westford, ma? (Chelmsford, Acton, Concord: real estate, income, work)

[coffeegirl]

Can people tell me their experiences with Westford, MA? We are moving their because we think it is a very pretty town, and because we have been told the schools are really good. I'm still nervous about moving to a new town, though. Thanks for your input.

[puffle]

Where are you moving from Coffeegirl? Like the name by the way. Westford was one of my top choices too based on what you get for your money and a great high school. Haven't spent much time there except for snowboarding and shopping. I live close by in Concord. Hubby wanted to be closer to the city with trains.

[brightdoglover]

I live near Westford, and can easily tell you it's a fine town on every level. Recreation, school reputations. accessibility to highways in every direction. If you're concerned with shopping, there appears to be plenty on the Littleton Rd. (Rt. 110) although it's not something I pay much attention to. A few good restaurants.

A friend of mine raised his son there, and said that there were a lot of higher-income kids at the high school, very materialistic. That's just a data point. Good luck- it's a great part of Massachusetts.

[puffle]

Again coffeegirl, not knowing why you are making this move or where from all I can say is it is a pretty town with good schools like so many places are in Ma. Why have you singled out Westford from the rest? You also have Acton, Carlisle, and Concord that are very nice areas with great schools that are next to Westford and a little closer to the city if that matters.

[CJC2008]

Hi There,
I am a Westford native and lived in Westford till my early 20's attending Westford schools and graduatiing from Westford Academy. Back then (1979) the town was entirely different, not in a bad way just smaller. It is a wonderful town to raise a family in and yes good schools that value their education. If you are planning on public schools and comparing towns Westford is a great choice. In comparing look closely as given the state aide factor in today's public school system in MA cuts are made and difficult choices have to be made. It is important to thoroughly check out each individual school in comparing towns.

There are alot of newer subdivisions in Westford, prices have softened here in MA like elsewhere so do your homework and check out the comps for the past 6 months.

Good Luck!

[jumbolaw]

We're also looking to move to Westford, a lot of great properties being listed now for very good prices. Glad to hear it's a nice town!

[coffeegirl]

Thanks everyone for your input. I only live a couple of towns away from Westford, but I always have a difficult time with change! Everyone has told us its a great town, so I am looking forward to it!

[DG001]

Come on! No one has anything bad to say about Westford?!

I am looking in Westford too, and though I love it, here are some points which strike me:

1. The taxes on homes are much higher than surrounding towns (for example, Chelmsford has a much lower per 1000 tax. Granted, Acton on the "other side" seems much higher), and some of the assesments seem high for today's market. This is kind of troubling since Westford does have a pretty big "business" base.

2. Most homes have no public water or public sewer access. While this is not necessarily a deal-breaker, it is an additional hassle.

Anyone else?

[CJC2008]

I have sold real estate for over 20 years; again being a native of Westford I can tell you the town has changed signifcantly.....Kimball's Ice Cream, which use to be just a small ice cream place, was one of the few places on rt. 110. Regarding assessments.......market value is based on comparable sold properties within a 6 month timeframe. The market is ever changing, when you purchase a property and town gets the info. and sees the sales price that is the time to submit for an abatment if the assesment is not inline with others. Towns asess property at intervals and base their pricing on a formula wihich isn't always necessarily reflective of current pricing. That is why I say DO YOUR HOMEWORK If you want to look up Mass Sales and compare current sales you can always go to the board of asessors but can also statewide lookup sales on the Warren Group's site. Zillow is not accurate.

[brightdoglover]

"Most homes have no public water or public sewer access."

I thought Westford was like Littleton- as a former farm town/area, there are a lot of private septic syste, but not well water. I think it's town water.
If one does buy a house with a septic system, ask for a Title 5 certification. If there isn't one, turn, run, and keep going until far away. Title 5 says that the septic system must pass certain standards any time a building permit is applied for, or if the house title changes. It must be the seller's responsibility/problem. If it says "Title 5 plan approved," that still means the system has to be upgraded by the buyer. You do NOT want to be involved in any of this.
I honestly thought more of Westford was on town sewage. I wouldn't want to deal with a well, though. Being in private septic isn't proof that the property is downscale or anything, just that the town used to be very rural.