Help us narrow our search - currently in Natick looking for a town where we can get more home for our money (Boston: houses)

[smile_cc]

Hello,

Looking for advice on which town to move to - we would like to narrow our search and hope this message board can help us. Our target price is $500 - 600K.

We currently live in Natick (30-somethings) with our 18 month daughter. Husband works in Waltham, but is also frequently traveling so needs access to Logan airport. I work out of our house most days, but need to also get to Waltham 1 - 2 times a week. Currently get to Waltham from Natick via back roads. Would like a town with a decent school system and would like a newer home with 4 bedrooms. Grandparents are located on the Cape.

Towns we are exploring:
Holliston, Hopkinton, Ashland, Southborough, Westborough, Upton, Grafton We are trying to balance how much further to move away from Boston vs. the type of home our money can buy.

Any guidance on:
- other towns to consider
- how to balance commuting time vs. quality of home.
- quality of schools
- outdoor activity options (swimming, town sports)
- access to grocery stores, restaurants, etc.
- personal experience with commuting from these areas to Waltham area

Many thanks!

[lorilou]

Have you shopped Franklin?
There are a number of nice neighborhoods with newer 4 bedroom houses in the $550-750 range.
Good luck!
lorilou

[Parsec]

Sounds like you're already living in the town that you're describing. Why are you looking to move?

[MovingForward]

Acton? Great family town; great schools. You can get a nice house for $600,000. Also, look at Littleton and Stow.

[NY'er lost in MA]

With your budget, you could 'attempt' Wayland and Weston- although the more expensive the town, the more you have to give up in terms of the home (age, condition, size etc) The eastern part of Sudbury also might work if you can find the right property.

Grafton and Westborough are too far.

The key is access to the Pike if you go west. Going west will also give you a newer home in your price range.

I commute regularly to all areas around Metro Boston as I visit clients with my profession.

Ashland has suited us very well as we are about 5 minutes from the Pike- even during rush hour into the city, it is pretty much not more the 45 minutes unless there is an accident. Getting to 95 towards Waltham is a breeze- it backs up around the tolls, but that is only a 15 minute delay at most usually.

Southborough and Hopkinton are the other towns I would recommend, but Holliston is nowhere near any major road. All three of my recommendations have a strong sense of community and good schools.

Being near Natick and all the shopping is also convenient.

You ave 3-4 State Parks withing 5 miles- tons of hiking trails, fishing, canoing, farm stands- many that have seasonal activities for kids etc. Ashland has a very nice community center as well- plenty of classes for the kiddos and adults.

Originally Posted by smile_cc

Any guidance on:
- other towns to consider
- how to balance commuting time vs. quality of home.
- quality of schools
- outdoor activity options (swimming, town sports)
- access to grocery stores, restaurants, etc.
- personal experience with commuting from these areas to Waltham area

Many thanks!