Relocating to Boxford? (Andover: house, safe neighborhoods, good schools)

[watchintheriverflow]

Hi. Due to my husband's job, we are relocating from CT to North Shore MA. We have found a home we really love in Boxford...while I am familiar with many areas of MA, I don't know too much about Boxford in particular. We were originally set on Andover but our realtor suggested Boxford and we found this house we love. What I do know is that the town has a lot of what we were looking for - lgood schools, colonials, safe neighborhoods, acre + plots - and it's lovely, just no "downtown" area, but that would be ok as long as shopping is close and there are activities for us to do.

So, my questions are - what is there to do here? We are in our early 30s and have a 6 month old. I'm wondering if there are a lot of kids and young families around? In Andover you see a lot of families out walking and about but not so much in Boxford - from what I can tell, being winter anyway - is this just b.c it is more spread out? Are there outlets to meet people in Boxford? Activities for young ones?

I'm just nervous that we'll be isolated since I don't already know anyone in the area. So, I'm really hoping you can put me at ease and that there will be things for us to do to meet people here. Thanks so much!

[SJSarcevich]

I know this post is a bit older, so I am not sure if this helps you, but perhaps it may help you are someone else anyway, so I'll just go ahead.

< So, my questions are - what is there to do here? We are in our early 30s and have a 6 month old. I'm wondering if there are a lot of kids and young families around? t>

There is a ton to do in town if you have kids. Not so much if you are single or younger - Boxford is really a haven for families with children. The schools have very active teacher and parent associations that are constantly coming up with social activities. There are so many you almost can't make them all. The town libraries sponsor story hours and children's programming, and there are probably any number of mommy playgroups to join ... you can meet other moms in a heartbeat at the town's playground, Boy Scout Park.

< In Andover you see a lot of families out walking and about but not so much in Boxford - from what I can tell, being winter anyway - is this just b.c it is more spread out? Are there outlets to meet people in Boxford? Activities for young ones? >

Expanding on what I said before, when it warms up, all the parents head to the playgrounds or the town beach, Stiles Pond. There is lots of stroller walking, and lots of backyard mommy groups at private homes. Boxford also has a very active "newcomers club" which you could probably look up on the net. Once the kids start preschool, there is almost no way to end up without any number of invitations and social opportunities ... the birthday party circuits in town alone will do it for you.

With an infant, just go to the town beach and hang out at the water's edge, or to the playgrounds at the schools on the weekends. If you are friendly, it is hard not to meet people in Boxford. I think it's because the town's homes can be isolated that people seem to be friendlier when out and about.