In search of: Friendliest town in MA??? (Boston, Beverly: relocating, housing)

[MaryMary]

Hello !
I was very fortunate to find this message board, as I am also relocating to Ma and am becoming more and more perplexed.

My problem is that since I discovered how to enter an address, along with EPA to google, I'm in shock over what I've found. For example, it seems like Uxbridge is not even an option for all the warning areas. When I discussed this with my realtor, she said I would need to eliminate 50 - 75 % of all the towns in MA because they were the leaders of industry.

My big question for any who have knowledge about this, ........
where is the SAFEST as far as pollution, toxins, contaminated soil and water etc?

I'm moving from New Jersey, which probably has a worse reputation for being polluted, but according to EPA maps, it's nothing compared to Ma.

My husband has been working there since Nov, and I'm still in NJ, so I'm pretty anxious to find a home up there.

Thanks in advance.
MM

[smarty]

Originally Posted by MaryMary

Hello !
My big question for any who have knowledge about this, ........
where is the SAFEST as far as pollution, toxins, contaminated soil and water etc?

Nope. Cannot help there. My understanding is every town has something wrong. For example, Sudbury River is contaminated with murcury. Hence, there is a sign saying do not eat the fish from the river since murcury is heavy and go to the bottom. Fish can accumulate murcury after eating. However, you can still kayak on the river and fish there (just dont eat it). They only tell you where there are contamination but not tell you where is NOT (since they do not know).

As to water, I would not worry about it unless you have a private well. All town water are constantly monitored, treated and checked. Hence, I would look at a town you like. Then check out the epa site and avoid areas in town where it is still contaminated. Some contaminant will spread but others are localized. Many of the contaminated sites have been cleaned up.

We put down tons of insect and crab grass killer to make our lawns pretty. You think they are safe? read the warning labels... Oh. Those pretty vegetables in the supermarket... always wash them! They get spayed with ??? so insects will not eat them.

[Elizabeth G]

Originally Posted by lorilou

MA will take care of that for me, haven't seen one yet!

Sorry that I'm joining this discussion somewhat late, but I am very interested in all the comments and views about friendliness. We moved to Connecticut about five years ago from Long Island and had to change our view of friendliness.
Most people who haven't lived in the NY area might say that New York is unfriendly, but there people greet each other, reply to greetings, and offer to help right away when they see you are lost or have some other problem. They often enjoy pausing for a few minutes to have a friendly conversation ("small talk") and share a laugh whether they know you or not.
When we moved to New England, our general impression was that people are much more reserved. Many people have lived here for generations and do not seem to know about reaching out to newcomers because they have never been in a position of not knowing anyone or not having relatives around.
Also, the weather can be so cold that you might go for days without seeing your neighbors even in a suburb where there are a lot of houses in one area.
It's not unusual to take a walk here and say good morning to people you see and have them not answer. I teach at Yale, and that is a very friendly environment, a community in itself, but in most places we have visited in New England, there seems to be a lot of conservatism about chatting with strangers. That may be why New Yorkers consider New England to be "cliquish". To meet people here aside from work situations, we've found it is important to join organizations and clubs where people have similar interests, and then gradually form friendships on that basis.
I have not lived in Massachusetts, although we are considering a move to Boston, and that is why I've been reading these posts. I think you and your family, Lorilou, will be fine and will gradually appreciate the style of friendliness that exists in New England. It's there, but may take time to find.

[twinpod]

I had to jump in here, being a native of Massachusetts and having lived in California for 24 years. I recently relocated back here with my husband and kids and it's been an adjustment for my husband who's lived mostly in CA, HI and MD. He finds Massachusetts to be relatively unfriendly. But, it all depends on a number of factors. How small is the town? Do you have any connections to the town (family, friend, co-worker etc) Do you participate in volunteer work or get involved with kids' activities? Also, when I first came back I lived in Swampscott, where the houses are closer together and though people weren't Texas-friendly, they didn't ignore you. In Newburyport it's a wealthier community and my particular neighborhood is spread out. I know a few people by first name, but we don't wave that often. My friend in a working class neighborhood of Beverly knows several people, and they help each other out with pet sitting, picking up mail etc.
It's largely a matter of proximity and socio-economics. Since my neighborhood is lacking, I joined a mother's group and they are nice people.
California had friendliness but where I was (Bay Area) also had crazy people coming up to you and screaming random things or panhandling. So, it's a trade off. I do believe the weather has something to do with it too...when the winter hits, people hibernate. Just have to make a little effort and get to know people with similar interests. Good luck!

[smarty]

Beside distance between houses, I also find many families need 2 incomes to make a comfortable living in New England. Hence, makes it tough to welcome someone with open arms when you barely get enough sleep. The lack of time, cold weather and the sun setting at 3:30pm did not help either.

