In search of: Friendliest town in MA??? (Boston, Needham: for sale, renters)

[starzfalldown]

Lorilou. We understand the contribution Texas makes to bring the USA gasoline and refined oil products. But we also believe that you, the people, have the right to force that industry to make it as clean as you need. They are making billions... at the price of your health. You arent their subjects. You're people, living in a democracy. You have a say. And as far as living like kings...
There are many gorgeous new houses in the price range you have discussed. Look into Bridgewater, Raynham, Easton, Sharon, Stoughton. Great towns- small town flavor, with some new building going on.
Dont punish us because our houses are old.... we've been here a long long time.

Good luck!

[2KidsforMe]

Sorry to be a kill joy but let's try to stay on topic. Debates about TX should be in that forum. We are in search of the "friendliest town in MA". My vote goes to Southborough. Great schools, friendly neighbors, active mom's group and nice community activities.

[puffle]

Originally Posted by 2KidsforMe

Sorry to be a kill joy but let's try to stay on topic. Debates about TX should be in that forum. We are in search of the "friendliest town in MA". My vote goes to Southborough. Great schools, friendly neighbors, active mom's group and nice community activities.

Hey 2Kids,
Congrats on being Moderator. Does this mean your staying put for awhile? Looks like Boston will be a go for us after all if we can get the $$$ to move during the summer. God I hope it happens for us. Atlanta and S.F. are a no go?

[2KidsforMe]

Hi Puffle! Gald to see you are back, and thanks. We passed on the Atlanta opportunity, and we so discouraged by what we saw in NorCal (prices, crowds, schools etc...) that we have decided to stay put for a while. Keep us posted.

[puffle]

Originally Posted by 2KidsforMe

Hi Puffle! Gald to see you are back, and thanks. We passed on the Atlanta opportunity, and we so discouraged by what we saw in NorCal (prices, crowds, schools etc...) that we have decided to stay put for a while. Keep us posted.

Wish we were there, NorEaster and all. It's about 80 here today which is high for this time of year. We did have a short period of snow a couple of month back though and I mean in the suburbs where we live! Miss Ma. so much. Warm weather isn't everything and California is a whole other story. Hope you are doing well.

[ogre]

Hi Lorilou. One town you might at least look into is Hopkinton, the town where the Boston Marathon starts. Take this with a grain of salt, because I've never been there, but I've heard that it's a very friendly, small-town kind of place. It's also close to a commuter rail station, in Ashland, one town to the north, a line which goes into South Station (about a 50-minute ride, maybe an hour, depending on which train you take). A word of caution: Hopkinton is out on what used to be the fringe of the Boston metro area. The suburbs have expanded, and I hear that Hopkinton is starting to be kind of yuppified, which might eventually detract from the friendly atmosphere. In the past, though, I've heard good things about the town's wholesome, friendly character. Maybe people more familiar with Hopkinton can post some updates on the current situation. Best of luck with your search.

[puffle]

Originally Posted by ogre

Hi Lorilou. One town you might at least look into is Hopkinton, the town where the Boston Marathon starts. Take this with a grain of salt, because I've never been there, but I've heard that it's a very friendly, small-town kind of place. It's also close to a commuter rail station, in Ashland, one town to the north, a line which goes into South Station (about a 50-minute ride, maybe an hour, depending on which train you take). A word of caution: Hopkinton is out on what used to be the fringe of the Boston metro area. The suburbs have expanded, and I hear that Hopkinton is starting to be kind of yuppified, which might eventually detract from the friendly atmosphere. In the past, though, I've heard good things about the town's wholesome, friendly character. Maybe people more familiar with Hopkinton can post some updates on the current situation. Best of luck with your search.

Ogre, I don't know how often Lorilou checks in but she already moved to Franklin in the spring.

[bostonnative]

I Have Lived All Over The Baystate.....nicest Folks And Best Quality Of Life Is Got To Be In The West!!

Pioneer Valley Is A Dream - Amherst , Belchertown, Northampton,hadley Beautiful Spot, Smart /considerate folks - No Keepin' Up With The Joneses.....

And Now I Am Moving Away For Work - Will Always Miss It Here.....

[Katrina91001]

Lorilou,

I lived in MA 20 years ago, but people are probably just as friendly (or not) as they were then. Coming from Southern California, I found MA to be a little bit of a culture shock, but I liked it. I found people to be less phony than they are here in L.A. They don't say, "Let's do lunch" unless they mean it. I have considered moving back, and would probably be attracted to a town that more or less matched my socio-economic class. I have relatives in Lynn (working class) and Needham (dry town/borderline stuffy, but nice). My choice would be Salem or the Cape, but I'm a beach girl.

Good luck to you! Wherever you end up, there's no place like MA.

[lorilou]

Originally Posted by Katrina91001

Lorilou,

I lived in MA 20 years ago, but people are probably just as friendly (or not) as they were then. Coming from Southern California, I found MA to be a little bit of a culture shock, but I liked it. I found people to be less phony than they are here in L.A. They don't say, "Let's do lunch" unless they mean it. I have considered moving back, and would probably be attracted to a town that more or less matched my socio-economic class. I have relatives in Lynn (working class) and Needham (dry town/borderline stuffy, but nice). My choice would be Salem or the Cape, but I'm a beach girl.

Good luck to you! Wherever you end up, there's no place like MA.

I had to laugh when I saw this old retro thread brought back to life! This was one of my original posts, and I just wanted to say that my family greatly benefited from the useful advice gained from this forum.
We recently celebrated our one year anniversary here, and it has been an amazing journey. I think we did find the friendliest town, for us, and we LOVE living here. For those of you who are considering a move to MA, just relax! If you are a good-hearted, open-minded person...you will find people exactly like yourself. You may have to work at it, but that is true with anything that is worth having. Thanks again to all who answered my questions and offered their support.
Lorilou