Westford vs. Winchester (Boston, Arlington, Marblehead: condo, house prices, elementary schools)

[DG001]

I know! You don't hear that comparison too often!

Well, DH and I are ready to upgrade from our condo, and are looking for a kid-friendly community with lots of things to do for our toddler. Our budget is kind of modest by Boston standards - 550K to 600K (maybe a little more). A good commuter location is also important, since we are both consultants who might have to work in any (usually local) company at any given time. So far though, we have always been in places North of Boston, so commuting to Boston is not high in our criteria list. (but it could happen)

So, in order of importance:
- good schools
- home with yard, 4 BRs and at least 2 full baths (hopefully newer)
- location near major highways (in Boston north)

We have driven around a lot, and the two places we LOVE are Winchester (west of Rt 3) and Westford, and we have decided to concentrate on those two towns.

The thing is, as you can probably imagine, the homes in Winchester that meet our budget are nowhere near as 'nice' as the ones in Westford, and I love Westford's open green spaces and, I admit, the McMansions - but on the other hand, Winchester is a much more exclusive area, and since we live close to it now, we know how convenient and awesome the town is. We will also have a much easier time selling in Winchester when we eventually will sell (I think).

So - I was hoping for advice and information...

Also, could you tell me the absolute WORST thing about each of these towns? That would also help!

[brightdoglover]

I live next to Westford. I'd say the worst thing (not being familiar with kid stuff) is the absolute car dependence. However, if the McMansions are appealing, I guess you've accepted total car dependence. I think Winchester is more urban/suburban. Westford is formerly rural-becoming-suburban.
Kimball Farms is still there! You just have to drive there to get in line for ice cream.
In your price range, you should be able to get just about anything you want in Westford, and certainly in Littleton.

[rusummer1]

I live in Westford and for a toddler theres plenty to do and it's right off 495. I agree with brightdoglover b/c Westford is very car dependent but if you live in or near one of the older subdivisions like Nabnasset of Graniteville there are some restaurants and stores within walking distance. Overall I think Westford may be your best.

[DG001]

Thanks everyone - thats what I guess we were thinking.

Can you tell me anything about how Westford is run - politics etc.? I love their website and how every thing is up on the web, and you can look at meeting minutes and all that, but is the town run efficiently? Are they short on money, or having money troubles? Are your town taxes going up?

Thanks again!

[Valerie C]

I've not lived in either Westford or Winchester personally, but I do have some friends who live in Westford, and the owner of the company I work at lives in Winchester. I know they LOVE Winchester, and can't imagine living anywhere else. I'll send an email to my friends with some specific questions regarding politics, finances, schools, etc. It seems that so many MA cities and towns are laying off teachers and having budget issues, due to unions, health care costs, retirement plans, etc. but many of the more affluent towns have a higher than average per capita income, and the residents vote in whatever increases are necessary to make sure their city stays desirable. You already know that you can get waaaay more house for the money in Westford, as long as a daily commute into Boston isn't a consideration for you. Like I said, I'll get back to you with their comments on living there...

[rusummer1]

Originally Posted by DG001

Thanks everyone - thats what I guess we were thinking.

Can you tell me anything about how Westford is run - politics etc.? I love their website and how every thing is up on the web, and you can look at meeting minutes and all that, but is the town run efficiently? Are they short on money, or having money troubles? Are your town taxes going up?

Thanks again!

Well I don't know everything, but I do know that Westford does NOT have a single Mayor. It's run by a board of 5 Selectman. That's basically all I know, kinda sad b/c I live here!

[puffle]

I don't know about the taxes but you do know that you don't have public sewage there...you have private septic tanks instead and I would check into trash to see if you need to drop off or if there is pick up service. Lowest taxes in the Boston area I believe is Marblehead.
Schools are good in Westford and more diverse than Winchester probably are with more down to earth people of every income bracket and you will defintely get more for your money there with lots of recreation. We looked at both areas as well and liked what I found in Westford for us much more than Winchester. It just wasn't us.

[TheWereRabbit]

I saw this thread a while ago and although I live in Winchester I didn't know how to respond because it seems like you already know the differences! haha

Ya, you got it. Winchester is denser and more walkable etc but is also more expensive. Westford is further out and more rural and you'll definitely get more bang for your buck when looking for a house. Yesterday on the front page of the globe there was a map showing where house prices have changed. Winchester and Westford were both examples and Winchester prices were way up whereas Westford was way down. So that 'bang for your buck' thing might be even more true now than a few months ago.

I really don't know anything about Westford but it seems like a nice town. Convenient to 495. Right near Nashoba Valley ski hill which is a complete joke but would still be cool to live near. If you are looking for a more rural feel Westford could be great but if you are working in Boston I wouldn't recommend it. If you are working in the northern suburbs either town should be fine for commuting.

Winchester has lots of great resources for kids (sports, music, art) through the rec dept. and the schools. There are actually a lot of parks and open spaces for a fairly packed town and the enormous Middlesex Fells Reservation is just next door. It is definitely pretty expensive and although 600k won't get you everything there are still plenty of houses under that.

[TheWereRabbit]

Originally Posted by puffle

Schools are good in Westford and more diverse than Winchester probably are with more down to earth people of every income bracket and you will defintely get more for your money there with lots of recreation. We looked at both areas as well and liked what I found in Westford for us much more than Winchester. It just wasn't us.

Once again, puffle goes after Winchester. I guess I shouldn't be surpsied. Westford and Winchester are both 20,000 people and both 93% white. Average income of both is in 90ks.

I went to Muraco Elementary School in Winchester and graduated in 1999. It was probably more racially and economicly diverse than any school in Westford. Then again, it's easily the most diverse of the 5 elementary schools.

[puffle]

Originally Posted by TheWereRabbit

Once again, puffle goes after Winchester. I guess I shouldn't be surpsied. Westford and Winchester are both 20,000 people and both 93% white. Average income of both is in 90ks.

I went to Muraco Elementary School in Winchester and graduated in 1999. It was probably more racially and economicly diverse than any school in Westford. Then again, it's easily the most diverse of the 5 elementary schools.

I am not "going after" Winchester...I liked it there enough, just not enough to live there. I don't think I am the only one in Ma. that has preferences of where they would rather live? If Arlington or Bedford came up instead of Winchester and Westford then the conversation would have been different. Shouldn't take it so personally...we are entitled to our opinions without being attacked for it especially since I didn't say anything bad about Winchester..just my personal opinion which you obviously don't agree with. Won't say another word about Winchester just for you