Medford, Melrose, Lexington - others??? (Boston, Winchester: houses, neighborhood, good schools)

[niba]

Hello All. My husband just got a new job in Medford, MA so we are about to head up North in a few months. We live in Texas (boy I'm going to miss this weather) but we are originally from the Boston area so it won't be a complete culture shock for us but because we have two kids that are a little older now (10 and 14) our priorities have changed since we've moved. We are trying to find a neighborhood that is similar to the one we live in now which is very suburban with great schools, parks and good sport programs. Our lives are all about the kids so the best place for them is the best place for us.

Thanks!

[scarletfire]

You can't go wrong with Lexington - great schools, lots to do, many community activities. I haven't heard great things about Medford.

[smarty]

We are trying to find a neighborhood that is similar to the one we live in now which is very suburban with great schools, parks and good sport programs.

What is very suburban?

Be prepare to down size... as the same price house here are about half the size and 2+x as old.

[Calla]

Winchester borders Medford and has far better schools. Its is very peaceful, has great schools and parks. Its closer than Lexington, so a super easy commute. Medford and Melrose schools aren't as good as Winchester or Lexington.

[niba]

Maybe I shouldn't have said "very suburban". Where we live now is just outside the city in a planned community with many parks, pools, football, baseball and volleyball fields and the schools are exemplary. We aren't far from the Town Center which has shops, restaurants, has movie nights, tree lighting, etc. We have been looking at houses online in different areas and realize that we might not find anything as big or new as where we live now which is okay. The only things we aren't willing to sacrifice are good schools and a safe and kid friendly neighborhood. Thanks for all of your responses.