Relocation to Mass, with small kids (schools, housing, better)

[blitziedog]

You should look at Acton. But the commute to Lowell might be 30 minutes or so. But the commute would be the opposite direction of Boston. Acton always scores at or near the top in schools. It is a great, friendly and kid friendly town.

[debra38]

I'm sorry I can't help you as I am from Michigan. I'm new to this (or any forum) and am still learning the ropes. Could you look at my post titled rush hour. You responded to it and I had another question for you. I know you must be busy with moving and all. I understand!! Thanks, debra38

[MAtoNC!]

Originally Posted by blitziedog

You should look at Acton. But the commute to Lowell might be 30 minutes or so. But the commute would be the opposite direction of Boston. Acton always scores at or near the top in schools. It is a great, friendly and kid friendly town.

blitziedog, does this work for her budget?

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?

Originally Posted by debra38

I'm sorry I can't help you as I am from Michigan. I'm new to this (or any forum) and am still learning the ropes. Could you look at my post titled rush hour. You responded to it and I had another question for you. I know you must be busy with moving and all. I understand!! Thanks, debra38

debra38, click on her username and send her a direct message

[legacy]

I know you probably have already visited MA, but in case you didn't, Amesbury is a great place to bring up your kids. The middle school was renovated within the last 8 years, and the high school is halfway through its renovations. I've been inside and the facilities are great! I graduated in 2001, so I never really got to reap the benefits asa student, but I did substitute teach in both schools for a couple years while I was finishing college. Also, the downtown has come alive in the last decades and it is a dining destination for many people in the surrounding towns. Finally, since both route 95 and 495 intersect in Amesbury, it's very easy to go anywhere - from Boston, to the NH beaches, to the White Mountains, to Maine. I've lived here for almost my entire life and I love what the town has become.

[brightdoglover]

I second the suggestion for Acton. It's not hard to get to I-495 from Acton, and then on up to Andover. There's really no comparison between Haverhill and Acton, especially in the schools. I've often thought if I had kids, I'd find a way to squeeze into some apartment in Acton for that reason. It's a great town.

[DG001]

Though I agree with the suggestions that Acton is a great town, I would urge caution - being an out-of-state single mom with elementary school aged kids, you might want somewhere that is pretty easy to get to in case you need to be at the school in a hurry. Acton, though technically very close to highways can be hard to get in and out of....

Um - why rule out Andover? I know the Royal Crest in Andover has 2 BRs in the 1100-1300 range - bargain with them, they maybe be open to giving you a cut if they have availability. Very good school district too. You might find some 3 BRs on Craigslist (post an ad).

You have probably already made a decision, but in case you haven't - Good Luck!

[lorrhob06]

Thanks everyone for all your responses. I have visited Amesbury and maybe I wasn't in the right place but it seemed a little out of the way and I didn't see much out there. It was originally on the top of my list, maybe I need to try again. I've had Acton mentioned to me before, but after visiting I'm not sure it's for me. As far as Andover I've checked several places, none I can afford. Right now I'm kind of torn between Wakefield, Reading and Manchester. I hope to make another trip soon before I make my final decision.

[Analyzer]

Manchester and Reading are good. Wenham and Hamilton I hear are really nice also. I hear Acton has really good schools.. Ask your realtor for a relocation book with all the towns etc...maybe that will help. Greatschools.com, might be helpful? Good luck.

[DG001]

Hi - just another suggestion. Try Chelmsford. Its a pretty good school district, and not as pricey as some of the other towns mentioned.

[kbouch12]

What if you tried Salem, NH or the border towns. I work with a few people who live in NH and commute all the way to boston because housing and schools are better. I know it sounds crazy to live in one state and work in another but NH is right there.