In search of: Friendliest town in MA??? (Boston, Framingham: rentals, neighborhoods)

[CaseyB]

Not all of it is about the schools. The example I just sited about our friends who just got a $14,000 property tax bill? Well guess what? They live in a neighboring town and their kids go to the same school that ours do. Our homes are pretty much the same size too, and as a matter of fact, we have more land. The difference is that some towns are aggressive in their assesments/or poorly managed.

[smarty]

CaseyB,

I doubt your tax bill is less than 5 digit. The only way I see this could happen is there is a lot more commercial revenue from your town or if he has the biggest house in town.

[CaseyB]

Originally Posted by smarty

CaseyB,

I doubt your tax bill is less than 5 digit. The only way I see this could happen is there is a lot more commercial revenue from your town or if he has the biggest house in town.

We just got our new tax bill in the mail. It was raised to $5,000. Last year it was about $4800. His house is MAYBE a little bigger than ours but he has a nice pool. He told us one of his neighbors got a bill for $17,000.

[Roadismyhome]

To answer your original question -
there are 351 towns, villages, and cities in Massachusetts (believe it or not). This partially explains why people who have lived here their entire lives may never have heard of a particular place.

[sevdie]

Puffle,

I sent you a private message. PLease look for it, okay? Thanks!

[puffle]

Originally Posted by 2KidsforMe

We live in Southborough and love it. I have found the neighbors to be super friendly. I was invited to join a mom's group, and invited over for playdates before we even unpacked! I don't feel the snob factor here so much, but I did spend the first 30 years of my life in Orange County, so maybe it's relative. I like that we have shopping nearby, good access to major routes, a T station in town, Hopkinton state park nearby, good schools, and a nice community feel. The downside is that the town can be pricey. We reached a bit to buy a newer home here, but we haven't regreted it at all. Good luck lorilou, in whatever you decide, and welcome to MA!

Hi 2kids!
Hope you had a nice holiday.
We have now moved our interests to your neck of the woods so I would love more info on Southborough. You said there is shopping nearby...where and what? Are there any retail stores or ice cream shops, etc. in town or do you have to drive to get anywhere like that? I would like a town center with places to stroll around on a nice day. Not really a shopper, more of a window watcher. How far are you from the nearest beach or lake? And since you are nearby, what is Westborough really like besides having Rt.9?

[2KidsforMe]

Hey Puff! I haven't forgotten about you. I'll check in with ya tomorrow. Sick kids...

[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.

[lorilou]

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.

Thank you, SCharlie! I will certainly be happy to review your advice; send it over. While it is true that there is a persistent rumor regarding the "blue-blood character" of the North Shore, I must tell you that I am willing to reserve judgment. Coming from Texas, where we pride ourselves on excessive friendliness, I have been so relieved to discover that the people I've spoken to from MA have been wonderful...friendly, kind, and helpful. The school administrators and musical directors have been excited to hear about my kids and seem anxious to include them in their programs. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: We Americans have many misconceptions about each other, fueled by media(that's just my opinion, take it or leave it), when in fact we are all much the same. Different accents, different ideals...whatever. And that's okay, it gives us balance. I never thought I'd say it, but I am looking forward to experiencing the New England lifestyle. Thanks to all of you who have welcomed us and dispelled many cultural myths along the way. lorilou

[puffle]

Originally Posted by johnycakes

The guy who lives across the street from me works for Liberty Mutual in the head office on Berkeley Street in Boston. His wife doesn't know how to mind her own business and gossips about everyone else behind their back. I told her off to her face, complete with F bombs about a year ago. So you probably don't want to move to Ashland since we aren't that friendly.

Hi there, My husband is interested in moving to Ashland but unfortunetly we can't get out there to check things out for awhile from Ca. Would you mind telling me what it is like there regarding areas to walk around and have coffee, market excessability,close proximity to shops and Boston and if you know anything about Ashland High (have read greatschools). I appreciate your time in answering. Thanks.