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Old 10-25-2008, 10:41 PM
 
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Could someone comment on the differences/similarities of these towns? Regarding, schools, amenities, town vibe, etc., which would you prefer? Thanks for the opinions.
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Old 10-26-2008, 03:40 AM
 
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Lexington is more suburban--afluent but suburban. Concord is more in the country--roads winding among woods and fields, ponds, some farms. That description of Concord relates mainly to its appearance. It is largely a bedroom commuter town.

Both have decent downtown areas. Lexington probably has a larger downtown, or is at least closer to extensive shopping in nearby towns.

Both have history of course, but Concord has more historical houses still maintained with a look true to the original appearance found throughout town. I believe that Cocord has zoning that strictly regulates what you can do in decorating and renovating certain old houses.

Both lean well to the left politically. Concord may be a bit earthy-crunchy, at least to a degree.

Concord's schools seem to have more of a high-powered, elite reputation, but I hear good things about the schools in both towns.

Concord is on a commuter rail line. Lexington is not, though I believe it is served by transit busses.

Lexington is closer to Boston.
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Old 10-26-2008, 10:53 AM
 
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Thanks, Ogre! Do you know if the recreation for kids is as developed in Concord as it is in Lexington (sports, art programs, summer camp, etc.). Also, are there many stay-at-home parents in Concord? I'm wondering if the rural aspect would be isolating in this regard, or if there would be parents around during the day. Also, is one town more "outgoing" than the other? Is it easy to meet people? We're trying to make a decision b/w these two towns. My husband is commuting to Cambridge, but is willing to drive a bit more if Concord would be a better fit.
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Old 10-26-2008, 06:48 PM
 
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Recreation programs in Concord include basketball, fencing, ice & field hockey, track, swimming, golf, lacrosse, soccer, baseball/softball, yoga, pilates, rowing, and tennis, plus preschool programs. Residents also enjoy the Beede Swim & Fitness Center and two country clubs.

There are plenty of social clubs, including the Newcomers Club, Concord-Carlisle Community Partnership for Children, Concord Conserves, Sudbury Valley Nature Photographers, Concord Music Club, Lion's Club, Minuteman Chapter of P-Flag, Concord Women's Club, etc.
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Old 10-26-2008, 10:46 PM
 
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I don't know a lot about specific activities or organizations in either town. Judging by Scarletfire's post, there is quite a bit going on in Concord. I have friends in Lexington, who have told me that something they especially like about that town is that there's a sense of community, along with a variety of activities. I don't know a lot of details, but apparently it is generally the case that Lexington has a community feel.

Although I'm not familiar with the everyday details of life in Concord, I can say that it's typical in those woodsy suburbs to rely heavily on driving to get around town. This often leads to formally arranged community activities. People attend organized group meetings, and parents drive children to pre-arranged visits at friends' homes, rather than having adults gather informally at corner eateries or children just kind of hanging out with other kids in the neighborhood. This is not one hundred percent the case, but does seem to be more the case than what happens in more densely populated areas.

I wish I could be more specific, but I just don't know either of these towns in really great detail, in terms of day-in, day-out living.
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Old 10-27-2008, 07:31 AM
 
Location: Metrowest, MA
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Just to put in my 2 cents..

Yes. In rural settings.. you do have to drive more. But I do not see Lexington folks walk to every activity. Lexington is a much bigger town in terms of population (30K vs 14K). The high school population is about 2X that of Concord (2K vs 1.2k). With numbers there are advantages of lots of "things to do". With busy schedules, there is no such thing as non organized groups in either town. May be closer in terms of 10-15 houses neighborhoods.

The town spirit is more in Lexington because Lexington has recreation facilities in the middle of town where many go. It is the only "real" way of meeting others (through kids). Lexington has a little more town planning in the commercial sense. A very nice walking/bike path which goes through the center.

Concord in my opinion is much further left than Lexington. [Example of no demonstration when an elementary school read a book with 2 dads.] People are a lot more relaxed. It does not mean they are not driven. The measurement of success may not be the same. Lexington has more focus on science and technology vs Concord in liberal arts.


Everything that can be counted does not necessarily count; everything that counts cannot necessarily be counted.
Albert Einstein
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Old 10-27-2008, 04:13 PM
 
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Thanks everyone! Wow. You're so helpful. You're right, Smarty, about how one makes friends through kids' activities! I'd like to live in a place where the kids can be a bit more independent and wander to the center alone. While Concord has a great center perhaps it isn't always feasible to walk there given that not everyone lives near the center of town. I wouldn't have guessed that Concord was more liberal than Lexington. Does anyone have any specific comments about the public schools in Concord? Are there more desirable elementary schools or parts of town? Is Concord a self-contained community, or do you feel that you need to venture elsewhere a lot for amenities. Lexington, for example, seems pretty self-contained.
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Old 10-27-2008, 04:40 PM
 
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My in-laws have young children in the schools and have been very impressed with the teachers. The kids needed ELS programs and they found the ELS program in Concord to be more advanced than the town they moved from, and that there is a good deal of parental involvement and a commitment to academic excellence. They also like that there is more diversity in the elementary school their children attend.
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Old 10-28-2008, 05:02 PM
 
Location: in a house
5,835 posts, read 5,160,257 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 4panthers View Post
Thanks everyone! Wow. You're so helpful. You're right, Smarty, about how one makes friends through kids' activities! I'd like to live in a place where the kids can be a bit more independent and wander to the center alone. While Concord has a great center perhaps it isn't always feasible to walk there given that not everyone lives near the center of town. I wouldn't have guessed that Concord was more liberal than Lexington. Does anyone have any specific comments about the public schools in Concord? Are there more desirable elementary schools or parts of town? Is Concord a self-contained community, or do you feel that you need to venture elsewhere a lot for amenities. Lexington, for example, seems pretty self-contained.
My son goes to high school in Concord and I believe it is one of the top five schools in Ma. The elementary and middle schools are very good as well. Not that we need it, but there are always police patroling the area. There are several parks scattered around all of Concord which includes West Concord. So there are really two town centers..Concord and West Concord. We have a park called Rideout Park on Lawsbrook Rd that is loaded with kids and sports teams. We also have ice hockey, a roller rink, gyms, camps and squash.
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Old 10-28-2008, 08:14 PM
 
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Thanks Puffle,

Do you ever get tired of driving, or is it even a consideration? Do you think Lexington would be similar?
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