[Poet]

Hi, Lorilou,

I just read your initial posting, and I applaud you for steadfastly seeking a friendly town. Of course it matters! I've lived in many places, both in New England and across the country, and found that most people are, indeed, helpful and friendly, even if they seem a little reserved at first. I haven't read all the replies to your post, but I did want to make a suggestion you might not yet have considered. How about Boston itself? One of the most enchanting places I ever lived was the North End, a section of Boston known for its Italian food and culture, and quite romantic in many ways. It is by the waterfront, near Faneuil Hall, near Haymarket (the fabulous weekly outdoor market), near downtown Boston, etc. Wouldn't it be fun to have a commute so short - no traffic, no parking tickets? It is easy to get anyplace in Boston from the North End by public transportation, so your family would have easy access to huge cultural and educational attractions and centers without even having to worry about parking and traffic. Just a thought, Lorilou. In any case, I think that wherever you live, you will find friendly people, because of your own pleasant and gracious disposition. Be well and enjoy!

[puffle]

Originally Posted by S_Charlie

Lorilou,

Have you and your family thought about towns on the North Shore. If you are looking for a nice place to live that has more to offer than just nice people you may want to think about some towns in this area. Boston is very accessible from the North Shore, The commuter rail is prob. the easiest way to get into town. Many of the school systems offer some sort of music program and not to mention some of the better schools in mass are located in this area. Its not so much that people arent friendly they are just not as trusting as many folks in different areas of the country. If you want to find out about some of the specific towns that have a lot to offer, let me know I think the North Shore is a great place to raise a family.

I've asked about Marblehead but no one replied. What can you tell me about the town? What part of Marblehead would you recommend living with a family to raise and dogs and what is the weather like in the winter, true winter? My husband is afraid that it might be too touristy, not really knowing the area but to me, that is what keeps property taxes lower. I would love to live near the ocean where the schools and neighborhoods are great with areas you can walk to or ride your bike but won't bankrupt us. Hubby won't go any farther than Marblehead or Hingham.

[lorilou]

Moderator cut: off topic When I opened this dialogue, I was earnestly seeking the advice/opinions of MA natives in order to help me narrow my search. That was my request. As you can see, I have been abundantly rewarded: this thread has taken on a life of its own. A number of seekers have found answers to their questions, including myself. Thanks to all of you who have shared your wisdom with the rest of us who are simply trying to make the adjustment of moving a bit easier. Lorilou

[lorilou]

Originally Posted by Poet

Hi, Lorilou,

I just read your initial posting, and I applaud you for steadfastly seeking a friendly town. Of course it matters! I've lived in many places, both in New England and across the country, and found that most people are, indeed, helpful and friendly, even if they seem a little reserved at first. I haven't read all the replies to your post, but I did want to make a suggestion you might not yet have considered. How about Boston itself? One of the most enchanting places I ever lived was the North End, a section of Boston known for its Italian food and culture, and quite romantic in many ways. It is by the waterfront, near Faneuil Hall, near Haymarket (the fabulous weekly outdoor market), near downtown Boston, etc. Wouldn't it be fun to have a commute so short - no traffic, no parking tickets? It is easy to get anyplace in Boston from the North End by public transportation, so your family would have easy access to huge cultural and educational attractions and centers without even having to worry about parking and traffic. Just a thought, Lorilou. In any case, I think that wherever you live, you will find friendly people, because of your own pleasant and gracious disposition. Be well and enjoy!

Thank you, Poet! I wanted to let you know that I have just returned from MA after 4 days of house hunting. What a relief! I want to say that I was overwhelmed by the kindness and helpfulness of the good people of New England...everyone from my taxi drivers, hotel staff, realtors, etc...was outstanding. I was invited to dinner by a family I have never met (the husband knows my husband thru business), and we ended up laughing and drinking mojitos until the wee hours of the morning! The realtor took me into several shops around town, introduced me to folks, and they were all great. So, the old cliche holds: Birds of a feather flock together. People, from ANYWHERE, who wish to be surrounded by warmth and laughter will attract others of the same variety. I loved the small towns in MA, just gorgeous! Can't wait to get there! thanks everyone, LLou

[lorilou]

Originally Posted by johnycakes

So does that mean you're now committed to Franklin, LL, or what's your current thinking?

I'm totally committed to Franklin. I'll tell you what I like about it....there's stuff to do! Nice restaurants, shops, grocery stores. Within 10 minutes, there is a Whole Foods and the outlet shops in Wrentham (important with teenage daughter...) I found a gorgeous neighborhood there with a very active community outreach. It seemed as if there are a number of "at-home" moms there, which might be nice for me. Lots of kids, friendly people everywhere I went, etc. I like the fact that there is a Jr. College in town, might come in handy, you never know. I may want to send my kids there for their freshman year to make sure they won't mess around and blow my money! I just liked the feel of the town. Thanks for inquiring, and I'll keep you posted. Lorilou