interstate 84. They have excellent schools and are fairly affordable. Roughly 40 mins each way to work. You are close to supermarkets and a nice classy traditional New England town.
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Old 03-13-2015, 08:08 PM
 
Location: San Antonio
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If you are looking for Sturbridge, but want more rural, look at neighboring Brimfield or Brookfield. It's in the same school district. You can also neighboring Charlton to the east as well if he won't mind a 40 minute commute. Dudley-Charlton have great schools, too.
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Old 03-14-2015, 10:25 AM
 
33 posts, read 45,026 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by missionhill View Post
Looking at Southbridge in Google Maps I'd say it has good bones-- intact downtown, potentially walkable, but the very knowledgeable poster FCMA advises against: "Stay away from Fitchburg and Leominster to the north and Southbridge to the southwest of Worcester – isolated bigger post-industrial cities (big enough to have gang violence and narcotics, poverty problems, yet small enough to STILL feel isolated from the quality of life you'll find in Metro 'burbs or even Worcester) and the older affordable houses are full of lead paint, plus these towns may be "bigger" than what you are looking for."

Sturbridge seems to tick you boxes.
Fitchburg and Leominster aren't in the search area of the original poster. Another point though.... As a Leominster resident I can say that FCMA is hardly the last word on the pros and cons of living there.
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Old 03-14-2015, 10:40 AM
 
2,440 posts, read 4,833,620 times
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Originally Posted by NYPatsFan View Post
Fitchburg and Leominster aren't in the search area of the original poster. Another point though.... As a Leominster resident I can say that FCMA is hardly the last word on the pros and cons of living there.
True, and he admits his sour remarks re. Fitchburg and Leominster are at least partly due to his being young and single. Some posters here have said similar things about Greenfield, which is unfair in my experience. I do think FCMA is knowledgeable (and amusing!) and I'm glad you and others like Leominster and Fitchburg more than he does. I don't really know about southbridge but don't remember reading anything favorable about it here on CD. It does have some nice restaurants and inns. The way things are are going, a place with bones like that is going to be rediscovered and revived sooner or later.
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Old 03-14-2015, 06:57 PM
 
36 posts, read 45,979 times
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It seems like what most of you are saying is what my gut was telling me based on my research.. stay away from Southbridge. Seems like Sturbridge might be a better choice for that area. I'll check out Chartlon too. Perhaps even Stafford as it's right over the border. I'm a bit worried about living in CT as I've heard it's a fairly expensive state in which to live. Anyone have thoughts on that? My husband and I are really just trying to keep our commutes about even 30-40 mins one way for each of us. Thanks for the input!
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Old 03-14-2015, 07:23 PM
 
36 posts, read 45,979 times
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Anyone know much about any of the following CT towns: Stafford, Granby, Enfield, East Windsor, Windsor Locks, Somers?
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