Please recommend a town near Lawrence, Ma (Haverhill, Methuen: real estate, condos)

[csette663]

My family of 5 is moving to Ma. from Illinois and my husband will be working in Lawrence. We would like to find a community that is within 20-30 minutes from Lawrence. Some criteria: good schools, upscale, fairly small town with a cute/quaint downtown, good rec programs or youth programs. Any recommendations will be appreciated, we know nothing about the area.

Thanks!

[brightdoglover]

Littleton (great family community, no real downtown), Andover (all of the above, but pricey), maybe Chelmsford or Westford, which are close, good family communities, but short on the charming downtowns.
As you might know, virtually any place is better than Lawrence. After some minor recovery from poverty, it is back to foreclosures, arson, and other disasters.
There are plenty of decent areas in the commuting distance you mention. Most don't have the stereotypical downtowns you'd like. With a few more minutes (and a lot more dollars), Concord is perfect, and Acton next in line. So is Groton. You just have to get to I-495, and you're quick to Lawrence, I-93.

If you choose to live north and come south on I-93, you will be in wall-to-wall traffic, as half the planet has moved to southern New Hampshire for real estate purposes. You can walk on the roofs of the cars heading south from NH on 93 to jobs in Massachusetts. I don't recommend it, and I used to drive against traffic during normal business hours.
Good luck on your move. There are a lot of pluses to living in this area (Merrimack Valley).

[csette663]

thanks, what about Georgetown and West Newbury, do you know anything about these? Thanks for your tips, I will look into those communities....and Yes, we have heard negative things about Lawrence.

[brightdoglover]

Both Georgetown and West Newbury are very nice towns, like Newburyport, Merrimac, really anything up that way. I'm not sure about the commute time or distance.
I'd be surprised if you heard anything positive about Lawrence. It is a very hurting place, and is also high in the state for foreclosures lately.

[maggiekate]

Originally Posted by csette663

My family of 5 is moving to Ma. from Illinois and my husband will be working in Lawrence. We would like to find a community that is within 20-30 minutes from Lawrence. Some criteria: good schools, upscale, fairly small town with a cute/quaint downtown, good rec programs or youth programs. Any recommendations will be appreciated, we know nothing about the area.

Thanks!

could you check out towns in New Hampshire-very near Lawrence.

[SwiftCreek]

If you're looking for solid school system and a town that is more recession proof, Andover. Some other nice towns include West Newbury (rural), and Georgetown. Andover will have, by far, more parks & recs programs than all others. Andover also has good shopping, restaurants, etc.

[prvillain]

1.) If you have never lived in Lawrence do not say anything negative about it.

I have lived in Lawrence my entire life. Not all of Lawrence is a "Ghetto" like you guys call it. There are places like Mt. Vernon, Tower Hill, etc that are great places to live without worrying about too much crime. A few months ago a man killed his wife, dog, and then himself in Mt. Vernon but that was a very isolated incident.

Yes, there are tons of foreclosures and there has been much arson lately cause of it as well. Most of the stories you hear about Lawrence being extremely ghetto and a very unsafe place to live have been said by people that have never lived in Lawrence. There are great places to live around here... there has been many old mill buildings being turned into amazing condos, etc. WITH SECURITY.

I suggest moving to Salem, NH if you do not want to live in Lawrence. Their motto is "LIVE FREE OR DIE". You do not have to wear a seatbelt if you are over 18 (even though I suggest you do), you do not have to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle (although I suggest you do too), and best of all, NO TAXES! Not to mention, it is very close to Lawrence, most Lawrencians do their shopping in Salem. IF you want to live in Massachusetts: Andover, Methuen are great areas that are close to Lawrence but are not as dangerous.

I have lived in the Essex Projects my entire life. Do your research, even though the Merrimack Courts have a bad reputation for being a drug-infested area..I will not change it for the world. I love Lawrence. If you don't like it, don't come here! Simple as that. We don't discriminate neither, everyone is treated alike even if you are White, Black, Yellow, Green.. but like I said.. if you are not from Lawrence, you will not understand Lawrence, until you live here! It is also a very historical and talented place. So much talent, it's unbelievable.

If you are worried about drugs... I know Caucasian 'rich' kids that live in Andover, Salem NH, Haverhill, etc and snort more Cocaine than Al Pacino in Scarface. Any place you live, it is accessible. You cannot run away from that. The only way to prevent it is to keep a good eye on your children. The funniest thing is, they learn EVERYTHING in school. From negative to positive--everything!

[emdotjaydot]

I really suggest living in NH. No taxes, and really close by.

[jayrandom]

Living in NH and working in MA isn't a great bargain as you'll be paying MA income tax anyway.

[brightdoglover]

Remember, NH has no sales tax or income tax, but very major real estate taxes.