Moving to MA from CA

[Hurrah]

I moved from San Diego to Mass in 1985. Although I loved California (palm trees, sunshine, warm weather.... all great) but, Mass is by no means ugly. The foiliage is simply stunning especially when the leaves change in the fall. The winters are cold, but there's nothing like watching thick snowflakes floating to the ground illuminatged by the street lamps (or moonlight) at nightl. The smooth blanket of snow... chrystal icicles hanging from the eaves of snow covered homes... definitely picturesque! (Think Christmas cards- he he). Mass also has some great beaches and ponds as well (Cape Cod).

I believe every area of our country has beauty of its own.

Good luck on your relocation. Let the adventure begin!

[Suzet2262]

Originally Posted by Valerie C

Nice... real nice... Please don't judge Massachusetts by posts like that...



I think there are quite a few people on the Mass board and also the NH board who have moved from "beautiful" California to "ugly, cold" Mass/NH. Of course California is beautiful, but sure not for everybody...

Salem is nice, but it can get *really* congested, and can be difficult to get in and out of, at least that's been my experience.

Many houses, both old and new, will have garages, the exception being houses on small city lots. It's a good idea to rent to be sure you're in the right area for your family. Cities are not the "planned communities" that you may be used to in Cal, so it may be tough to acclimate yourself to a different lifestyle. Best of luck with your decision--Massachusetts has an awful lot to offer

Hi Val. I did a search for Salem to get some info for our trip out there, and found a whole bunch of threads to read. I am going to have fun tonight. As you know we are coming out there from So Cali, and I have never once considered myself stupid for wanting to relocate. Stupid is making uncalled for remarks about a decison someone wants or needs to do with their life that has nothing to do with the person making the rude remarks. So Cali isnt the end all, trust me. I have been out here for 46 years and cant wait to leave.

Maaya, good luck on your move. I hope everything goes smoothly for you and your husband.

[Tinyyogini]

Hi Maya,

I lived in Salem for 3 years. I currently live in Somerville and commute to Salem for work. Here's what I know.

The commute from Wakefield during that time should be easy. I travel from 93N to 95N at around 7:30 am. Heading north on 95 in the morning is against traffic, as everyone is getting to 95 south or 93 south. Smooth sailing, unless there's an accident. Wakefield to Salem should be 15 minutes.

Living in Salem has its pros and cons. I loved Salem, but it's a pain in the ass to get in and out of. If you don't plan on going out a lot to venture into other towns, you're fine. You could always take the train into Boston to make things easier as well. I found that I didn't visit friends as often (in other cities) but I always found plenty to do in Salem with new friends.

The only area I would avoid in Salem is a few blocks called "The Point". It's a little area south of Derby street, between Lafayette Street and Pingree Street. It's basically a little ghetto and you'd have absolutely no reason to go there, so it's easy to avoid.

The rest of Salem is fine. The nicest area is around Salem Commons. There are some beautiful homes there. North Salem is nice, too, by the country club and Green Lawn cemetery (which used to be an arboretum and makes for a nice stroll). Salem isn't really rough. You won't get mugged, and people are pretty friendly for a New England town. Believe it or not, some folks will say hello to you if they pass you on the street.

You'll see some tough-looking kids hanging about downtown, but they're just hanging out and are harmless. They're my students, I should know.


Salem also has nice restaurants and has been "cleaning up nice" lately, as they're working on revitalizing the downtown area. Halloween is insane, as people come from all over the country to celebrate. It's one month out of the year, and only one week where it really gets nutty, but I never thought it was that big a deal.

I recommend Salem, especially if you have kids. It's got a nice diversity. I think the schools are underrated, but I'm biased because I work there. Beverly is nice and convenient to 128, but they cut art from the elementary schools and I think that sucks. Marblehead and Swampscott are both beautiful, but dominantly caucasian, which is fine if that's what you like.

Let me know if you have any other questions. Good luck!!

[djdean]

Me too. Have you moved yet, I see this was June? I too am thinking of moving from LA to Salem MA. Hey, to the person who said we are stupid to leave CA, think again.......not always sunny,not always beautiful,lots of crime,expensive, and a giant pain in the butt!

[Boomerang]

Originally Posted by NorthNJ

You are so stupid if you move from the beautiful California to the ugly, cold Massachusetts....

Pretty harsh words coming from New Jersey!!!

[zxanadu]

Within 30 minutes of Salem: Marblehead, Swampscott, and Danvers are good choices although housing may be costly. Beverly, Lynn and Salem all have some lovely neighborhoods, and housing has traditionally been less costly than the other towns. You may want to consult a local realtor, who I would expect would offer guidance as to safe family-oriented areas to look at.