Reputation of Bellingham (Boston, Cambridge, Franklin: new home, movie theater, schools)

[wolffan]

Hello,
My wife commutes to Providence and I commute to Cambridge. We currently live in Foxboro and we are looking at new homes in Foxboro and surrounding towns. We found a property in Bellingham that we like, but I noticed that the school testing scores are a bit low and the home prices are lower than towns such as Foxboro, Mansfield, Walpole, and Sharon.

I would like to hear some opinions about Bellingham from those that are familiar with the Boston area (we just moved from VA 8 months ago). Are there any downsides to Bellingham?

[ncwannabee]

Bellingham does not have a good reputation. I think what you've learned about the schools is accurate. For years our kids have played youth sports against Bellingham and we are amazed at the poor sportsmanship of the coaches and how it seems to be taught to the kids. It has been going on for YEARS. I would steer clear of Bellingham and concentrate on the other towns you mentioend. They in a different class altogether.

[CaseyB]

Bellingham is improving, but it's not quite "there yet". Did you get a chance to drive south on 126 towards Woonsocket? I guess there is going to be some kind of redevelopment plan there, but right now it's pretty bad.

[lorilou]

Originally Posted by wolffan

Hello,
My wife commutes to Providence and I commute to Cambridge. We currently live in Foxboro and we are looking at new homes in Foxboro and surrounding towns. We found a property in Bellingham that we like, but I noticed that the school testing scores are a bit low and the home prices are lower than towns such as Foxboro, Mansfield, Walpole, and Sharon.

I would like to hear some opinions about Bellingham from those that are familiar with the Boston area (we just moved from VA 8 months ago). Are there any downsides to Bellingham?

Bellingham definitely has a bad reputation. We live just one town away, and I often drive there for the movie theater & Whole Foods. Most of the negative information that I have rec'd about Bellingham has come from my 2 teenagers, who have had interactions with the town and students. I would say that this is a fairly accurate report. Look elsewhere... ...and good luck!

[professorsenator]

Bellingham's reputation (fair or unfair) is that it's schools are mediocre.

[BELLINGHAMRES.]

I have to disagree with the prior comments in reference to Bellingham. My husband and I moved here with our 2 small children 2 years ago. I have made many friends and love the "small town" feel. Although I do not currently have any children in the school system, I do follow their progress. The schools are improving (based on test scores) with one elementry scoring 8 out of 10 on the Great Schools website! We have some beautiful new homes being built in the area as well. I believe Bellingham is up and coming. I have heard from fellow new residents that Bellingham is getting all the overflow from the overcrowed town of Franklin. Bellingham has great community events such as the Pumpkin Stroll on Halloween, and the Easter Egg Hunt. We even have Santa come right down our street on his sleigh! We really do enjoy it here and hope you choose our town to make your home.