Relocation to Mass, with small kids (Newton, Haverhill: apartment complexes, renting, condo)

[MAtoNC!]

Bradford is nice and the elementary school is good. But it's part of the Haverhill school system and Bradford does not have it's own middle school or high school.

I would not send my kids to school in Gloucester, Beverly or Medford. And especially Salem. On the map Gloucester may not look far. But it's like living on an island. "You can't get here from there" is the saying. It's not near a decent highway. A lot of towns on the North Shore are like that. Except the towns that are closer to Boston and have public transportation for the commute.

Wakefield and Grafton have good schools. Wakefield would be a decent commute as far as distance. But there is a lot of traffic in that area. South Grafton is kind of far. North Grafton is closer to the highway for commuting. The Grafton area is fairly rural.

I do like Wakefield quite a bit. You will probably have a small selection at the price range you are looking at because of it's location. I like Newburyport and Amesbury also. The price range may be tough though.

Will you be able to take a trip up here to check out a few towns? And will the company help pay for it? I did that with my husband's relocation company.

Originally Posted by lorrhob06

I do like where I am now, but I am very much ready for a change, I'm not looking for fancy (I don't care about walk in closets and master bathrooms). I know the winters will be a shock so central heating and air would be very nice. I have been looking on craigs list and have found several apartments/duplexes that are in the right price but I'm just not sure about the areas. I did see a few in Bradford, Wakefield, Salem, Medford, Beverly, South Grafton and Gloucester. I have heard some good things about Wakefield and Bradford.

[lorilou]

Originally Posted by lorrhob06

I was originally looking at Haverhill because the price seemed right and several people have told me it's an okay place. However I am hearing more bad things about the schools and general safety issues. I am really stressing because I'm starting to wonder how people afford to live anywhere near Andover. Right now I pay 1000 for a 3 bedroom house, it's not in the best area but it's safe and the schools are great. I will get some pay increase for moving but not a whole lot and I'm thinking I probably can't afford to pay more that 1200.

Also, where is a good place to find rental listings? forrent.com and apartments.com were useless and while I found a few on Craig's list there weren't many.

Am I crazy to think I can do this and not endanger my kids safety or their education?

For what it's worth, I would suggest that MA is not the state to relocate to if you are on the fence about money. There are taxes, fees, and fines here that you've never dreamed of...and they do add up. There are fees to own pets ($10/yr/pet in my town), annual fees on your vehicle(s), mad taxes, and all that good stuff. The cost of living (heat, fuel, groceries) is also higher than many other states. The schools...let's just say you get what you pay for.
On the other hand, this state provides an excellent quality of life if you can afford it. People are dynamic, educated, wonderfully opinionated...the air is clean...the good weather months are gorgeous. So, that's also something to consider. Good luck! Don't give up; if you search, you will find the perfect town, house, price, and community.

[lorrhob06]

My company is flying me up there in April to kind of check things out before I make my final decision. I will be up there for 3.5 days and I'm trying to get a list of areas I'd like to visit. Mass does seem like a pretty expensive state, and honestly I'm a little nervous. Right now i make in the mid 50's and I'm not sure how much they will raise that when I move. My job does give fairly decent annual raises which I should be getting next month so I hope to be in the upper 50's by move time. I also have two dogs, thanks for the heads up about the dog tax, and of course the kids. We do fine down here, but Atlanta's a much cheaper place to live. So far I've gotten the best feedback in regards to Wakefield, and mixed reviews about Bradford/Haverhill and Salem. So far those are the cities I plan to check out.

[lorrhob06]

I have also been looking at Methuen, anyone have an opinion on it?

[MAtoNC!]

Originally Posted by lorrhob06

I have also been looking at Methuen, anyone have an opinion on it?

I don't think the schools are very good and there is a spillover of crime from Lawrence.

[lorrhob06]

Thanks, I really appreciate everyones comments. Right now I'm thinking Wakefield, and keeping my fingers crossed that something decent will be available this summer. I'll just have to wait until April and see what I can find.

[findingmesomeday]

I'm not familiar with New Hampshire. Can anyone chime in on whether there is a town in NH that is affordable and commutable to Andover?

And how about Georgetown? I've heard good things about the town and the schools. I don't live up that way so I'm just not familiar with the towns.

[Valerie C]

Back to Haverhill, just this last time... What happened to Hunking School in Bradford (behind the fire station) Last I knew it was still up and running. And while Haverhill High has its own issues, remember that HS age kids have the option of Whittier Tech, a technical high school open to Merrimack Valley students. Just another option... (maybe not for the OP, but possibly useful at some point for someone )

Originally Posted by MAtoNC!

Bradford is nice and the elementary school is good. But it's part of the Haverhill school system and Bradford does not have it's own middle school or high school.

[Valerie C]

The nearest to Andover would be either Plaistow or Salem NH. Possibly Newton as well. If the op is looking for a rental, possibly one of these towns may work. Remember tho that even most of southern NH won't have sidewalks, downtowns, etc. (if that is important to you). Also, rents can be high, due to NH property tax (with no income tax or sales tax, the homeowners are the ones who pay!) And living in NH, you would still have to pay MA income tax (5.53%)

Somebody mentioned Amesbury, another town I love. Great downtown. Close to the beach. Georgetown or Groveland *may* have something but not alot of rentals in either town. I'll do some checking...

Originally Posted by NChomesomeday

I'm not familiar with New Hampshire. Can anyone chime in on whether there is a town in NH that is affordable and commutable to Andover?

And how about Georgetown? I've heard good things about the town and the schools. I don't live up that way so I'm just not familiar with the towns.

[CaseyB]

My parents used to live in Londonderry, and several of their neighbors commuted to Andover. I don't know how many rentals there would be, but maybe you could look around that area, or possible Windham or Derry. Londonderry has good schools, as I understand.