Hanover- for a family with young kids? (Boston, Newton: relocating, home)

[rmh1]

We are relocating to the South Shore and have 3 young kids. We recently added Hanover to our search. Can anyone tell me, if you live there, how you like it - and about the resources for families with young children? I know the YMCA is huge, do many people use the facilities for kids? How is the town recreation? Are you happy with the schools? Any information would be appreciated!

[RESouthShore]

Hi -

I have lived in Hanover for about 5 years and I find it to be a very nice town. The schools are very good and the town recreation has a lot to offer (cooking classes, babysitting classes, skiing, fencing, a 6 week summer rec program), etc. The Y is excellent and for about $90 a month you can get a family membership that gives you access to the facility, 3 pools, outdoor center (seasonal), 2 hrs of free childcare daily and more. It is a beautiful place and they've just expanded the cardio area into a new section. The town itself can be quiet at times but it has a nice library, good walking trails, easy access to the highway and commuter rails, and some nice shops and restaurants. It is more affordable than Hingham and Norwell but the school systems are up in the same bracket with test scores. One good thing is that this year Boston Magazine highlighted that Hanover is one of the top 4 towns in Massachusetts that had home values increase last year. It is definitely a nice town - oh, if you like horses, there are always horse shows going on in the center of town at Briggs Stables. Check out the Hanover Youth Athletics website (HYAA.org) for more info on sports for kids.

Let me know if you have any other questions, I'd be glad to answer them.

Katie

[rmh1]

Thanks Katie! I appreciate your response. I visited the Y and loved we, we use our Y here a ton, so was so glad to see such a large one there. Do many of the kids in Hanover go to camp there? My oldest is entering 1st grade and I was hoping he'd meet a few kids before school started- we are likely moving there in August. Any suggestions? I came across the Newcomers Club, which Ill likely check out. Thanks also for the Youth Athletics website, that is so helpful! My 2 younger ones will go to preschool in Hingham I think- its the school I had enrolled them in when we thought we'd end up there. Anyway, thank you again!

[RESouthShore]

Yes, the Y camp does get a lot of kids from Hanover and other towns too. Hanover Park & Rec department also has a summer program but I'm not sure if you will be moving in time to take advantage of that. Check out the town of Hanover website for more info. The Newcomer's Club is great - I have been a member since I moved here. They do playgroups, parties, monthly meetings just for the women and also events for husbands/wives & families. I met so many people when I joined and it was really worth it. I'm running out the door right now and will reply more later -
Katie

[RESouthShore]

Hi - Just wanted to see if you had decided on Hanover. I was looking on here and realized I never sent another response. It is a great town and I would be happy to answer any more questions that you might have.

Hope your search is going well!

[cbrew26]

Hanover is a great town but they need a new high school. It makes the town look like a ghetto with a high school that is as antiquated as the current Hanover High. I can't believe a town that has some money wouldn't want to invest in the kids!

[findingmesomeday]

Originally Posted by cbrew26

Hanover is a great town but they need a new high school. It makes the town look like a ghetto with a high school that is as antiquated as the current Hanover High. I can't believe a town that has some money wouldn't want to invest in the kids!

Unfortunately, there are lots of towns in that situation. Wellesley's high school hasn't been remodeled since the early 1970's and possibly even longer. Newton North is a mess. It takes a huge tax overrride and a population base willing to take that on to renovate/build a new high school.

[RESouthShore]

The high school has been approved for state reimbursement and the plan is going to vote in September. It was not approved when it went to vote a few years back by just 18 votes. I believe it will pass this time but one never knows. . .