What is Ayer, MA really like? (Westford, Acton: real estate, apartments, renting)

[maraj]

I have been looking into townhouses in Ayer recently because they are within my budget ($150,000-175,000), but I am concerned because the violent and property crime indexes are very high. Does anyone reading this live in Ayer? Do you find it to be safe? Are there certain neighborhoods to avoid? I also worry, if it is not the safest place that it will be hard to sell in 5-10 years when we may consider buying a single family home. Also, if anyone has any suggestions for other cities/towns close to that area (near 495 & fitchburg commuter rail) with reasonably-priced, spacious 2+ bedrooms, I am open to them. Thanks for your input!

Mara J.

[brightdoglover]

Ayer is in a transition. When Fort Devens closed, Ayer took quite a hit. As the Devens community rebuilds and changes, Ayer should be benefitting.
I live one town over. I've never thought of Ayer as being unusually violent, etc. I would re-consider buying a townhome, though, in the current economic climate. Ayer might have been somewhat overbuilt,and I don't think it's a given that 5-10 years would give you a significant profit to sink into a SFH.
If I were in your apparent position, I'd consider renting and saving for that SFH. In the "old days," (before real estate boom), the rule of thumb was to expect a SFH to go up an average of 5-6% a year, and that you shouldn't expect to break even on closing costs until being in the house for about seven years. Of course, local differences are dramatic, but I'd hesitate to buy a townhouse/condo anywhere as a 5-10 year investment, especially in a place like Ayer, whose place in the real estate status world is in flux.
But no, I wouldn't avoid it for fear of violence, etc.

[brightdoglover]

I'd consider Acton for a townhouse/condo in your price range. No, it'll be smaller than say, Ayer. You are unlikely to be able to walk to the commuter rail. But Acton overbuilt in apartments and condo conversions (witness along 2A) and I think you could get something modest and be in a much better town than Ayer. I always said, if I had a kid, I'd squeeze myself into one of those ordinary apartments along 2A to be in Acton.

[Irena.M]

Originally Posted by maraj

I have been looking into townhouses in Ayer recently because they are within my budget ($150,000-175,000), but I am concerned because the violent and property crime indexes are very high. Does anyone reading this live in Ayer? Do you find it to be safe? Are there certain neighborhoods to avoid? I also worry, if it is not the safest place that it will be hard to sell in 5-10 years when we may consider buying a single family home. Also, if anyone has any suggestions for other cities/towns close to that area (near 495 & fitchburg commuter rail) with reasonably-priced, spacious 2+ bedrooms, I am open to them. Thanks for your input!

Mara J.

[SIZE=2]There is nothing wrong with Ayer. I almost feel that Ayer is new Westford with all the new construction and developments.

You can buy more property in Ayer and probably newer, but resale value is better in Acton. There are other condominium developments than Rte. 2A in a more country- like setting.
I all depends on your personal preferences.

[/SIZE]

[BostonYoureMyHome]

There are a ton of condos, townhouses, and apartments along route 2A in North Acton.