Up-and-Coming Massachusetts Towns and Cities (Boston, Lynn: loft, condos, high crime)

[Eric H.]

Perhaps this is a difficult subject given the tough economy, but what Massachusetts towns and cities do you see progressing with significant proper growth?

Proper growth could mean smart economic development, social and educational improvements, community beautification, etc.

Given that many people on this board are looking to move to Massachusetts communitities "headed in the right direction," perhaps this thread could be of benefit from "locals" like us who have a feel (based on facts and opinions) on the direction our communities are headed.

[TwistedNerve]

Lynn is up and coming I guess.

[bgrasser]

When I was a kid we had a saying that went like this, Lynn Lynn city of sin, you'll never come out the way you came in.

[RMP059]

Originally Posted by TwistedNerve

Lynn is up and coming I guess.

Actually, there was just an article in the Boston Globe about this. The big plans of Lynn have fallen thru again. A lot of people who bought big expensive loft condos in the area feel they've been led astray. Most of the upscale restaurants have closed or are having a tough time of it. Still a high crime rate. Still lots of empty storefronts.

I was born and bred on the N. Shore and my family and I lived in Lynn for some period of our lives, my sister and BIL, and a niece still live there, and it always follows the same pattern. It gets a little better, and then with an economic downturn it falls right back to where it was.

[RMP059]

And to answer the question: On the North Shore: Salem, Beverly, Newburyport, Lynnfield; on the Cape Falmouth, Mashpee, Barnstable.

[nate14ri]

lynn won't turn around until the blue line is extended

[brightdoglover]

The North Shore towns mentioned are far from up and coming, and in the case of Beverly and Newburyport, are at the top of their game.
As someone said, during economic downturns, it's hard to find anything up and coming. The same towns that have been down n' out for years or decades are still there, and none seem to be falling down, either.

[tripmama]

I vote for Quincy. They're building a new high school, they're revitalizing many parts of town, the shipyard's "Goliath" is coming down (which, while "bad news" for big industry, might be "good news" for other commercial development) and the downtown area seems to be experiencing a resurgence.

[Giantone]

Pittsfield is making a comeback.

[fishnfool]

I like amesbury a lot too, like newburyport but not crowded.