North Framingham (Boston, Lowell, Brockton: relocating, work, house)

[coastiewfe]

What can you tell me about the quality of life in North Framingham?? We've found a great house at a great price and are wondering if there is a reason why!

We're relocating to the area from South Florida (right in the middle of Miami and Ft. Lauderdale) and are desperately wanting to find a nice Smalltown, USA place to live. We've got three little ones and not alot of time to do actual househunting/neighborhood scouting other than on the internet!

[smarty]

Quality of life is not a tangible concept... please let us know what "quality" is important to you... I do not see quality of life different from Framingham to Natick or Wayland... Quality of life is great if I work 20 hours, no deadlines, take time off when I want to, and still make big $$$$.

Great house and price is all relative... what are you comparing against?

[coastiewfe]

Do neighbors wave to one another?
Can I let my children out to play in my own backyard?
In general, are the people in the area 'hung up' on materialistic things?
Do people take pride in their homes and their community?


I've visited the city of Boston once years ago, so comparison to any other nearby town is lost on me.


And I realize that quality if life is not tangible, but I'd love to hear opinions on local lifestyle.

[smfomp]

Having moved from the south to Framingham a little over 2 years ago I can relate to some of your questions.

First, I like Framingham because of the location and ease in getting just about anything I want or need; and you noticed correctly, it is affordable! I've also found some of the most highly recommended Dr's and Dentists are to be found right here in Framingham. There are restaurants galore, shopping at the Natick Mall is a hop, skip and jump away as well as many other options. As for folks waving at neighbors...well, that's going to be different than the south, but I think New Englanders are a much more reserved crew. Folks are friendly, they just take longer to get to know.

Whether or not you can let your children out in your backyard is up to you and where you buy your home specifically. Having had a 6 foot privacy fence in TX I still keep an eye on our pre-teen outside, just because. In our neighborhood in N. Framingham everyone has a great deal of pride in their property and many (if not most) are renovating their homes instead of selling.

[brightdoglover]

Framingham is a good-sized place with different aspects. I think N. Framingham might be the more upscale area, bordering on moneyed suburbs. Lots of good Brazilian restaurants downtown- that's the big immigrant group. Good highway access, Pike and Rt. 9, for work flexibility.

Good luck.

[endo]

Framingham, you should know, is the biggest small town in the world. I used to live in Hopkinton, so Framingham, to me, is city. North Framingham--I am unfamiliar with it. You will find in New England that any city-like place where there are lots of minorities (Framingham) will have lower property values than the small, white towns. Sorry to be so blunt.

Folk are not prejudiced against minorities--by no means! They will just pay a whole lot of money not to have to live with them. I suspect Florida is the same way.

Not that you would be unwelcome if you are a minority. Only, if you bring along too many friends and family your property values may fall. Some will deny it, but they know it is true.

I have seen some beautiful old mansions in Brockton and Lowell. I'll bet they cost one fifth of a ranch in Dover.