Lynn Mass Prices and opinions (Boston, Somerville: section 8, short sales, real estate)

[J1mbo01]

I am looking for people who have firsthand knowledge about certain areas of Lynn, Mass. I have been looking at houses in the Ward 1/Goodwin Circle area and near the Lynn Woods/Saugus line. Right now I could get something that needs cosmetics in these areas for about 240-290k. Has anyone ever lived in these 2 areas and does anyone have any opinions on them?? Please keep in mind that I know downtown Lynn is not the best place and some areas of Lynn are questionable, but these two areas seem to have reasonable homes. Do you think prices are going to drop more in these areas?

[boston mark]

Originally Posted by J1mbo01

I am looking for people who have firsthand knowledge about certain areas of Lynn, Mass. I have been looking at houses in the Ward 1/Goodwin Circle area and near the Lynn Woods/Saugus line. Right now I could get something that needs cosmetics in these areas for about 240-290k. Has anyone ever lived in these 2 areas and does anyone have any opinions on them?? Please keep in mind that I know downtown Lynn is not the best place and some areas of Lynn are questionable, but these two areas seem to have reasonable homes. Do you think prices are going to drop more in these areas?

I grew up in Saugus, but had a lot of friends over in Veteran's Villiage and Kings Lynn (I'm thinking that's the area in question). Always seemed like a nice area to me. I think Lynn gets an unfair wrap. It's only real draw back in the school system.

But in that price range I'd look into Saugus. There was a Cape in my old neighorhood (off Summer near Stackpole field) that sold for 220k just a few months ago.

[KarynO]

The areas off Lynnfield Street going toward Goodwin Circle are nice family neighborhoods, almost all well cared for single family homes (which means the area won't decay) with a very active little league park, decent elementary school...you can live there and not feel like you are living in Lynn...very convenient to the highways, shopping, etc...The other side of the reservior, the Lynn/Saugus line is much more dicey...there are some decent side streets but you are very close to some very bad projects and there are more multi-family homes which mean lower income and section 8 rentals...I would pay more to be over by Lynnfield ST or stay out of Lynn. I would also budget in private schools after elementary...I pulled my daughter out of Pickering 10 years ago...there were fist fights where the parents were actually circling around and cheering the kids on...nice.

[J1mbo01]

Thanks, I took a look at the neighborhoods this weekend. The Ward 1/Goodwin Circle area was nice, and I did not like the Walnut Street Neighborhood that I looked at. However, I also took a ride around the Fay Estate area which seemed really nice once you were off of route 107. Do you know anything about that neighborhood? Also, one of the homes I am interested in is off of Lynnfield Street in Wyoma Square. It's a bit further down Lynnfield Street but still seemed nice.

[KarynO]

I actually grew up in the Fay Estate (in the 70's) and it was a great place...very little traffic, lots of cook outs, pool parties, great fourth of July block parties and a very festive neighborhood during Halloween and Christmas...I would even bring my own children there trick or treating when I lived in Lynn...again, it's almost like not living in Lynn because you are so close to Salem, Swampscott and easy access to route 1 or route 128. I went to St. Pius school K-8, which was great and many send they're kids to Bishop Fenwick H.S. / St. Mary's or St. Johns Prep (males), to avoid the Lynn schools completely. You don't have to be Catholic to attend.

Lynn, despite it's problems always had great little league, youth soccer and pop warner.

Wyoma Square is pretty good...Euclid Ave, Den Quarry Rd...Those areas are decent...there is an area "Buchanan Circle" across the way from the Fay Estate...there are all nice single family homes.

If you want to buy in Lynn, it seems like you are looking in the right area...I would stay away from neighborhoods with more than a couple of multi family homes...that is the key to making sure your neighborhood doesn't slide into a slum.

I highly recommend Mino's Roast Beef in Wyoma square!

[J1mbo01]

Thanks! This has been very helpful. I am looking at Lynn because of price......It seems that you can get a nice house there for less money (I'm looking at under 300k) than other towns. I grew up in Somerville, so Lynn's reputation does not bother me the way it would other people. As long as the neighborhood is nice and I have decent people living around me who take pride in their homes I will be happy. Right now I am not concerned about the schools, because we have no children currently. However that will probably change in about 5 years, so it is good to know about my options. We would most certainly send our children to Catholic School if we end up in Lynn (My fiance went to catholic school from K-12 and then college).

[cityofsin781]

Goodwin Circle is a nice neighborhood. That's where Lynners move when they have "made it". I would advise against moving in the Walnut St vacinity. Saugus is a nice town, but it isn't all that it is cracked up to be.

As for lower Lynnfield St (Wyoma Square), there are many real estate deals to be had. Reasonably nice neighborhoods and not much crime.

If you are looking for that "get the F outta Lynn" feeling, The Fay Estates are nice. There are also some neighborhoods off of Eastern Ave (the beach end) that are pretty much untainted by Lynn's menacing reputation. Places like Oneida St, St Clair St & Erie St.

And for the record, Lynn's school system is not as bad as a previous poster claims. The last few years it has improved to the point of being above average for the state. Unfortunately there are always problems with young people and violence happens in EVERY SCHOOL (including the illustrious St Mary's)

If you haven't bought a home in Lynn yet, I recommend waiting another 3-6 months. By then the prices should be pretty close to rock bottom.

[TedMc1955]

Originally Posted by J1mbo01

I am looking for people who have firsthand knowledge about certain areas of Lynn, Mass. I have been looking at houses in the Ward 1/Goodwin Circle area and near the Lynn Woods/Saugus line. Right now I could get something that needs cosmetics in these areas for about 240-290k. Has anyone ever lived in these 2 areas and does anyone have any opinions on them?? Please keep in mind that I know downtown Lynn is not the best place and some areas of Lynn are questionable, but these two areas seem to have reasonable homes. Do you think prices are going to drop more in these areas?

My sister-in-law lives in Lynn off Walnut Street heading towards Rte. 1. She has had no problems in the time she has lived there. Having grown up in Somerville, I can tell you that you should have no problem living in Lynn. There are sections of Somerville that were and still are pretty dicey. You seem to be on the right track as to neighborhoods. I work as a Realtor and I agree with another post that prices haven't hit bottom yet. There is still so much inventory and so many short sales and foreclosures which are depressing the whole Lynn market. $240-300 for a house in good shape is correct, something that you could never find in Somerville. Good luck

[YankeeTom]

Questions:

Is it possible to get around Lynn, Boston , North Shore area in general using public transportation? Is living without a car a viable option in any of these areas?

If not, how are the cheap used cars in the area and do newcomers have difficulty obtaining a sticker for them? ( Emissions , Safety Inspection etc )

[Irishperson]

While I'd say that you could live in Boston without a car Lynn and most of the area's on the North Shore a car is going to be needed at some point. As far a the cost goes it all varies on what year..make model you buy. I will tell you that getting the car inspected will cost $29 a year and it has to be done every year. Even a decent second hand car should be able to pass inspection without difficulty...do keep in mind though that auto insurance is a bit pricy here and the rate's can be quite variable city to city...and before I forget there's also both sales taxes and an annual auto excise tax that's based on the book value of the vehicle..