Searching for a home in MA

[smarty]

the schools aren't the greatest, but they ARE brand new and are very well suited with the best computers and equipment, etc.

I often ask teachers what they do with computers. Many say students use them to write paper, do research, and play games. Many others say they are often broken. Computers are often used 1-2hrs a day or like a piece of furniture taking up space. We spend $1000s on equipment. However, No staff to maintain it. No staff to teach kids to use it. No curriculum for these pieces of equipment.

[LovelyBoston]

Originally Posted by smarty

Computers are often used 1-2hrs a day or like a piece of furniture taking up space. We spend $1000s on equipment. However, No staff to maintain it. No staff to teach kids to use it. No curriculum for these pieces of equipment.

That depends entirely on the school. Many do have courses to teach kids how to use it, and curriculum involving computer use -- in addition to teachers in core academic subjects that incorporate them into some projects.

So perhaps, if a school has spent a lot of money on computers, don't assume that's good or bad -- check to see if and how they use those computers.

[tao777]

I vote for Stow...When I started reading, I thought "Sudbury" -but schools would be ...crowded. It's a terrific place for raising a family with all else you mentioned, (double that -terrificterrific) and if not there (or just too many people) then nearby.

I forgot how beautiful and charming and "livable" Stow is. Shopping but in rural setting, orchards nearby -and large houses not outragously priced.

On your list anyway that's my vote!

Welcome to the area!!

[patch28691]

i think you should take a look at wayland

[lorilou]

Originally Posted by LookinginMA

My husband and I, along with our three children, preschool age and under, recently moved to MA from MD for my husband's job. We have narrowed our search to a short list of towns and would appreciate any feedback you can give. I am a stay-at-home mom and my husband works in Framingham. This is what we are looking for in a town: things to do with the children (parks, library programs, strong rec & parks, mom's groups, pool), town activities (concerts in the park, Christmas festivities, parades), good/strong Catholic Church, good school system (well-rounded programming, strong academics, small teacher-student ratio, not overcrowded), low crime, sense of community/belonging. Is this too much to ask? Oh yeah, did I mention we would like a newer home with at least 4 bedrooms in somewhat of a community setting for under $700,000?
Here are the towns we are researching....
Southboro, Westboro, Hopkinton, Stow, Grafton, Shrewsbury, Holliston, Franklin, Northboro

Does anyone have any other suggestions of towns that should be on the list?

Much thanks in advance!

Hi, we just moved to MA from Tx and were looking for the same things, particularly a friendly setting for newcomers. We looked at many of the same towns you are considering and settled on Franklin. My children are older...Jr. High and High School ages, but we are so pleasantly surprised! We have been here for 2 weeks, and all of us are overwhelmed by the welcoming attitudes we have received from this community. I am still shocked at how well the transition has gone for both of my children in the schools...the student body is phenomenal...such nice kids. The administrative body of the schools are also extremely warm and helpful. I am a stay at home mom as well, and our neighbors have been very kind...we picked a gorgeous neighborhood called Diana Estates, a bit on the edge of town. The prices seem to range from $575-$700K, beautiful acre+ lots with lots of trees. There is a large playgroup here in the neighborhood, as well as book clubs (I've already been invited into one!) Franklin boasts the nation's first public library, and I've seen that there are activities there for young children. Also, great for you, walking distance to both elementary and Jr. High...you walk thru a little forrest trail, very scenic. Some people have criticized Franklin for not being a postcard New England town, and I would agree with that to a certain extent. There is a larger population here...roughly 30K, but in my mind that gives you more opportunities to find friends/neighbors with similar interests. Good restaurants (Panera Bread, Appleby's, plus good local Italian delis and date-night restaurants. Also, several day spas, which is always a good thing. So far, I'm thrilled with our choice...hope you find what you are looking for! Good luck, Lorilou

[dmoss79]

Originally Posted by BrandiWorc

uhm johnny cakessss.. worcester is amazing... and i wood never ever put my kids in WOrcester Academt, its located in the middle of the ghetto part of worcester, and all nerds with no lives go there ( no offense if u did) but Notre dame academy, where i go, Holy name, where i went, are both get private schools. dont dissuade worcester, since its an amazing city close to everything, you just need to know how to drive. If your worried about crime, dont go to hopkinton or downtown worcester, they r'nt too shnazzy, but uptown worcester bu umass has realli nice neighborhoods, cute schools, and great people. give it a try =]

I am moving to Hopkinton in 2 weeks to my first home, and I can not wait. I drove around the downtown area and the town looks picture perfect!

[findingmesomeday]

With the price range you mentioned and your wish to be close to Framingham, I'd say: South Natick, Hopkinton, Holliston--even Sherborn.