Neighborhoods in Winchester/Lexington/Belmont (Boston, Arlington: houses, rent, high school)

[elisemarie]

I'm interested to see what you find out about Lexington's stay-at-home mom population. My gut says its small but that's just based on house-hunting during the week and seeing no moms out and about in the neighborhoods where we've been looking.

Does Winchester have a Mom's Club or any club or group that connects moms w/young children? I looked on line but couldn't find one...

Also - when you say that you're looking at Lexington for more activities for your children when they're older - is that due to the fact that Winchester has less than you had hoped for? I know that the LExington library, Monroe Arts Center and the Hayden Center offer quite a few programs. Where do you think Winchester is lacking in activities? Sports? Music? Art? And what age range?

Thanks - I'm just trying to compare Bel/Lex/Win w/each other and the only town that I feel like I know really well right now is Belmont.

[4panthers]

Winchester offers programs through the recreation department, but the offerings are small and are geared toward elementary-age children. Town soccer and other sports teams for youth, and there is a strong sports program through the middle school and high school of course too.

I know there is a Mom's group in town, but it isn't necessary to belong to it in order to find eachother! Just walk to the center of town on any morning. The library is also a great way to meet other kids and moms alike.

I know that the Lexington recreation department is a big draw for families looking for art, music, language and other activities. It is well developed. It has everything Winchester has but possibly a bit more. There is a pool too, I think.

Trying to decide between the two is difficult, since both have a unique feel. I think the houses in Winchester are more charming. At least there are cute houses through the price ranges. In Lexington, it seems, the cute houses are either very old, historic homes or new, VERY large homes built away from the center of town. Lexington is also more expensive.

The schools in both towns are fantastic. The people in both towns are similar. There is, however, a more liberal vibe to Lexington. At least, that is what the reputation seems to be. Winchester is more conservative but only in a relative sense.

What do you think? When are you looking to buy a house?

[elisemarie]

Lexington does have a pool - indoor at Hayden and outdoor across the street (several, actually).

I know that Lexington is considered pretty liberal so I think you're right. People on this board seem to characterize Lexington as having lots of academics residing in town so I think that also gives Lexington a different feel than Winchester.

We are looking now - mostly in Lexington - but I love the center and housing stock in Winchester - esp in the Flats area - and so we keep getting distracted! I also like parts of Belmont - have you considered Belmont at all? How do you think it compares to Lexington and Winchester?

And last question - why do you think Winchester has less of an offering for kids than Lexington? Is it a money issue for the town?

[smarty]

Originally Posted by 4panthers

The schools in both towns are fantastic. The people in both towns are similar. There is, however, a more liberal vibe to Lexington. At least, that is what the reputation seems to be. Winchester is more conservative but only in a relative sense.

Lexington is more liberal because.... the school teach young kids with a story that has 2 kings or queens? or is it more conservative because many parents do not want their kids taught with 2 kings (and got rid of the principal)?

[4panthers]

Winchester has a smaller budget than Lexington, since Winchester's tax base (business) is small. I am not an expert on this issue. I am just assuming. If you lived in Winchester you could use the Lexington arts center, for example. There is a ballet studio in town, not through the rec center, and two gymnastics places. I have loved living in Winchester and haven't been "wishing" for more for my kids. We would like to buy a bigger house, and since our kids aren't in school yet we are just considering Lexington. I'll have to say that the houses are more to my liking, especially in the flats, than Lexington (at least in my price range).

I am looking at Belmont too, though briefly. I am wondering if it feels isolated being on the Hill? I love the closeness to Cambridge and the city, as I do in Winchester, but I don't want to compromise on the small town feel that Lexington and Cambridge offer. I don't envision my kids walking to the center with friends. The traffic in the center is a bit unsettling. In
Winchester, you often see groups of kids just hanging out in front of Starbuck's, especially on early dismissal days!. They are good kids, and the town is EXTRA safe. The center is extremely walkable so there is no shortage of kids.

[4panthers]

Sorry, I meant to say, I love the small town feel that Winchester and Lexington offer.

Also, don't know anything about the kids activities in Belmont. I know they have a pool though. Does anyone know about kids programs?

[cocoaday]

Lexington is a great town for families. There is the Lexington LPPTA if you have young kids. They have various events and activities in and around Lexington. There are farms nearby, great playgrounds etc. The next town over, Bedford, has a huge Mom's (and Dad's group), the Bedford Family Connection. They have a playroom that is open most days, they have parties, concerts and a host of other things. There is also a good Mom's group in Burlington. I moved here three years ago and I love it. There are a lot of stay at home Moms. The library has kids programs and you meet a lot of people there. The bike path in Lexington is great for walking too. The neighboring towns (in addition to Lexington) offer great programs through the Department of recreation. Take a look at Billerica and Burlington Departments of Rec. They have some really good offerings for kids and you can sign up even though you live out of town. Lexington has a nice pool in the summer and there is an old res with a beach for the kids to dig. There are lots of active playgroups too.

[DG001]

Hi, We are interested in Winchester as well (not so much Lexington, because the homes there in our price range are MUCH too old ), but anyway, thought this link would help - it gives a lot of info about current demographics and "challenges"

Untitled Document

[4panthers]

Does anyone know if there are plans to rebuild the high school in Winchester? Most of the elementary schools have been updated or rebuilt, except for Lynch, The high school suffers from flooding a lot of the time. One of my considerations in relocating to Lexington is because of Winchester High School. Also, many have said that it couldn't possibly accommodate the population currently in the elementary schools, which are already overcrowded!

[TheWereRabbit]

Originally Posted by 4panthers

Does anyone know if there are plans to rebuild the high school in Winchester? Most of the elementary schools have been updated or rebuilt, except for Lynch, The high school suffers from flooding a lot of the time. One of my considerations in relocating to Lexington is because of Winchester High School. Also, many have said that it couldn't possibly accommodate the population currently in the elementary schools, which are already overcrowded!

I don't think there are any plans to re-do the high school any time soon. I would say V.O. is need of a renovation next with all the trailers they're using and Muraco and maybe Lynch are probably ahead of WHS.

WHS can accommodate the population currently in the elementary schools easier than McCall can actually despite the fact that McCall is a much nicer looking school. When Winchester High School opened in 1973(?) it had far more students in it than it does now (even without grade 9) and as recently as 2006 there were whole hallways of lockers unused.

The flooding issue has been sorta fixed. It still floods in really bad situations but at worst it's closed for a day or 2 (it's like a snow day). Nothing like in 1996 when the school was unusable for months.

I have heard talk of adding onto McCall Middle School. Hopefully if this happens it will be done well since the last addition in 98-00 was so successful. (If you haven't seen McCall you really should check it out.)

Overall, the schools have their issues but it is limited to the buildings. The education is still great. WHS is a very ugly building and even inside it isn't half as nice as the middle school, but it is not so terrible that it will affect the education you can receive there.

I would recommed you go see for yourself. Check out the high school, junior high, and as many elementary schools as possible. I personally haven't seen the inside of the new Ambrose or the redone Lincoln but I hear they're both great. The high school isn't a beauty but it's also a long way from falling apart- I wouldn't say it's a reason to stay away from Winchester.