In search of: Friendliest town in MA??? (Boston, Beverly: hotel, bankrupt)

[puffle]

How does Westborough and or Southborough compare in terms of a nice village area and schools? My only comparison is living in Lexington for a year. I like the area very much especially the center of town,recreation, and markets close by but it is out of our price range and offers no Boston transportation. I have been investigating neighborhoods, schools, transportation,etc. for a solid three months now and am more confused than ever. I seems there a more negative feelings than positive about Ma., and when I go to Urban Dictionary to see what the kids think of their towns and schools it is downright frightening! So much talk of boredom,drugs and drinking...so many of them sound like spoiled, rich brats but live and go to the best schools. I have a 13 year old boy to consider and an only child to boot. I know nothing is ever perfect but I am at a complete loss with all the choices plus pros and cons.

[lorilou]

Originally Posted by puffle

How does Westborough and or Southborough compare in terms of a nice village area and schools? My only comparison is living in Lexington for a year. I like the area very much especially the center of town,recreation, and markets close by but it is out of our price range and offers no Boston transportation. I have been investigating neighborhoods, schools, transportation,etc. for a solid three months now and am more confused than ever. I seems there a more negative feelings than positive about Ma., and when I go to Urban Dictionary to see what the kids think of their towns and schools it is downright frightening! So much talk of boredom,drugs and drinking...so many of them sound like spoiled, rich brats but live and go to the best schools. I have a 13 year old boy to consider and an only child to boot. I know nothing is ever perfect but I am at a complete loss with all the choices plus pros and cons.

Breathe, Puffle!!!!
You are going to find the right house, town, and schools. You have been meticulous in your searching and it will all come together. I'll let you know what I find out about Franklin. I'm flying out tomorrow morning and will spend a 4 days there in search of the same things you're looking for. I might also check out Westboro; I'll let you know about that, too. LL

[smarty]

I think if I compare Lexington and Southborough, I would say Lexington is a much more active town with bike paths and downtown area. There is Nothing in Southborough. I think residents go to Marlborough, Framingham, Westborough to do things. I do not even recall a supermarket in Southborough.

[puffle]

Originally Posted by lorilou

Breathe, Puffle!!!!
You are going to find the right house, town, and schools. You have been meticulous in your searching and it will all come together. I'll let you know what I find out about Franklin. I'm flying out tomorrow morning and will spend a 4 days there in search of the same things you're looking for. I might also check out Westboro; I'll let you know about that, too. LL

Thanks Lori,Good luck on your search..but Franklin is too far a commute as far as hubby goes. I'm going to go take a nap now.

[2KidsforMe]

I agree with Smarty, Southborough is pretty quiet. We have a small town center, with a pizza place, a small strip mall, a couple of beautifull historic churces, library, town green and a couple of very posh private schools. It's very pretty and quaint, but not like Lexington (for walkability). Hopkinton state park is on the south side of Rt. 9, by the T station, and we live near there. The Park has a swimming beach, picnic tables, boat rentals, that sort of thing. A nice place to spend a summer afternoon. All of the actual shopping is located along Rte. 9, in either Framingham/Natick or Westborough. No, we don't have a grocery store in SB, but we do have a Dunkin' Donuts and a Starbucks! You will find quite a variety of homes in town, from multi-million dollar mansions to very small ranch homes, and prices vary greatly. I can't give you too much info on the high school we share with Northboro, since my kids are still real small. But I have been very impressed with the kids in our neighborhood, and their parent's commitment to education.

[HappyHeart]

What a conversation! I too am relocating to MA, my husband is from there, and looking for a friendly town. For those relocating, THANKS! This has been informative. We too are looking at the So. Shore. My concern is summer and the overload of people. We are also looking at Harvard, Bolton, Boylston, Groton and more rural areas. Any info out there? My daughter would love to have a horse and we would enjoy the quiet, quite a change from So. Ca.

[smarty]

Originally Posted by HappyHeart

As a stay at home mom who also runs a business I can't imagine why there are so much anger toward women who are raising their children. We do more than have our nails done and shop! But driving a BMW is quite fun and I'm so thankful that I can choose a wonderful location. And yes, for those of you who want to be rude, I am familiar with Chestnut Hill, Weston, etc. Still looking for a beautiful area, great schools and wonderful people and "small town" feel close to the city.

I am not sure where or who you get that "anger" feeling from. Hopefully, not me! I love women. I just wish I have a choice to be a stay at home dad and enjoy my kids more.

Originally Posted by HappyHeart

What a conversation! I too am relocating to MA, my husband is from there, and looking for a friendly town. For those relocating, THANKS! This has been informative. We too are looking at the So. Shore. My concern is summer and the overload of people. We are also looking at Harvard, Bolton, Boylston, Groton and more rural areas. Any info out there?

Just a thought. I am not sure I fully understand this interest in "friendly" towns. Are there hostile (or non friendly) towns? I only see friendly or non-friendly neighbors. One on each side of me. So, is my town unfriendly? or friendly? Can you decide who your neighbor should be?

Also, in the small rural towns like Harvard, Bolton, ... etc. If you do not have kids, you may see your neighbor once a year just because you live so far apart. Does it mean the town or neighbor is unfriendly? How often will people invite a neighbor to dinner when you only see him/her once a year? In my mind, if you choose to live in those small rural towns, the only interaction with anyone in town may be at a local grocery store and at school if you have kids. I really think "rural" and "friendly" do not mix well in New England. It may take 20-30 years before you meet everyone in town and be accepted. That is unless you volunteer to drive seniors around in your free time.


btw. What info in those towns are you looking for?

[surfingatwork]

Originally Posted by HappyHeart

My daughter would love to have a horse and we would enjoy the quiet, quite a change from So. Ca.

Lakeville (which is in southeastern mass) has a lot of horse farms, stables and plenty of space for riding.

[puffle]

Originally Posted by HappyHeart

What a conversation! I too am relocating to MA, my husband is from there, and looking for a friendly town. For those relocating, THANKS! This has been informative. We too are looking at the So. Shore. My concern is summer and the overload of people. We are also looking at Harvard, Bolton, Boylston, Groton and more rural areas. Any info out there? My daughter would love to have a horse and we would enjoy the quiet, quite a change from So. Ca.

We are moving from So. Ca. too. Where are you moving from and when?

[HappyHeart]

Thanks for the info on rural "small towns". Maybe volunteering to drive would be a fantastic way of meeting people and offering something of value to the community. Good point about living so far apart. I do have one daughter who is 12, others are grown and looking to live in the city. We're hoping to relocate by summer. It's so nice to hear of other families relocating. Isn't New England wonderful! The people, the seasons, the beauty and best of all, the City!