Woburn, Wakefield, Burlington, Beverly? SFH

[BostonMike7]

Originally Posted by rethcir

It's not like moving to Tokyo.

But it's going to make a big difference in his commute. Newton to N. Reading is not a fun ride.

[BostonMike7]

Originally Posted by sky8899

I'm open to other towns, it's just that I'm not sure how the towns are as I've lived pretty much my entire life in/around Newton. I think out of those towns, I'm leaning towards Wakefield right now.

Wakefield is nice. Inventory is down right now (due to winter oncoming) for SFH, and expect bidding wars for any properties in the $400-500 range. Your property footprint might be a tad smaller than some of the other towns you listed, but all that means is less grass to mow, or leaves to rake up. Other than that, you can get on I-95 pretty quick and 93 and rt1 are a short drive away.

[alidmc]

Originally Posted by sky8899

I'm open to other towns, it's just that I'm not sure how the towns are as I've lived pretty much my entire life in/around Newton. I think out of those towns, I'm leaning towards Wakefield right now.

My only word of advice to you is to make sure that the garage is large enough to fit and work on a car. I lived in the Wakefield area for many years and most of the houses in this price range were built from 1940-1960 and have tiny garages. My compact car would not fit in the garage of my first home-well it would, you just couldn't open the doors on both sides.

[BostonMike7]

Originally Posted by alidmc

My only word of advice to you is to make sure that the garage is large enough to fit and work on a car. I lived in the Wakefield area for many years and most of the houses in this price range were built from 1940-1960 and have tiny garages. My compact car would not fit in the garage of my first home-well it would, you just couldn't open the doors on both sides.

Would agree. 1960's era garages are small. Mine is a 2 car garage. I basically park my project car in the middle just to get around it to work on things. I can get 2 cars in there in the winter time when snow flies, but normal use. No way, too much of a hassle. One day in the future, i'll knock it down and build a nice garage with a lift.


Fortunately, my driveway is big enough to park 6 cars in off-street.

[sky8899]

Thanks for the feedback. I have noticed that the inventory is down because winter is around. Luckily, I'm not in a huge rush to move and I don't have any deadlines.

Ideally I would love a 2 car garage. I don't mind less of a yard either. I just want to make sure I don't overspend and get in bidding wars.

I'm having a hard time deciding on whether I should pay slightly more for houses that are move in ready and have upgrades to the kitchen/bathroom or just paying slightly less and then doing some work just because I have a place to live currently.