Should we move from Holliston to Sherborn? (Lexington, Wellesley: estate, budget)

[moveinmetrowest]

We have been in Holliston for a couple of years and we are seriously considering moving to Sherborn. While we have enjoyed Holliston we are impressed by Sherborn's school system and open spaces. One of my main concerns with our move is what the community/people are like in Sherborn. Everyone I have met in Holliston have been very down to earth and friendly - will I find that in Sherborn? I am just a little concerned with the snob factor. I don't know anyone from Sherborn so I don't even know if there is a snob factor. Any thoughts?

[haberstroh]

I give you a risky answer and it is only my opinion: If you can afford a home in Sherborn I would not be to worried about fitting in. You would just be "one of them". We were looking in the area last summer and with a budget of up to $650000 could not afford a decent size house in Sherborn (or Medfield, or Dover, or Concord, or Lexington, or Belmont, or Westwood, or Wellesley, or Hingham etc.). We live now in Walpole and are pretty happy.....still I am a little jealous though ;-)

[moveinmetrowest]

Thanks for the risky answer We would definitely be sacrificing the size of the house we have now versus the house we could afford in Sherborn. I can deal with that as long as our neighbors are as nice as what we have now.

[findingmesomeday]

Haberstroh, I don't know what size house you were looking for in Medfield but there are definitely houses to be had for well under $600K.

Moveinmetrowest: I know Sherborn people and Dover people. I don't live in either town but my overall outsiders impression is that there is less "snob" factor (and probably more "old" money") in Sherborn. It's usually the neveau riche who suffer from snob factor. If I had to choose between Dover and Sherborn, I'd pick Sherborn.

[scarletfire]

We live in one of the smaller homes in Sherborn and absolutely love it here. I've lived in both Holliston and Sherborn and like both towns but an so happy with Sherborn's open space, the pond, the trails, and the quiet. My neighbors that I know are lovely and down to earth. I've met quite a few people here who have houses that are way larger than mine but no one seemed hung up on that. That being said, I haven't had my book club friends over yet for a meeting. Maybe they'd turn their noses up at me once they saw my tiny place with cat scratched furniture, but I don't think so! My short answer, come on over to Sherborn, you'll love it! :-)

[haberstroh]

Originally Posted by NChomesomeday

Haberstroh, I don't know what size house you were looking for in Medfield but there are definitely houses to be had for well under $600K.

NC, I dare say that you can not find a newer (less than 20 years) 4 BDR colonial, in good condition, with taxes less than $6000 and some land (less than 1/2 acres) for under $600000 in Medfield or in the other towns I mentioned. Maybe now you find a "desperate" seller but we had no such luck last year and I looked at over 60 houses!

[findingmesomeday]

Originally Posted by haberstroh

NC, I dare say that you can not find a newer (less than 20 years) 4 BDR colonial, in good condition, with taxes less than $6000 and some land (less than 1/2 acres) for under $600000 in Medfield or in the other towns I mentioned. Maybe now you find a "desperate" seller but we had no such luck last year and I looked at over 60 houses!

You got me on the taxes, haberstroh. Medfield has had countless property tax overrides to help bolster the school system, fund a senior center, purchase land to conserve as open space and various other things that seem to come up at Town Meeting over and over. I don't know that the existing tax rate is terribly out of line but those overrides are killers.

As far as what you are looking for though---I know of a 4 bdr colonial in very good condition on 1/2 acre that sold for about $520K just a few weeks ago. It was built in the mid 60's though so it's more than 20 years old. However, you are correct in that the newer 4 bed colonials are minimum upper $500's and more likely at least in the $600's with many as you know, well over $700K.

At one time Medfield was on the fringes of affordable for those looking for a top school system and great small-town living. I think it might be sliding back down towards that area with the soft real-estate market. But it's without a doubt more expensive than Walpole, Norfolk and Millis which border the town but less expensive than Dover or Sherborn, which also border the town.

[smarty]

Umm... Do you even see your neighbor in Dover/Sherborn more than once a year?

If you like open space, next door neighbor may be hundred if not thousands of feet away.... Isn't the purpose of large lots is to keep people away.

[moveinmetrowest]

Thanks Scarletfire. That makes me feel better. My only other concern is that the population is only about 5000. Do you notice that at all?

[scarletfire]

Too funny Smarty! Yes, I can see my neighbor's house across the street from me and we chat often when they're out with their little ones in the yard. They are quite lovely. It's the only home I can see clearly from my house. I can say from my point of view I enjoy privacy and quiet and didn't want to live in a place with lots of houses on top of us. If I had my druthers I would have had an even larger lot with more seclusion. I suppose some people find comfort in having neighbors close by while some find it in solitude. This seem to be a good balance for us. We have a private backyard, I can garden in peace, or walk out front or down the street if I want to get out and chat with the neighbors.