Ashland, Framingham, which to choose? (Newton, Salem: short sales, foreclosures, crime rate)

[chazyn]

Please help!
Trying to decide between the two. Framingham is much more convenient and I found some great houses in the northern suburbs. But everyone sort of looks down their nose on Framingham.

Ashland seems beautiful but will add about 10 minutes to my already long commute. Then there is the dreaded purple children tragedy. Please let me know your opinions!

Thanks

[scarletfire]

For my money, North Framingham for sure. :-)

[goyguy]

Another "dirty little secret" about Ashland is that its crime rate has zoomed upwards, though in suburbia everything is relative. It's probably still enviable compared to that of Framingham. This disinterested party's perception of the towns' respective school systems is that they're of roughly equal quality.

North of the Turnpike, Framingham can boast of some excellent sections with a "more house for the money" advantage against Wayland, Sudbury, Weston, et al. It's a mixed bag south of the Pike - many quiet neighborhoods with nice (albeit usually smaller) homes but also some sketchy blocks and public housing. A key advantage to the southern part of town is its proximity to the commuter-rail station. Because Framingham Center had evolved into a commercial and cultural hub for the region's Brazilian community, which is now experiencing significant out-migration as the economy "back home" improves, it's in a state of flux. The outcome may well be positive, as the onetime Woolworth's on Concord St is slated to be remodeled into an upscale "loft" development. But in the short term, the only certainty is that there'll be more vacant storefronts.

In an attempt to play devil's advocate, I'll state in Ashland's favor that there's far less local traffic congestion. Of the highways which traverse Framingham, only 135 is easy and fast to navigate more often not. Forget about 9, 30, and 126: bumper-to-bumper except for between about 10 PM - 6 AM. Mall sprawl and subdivisions bring more vehicles, and the inability to widen the roads can only mean one thing and does. The Pike functions pretty well most of the time.

[pondhopper]

Without a doubt a nicer area of Framingham beats anywhere in Ashland in my opinion though that is absolutley just my personal opinion and you'll probably hear from people who love Ashland.

[mumded]

Framingham gets my vote. As a former resident,only recently relocated to NC, I have nothing but good things to say about Framingham.

[chazyn]

I'm really surprised. I thought this would tip in favor of Ashland for sure, based on the response I got when I told people I was considering Framingham.

Let me be specific and say that what I'm interested in is a place with nice neighborhoods where my kids can run free and meet other kids, where the schools are good but the pressure to achieve isn't as intense as it is in Newton, Wellesley, etc., and where you can enjoy spending time with neighbors.

I'm also concerned about property values.

Any more opinions please?

[eagles08]

Have you made any more decisions? We moved from Ashland in December and said we didn't want to buy there again. However, we have lately started considering it again (certain neighborhoods). I also like North Framingham, but then what happens when your kids go to high school? I have heard Fram High has changed for the worst over the last few years and I too wonder about property values with so many short sales and foreclosures.

I would love to see more posts on Fram versus and Ashland and to see where you have landed in your search.

[NY'er lost in MA]

North Framingahm has some beautiful neighborhoods and sections. Another great area is the Salem End Rd section of Framingham- you wouldn't even believe it's Framingham!!

BUT- with that said, there is no real way to avoid the eventual Framingham High. Oh wait- there is...with the small one time fee of $30,500, you too can send your kiddo to St. Marks. Enough said.

Now take a look at this high school and tell me what you think: AHS Green School (broken link)

With that said- Ashland is having budget issues with the public schools. From my own experience growing up- that type of thing happens every 5-10 years anyway. Regardless of that- I would on any day give Ashland the upper hand in school systems. I live here BTW But more importantly I live on a street less than 1/2 mile long and with 22 kids. All of them have impressed me in many ways and I have spoken to each parent individually on the school system- nothing but excellent reviews.

Crime in Ashland??? MAYBE if you are in the sections bordering Framingham!!! Pull out a can off google maps folks- Ashland borders Southborough, Hopkinton, and Holliston. Yep- crime everywhere!!! Run!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? There are more cows and horses here than crime stats. Get real.

My only gripe is that Ashland is so rural that the taxes seem to increase due to the lack of businesses. But then again- that is one of the reasons we moved here- avoiding encroaching industry and build out.

Ashland gets my vote of confidence.

[mumded]

My daughters went through Framingham public schools and I had no complaints, I think staying involved is important. We didn't have a problem with the high school at all and mine graduated from there in 2004 and 2007.They are both now in college doing very well. We lived in Framingham for 15 years near Wayland and Sudbury area. The convenience of being near everything, including the Pike was perfect. Having grown up in Sudbury and my husband in Newton we love Framingham,since we couldn't afford to live in our hometowns.
My vote is Framingham. If you need any info on good areas let me know.

[chazyn]

We bought a house in Ashland. It's a trek to my job in Newton, but what a house for the money! 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, nice neighborhood, lots of kids, quiet, idyllic. Framingham was a little bit cheaper and there are great bargains there, but we kept on getting this negative response when we mentioned Framingham, and, more important, we couldn't guarantee what school our kids would attend until after we moved there and entered the lottery. Some of the schools were good, but many weren't and we didn't want to roll the dice.
Ashland schools are highly rated and we liked that it was a small town where all the kids go to the same school.
Thanks for all of your input!