Recommendations for MA town - Commuting Distance of Woonsocket with Good Schools? (Boston: neighborhoods, public schools)

[west_to_east_transplant]

Hello Mass forum - RI native here, lived on the west coast for a long time and now relocating back to the area. My husband will be working in Woonsocket and we're considering East Greenwich, RI (excellent public schools are very important to us - we have a six and nine year old) but also looking at Massachusetts towns (1 hour commute max but preferably closer). Where do people recommend we check out? Do not want to go far west into Massachusetts so looking more around the RI border and north toward Boston. Thanks in advance for anyone's thoughts of towns to put on our radar. Wrenthem, Foxborough or Attelboro are not in the running.

[G1..]

Originally Posted by west_to_east_transplant

Hello Mass forum - RI native here, lived on the west coast for a long time and now relocating back to the area. My husband will be working in Woonsocket and we're considering East Greenwich, RI (excellent public schools are very important to us - we have a six and nine year old) but also looking at Massachusetts towns (1 hour commute max but preferably closer). Where do people recommend we check out? Do not want to go far west into Massachusetts so looking more around the RI border and north toward Boston. Thanks in advance for anyone's thoughts of towns to put on our radar. Wrenthem, Foxborough or Attelboro are not in the running.

Franklin....................

[MikePRU]

How about Sharon, MA?

[scorpio516]

Franklin, Uxbridge, Mendon, Upton, Sutton, Millbury, Auburn, Grafton, Holden, Shrewsbury.

Best to worst schools IMHO
Shrewsbury
Holden
Mendon
Upton
Franklin
Grafton
Sutton
Auburn
Millbury
Uxbridge


On a good day you can get to Woonsocket from Sterling, MA within an hour. My wife commutes from Worcester to Woonsocket/Cumberland (half her building is in each town) and usually it takes about 35 minutes along 146.

[Shrewsburried]

Originally Posted by scorpio516

Franklin, Uxbridge, Mendon, Upton, Sutton, Millbury, Auburn, Grafton, Holden, Shrewsbury.

Best to worst schools IMHO
Shrewsbury
Holden
Mendon
Upton
Franklin
Grafton
Sutton
Auburn
Millbury
Uxbridge


On a good day you can get to Woonsocket from Sterling, MA within an hour. My wife commutes from Worcester to Woonsocket/Cumberland (half her building is in each town) and usually it takes about 35 minutes along 146.

Depending on locations within Holden and Sterling, Holden might actually yield a longer commute. As you are probably aware, it's all about 190 access and west Holden has objectively worse access than many of Sterling's neighborhoods due to 190 splitting the town.

This said, while I'm quite happy in Sterling, if my commute were to RI, I would focus on Medway/Franklin area - budget allowing. Hopkington if the budget is generous.

[massnative71]

FOLKS. "Do not want to go far west into Massachusetts so looking more around the RI border and north toward Boston."

[thenewtexan]

Originally Posted by massnative71

FOLKS. "Do not want to go far west into Massachusetts so looking more around the RI border and north toward Boston."

True, Shrewsbury and Holden have great schools but they don't qualify geographically. The rest of the list as some great options.

[massnative71]

Originally Posted by thenewtexan

True, Shrewsbury and Holden have great schools but they don't qualify geographically. The rest of the list as some great options.

The only place on that list really (sort of) qualifying is Franklin. Mendon is pushing it. The rest are either in the wrong direction, or their schools aren't the best. Most aren't really "bad", but certainly not "excellent" like OP is looking for.

[CaseyB]

Originally Posted by massnative71

The only place on that list really (sort of) qualifying is Franklin. Mendon is pushing it. The rest are either in the wrong direction, or their schools aren't the best. Most aren't really "bad", but certainly not "excellent" like OP is looking for.

Hopkinton has really good schools, but the commute is a little far.

[massnative71]

Originally Posted by CaseyB

Hopkinton has really good schools, but the commute is a little far.

Yes, OP clearly stated they want to be towards Boston.