Billerica, MA. (Boston, Newton, Salem: sales, rentals, crime)

[jifranci5]

Thoughts on Billercia, MA? Housing, Crime, Traffic, Schools? I am working on relcating from a suburb outside Rochester, NY...a town of about 34K people. I'll be working in the Newton area and wanted to check thougths of those that are in the area or have experienced a large move. How does this area compare to say, Hopkinton, Holiston, Sharon, Foxboro?

Thanks,

Jim

[CaseyB]

Originally Posted by jifranci5

Thoughts on Billercia, MA? Housing, Crime, Traffic, Schools? I am working on relcating from a suburb outside Rochester, NY...a town of about 34K people. I'll be working in the Newton area and wanted to check thougths of those that are in the area or have experienced a large move. How does this area compare to say, Hopkinton, Holiston, Sharon, Foxboro?

Thanks,

Jim

Billerica doesn't compare well, I'm afraid. What price range would you be looking at?

[tao777]

jifranci5-
Hi, I read your inquiry and then happened to meet someone who's from Billerica (no kidding- just 20 minutes later), and this is what she had to say-

House prices are coming back down after quite a rise. Her and her husband live in a small ranch. She spoke well of the community, said her neighbors are very friendly. Recently married (and 31 yrs old, working in Boston, healthcare), she did not research highschools, but was impressed with daycares and elementaries. She seemed to believe there was no crime problem.

I would say, if you would move out to this area, you might do better than some of the towns you listed. There's Burlington (which is on the rise apparently), there's Chelmsford, Reading/North Reading, for relative cost of living. Though I like the area out by Hopkinton. Sharon, nearer to Fitchburg, is small, a bit remote though I think.

I'm sure people could embellish this info...
Best of luck to you-

[blaaze8102]

I live in Billerica currently. It is a nice town overall.. schools are good w/ good overall academic and sports programs. The foorprint of the town is rather large than a lot of people think. One of the best things is probably the location. It is easy to get just about anywhere...unless you are traveling during rush hour traffic where travel times increase a bit depending on where you're commuting to. Boston is only about 20-22 miles away and sales tax-free New Hampshire is even closer. All of the major highways are an easy drive which definitely helps.

I grew up in the area and am actually in the process of relocating due to job reasons. As a past realtor I have seen home prices decline a little over the last handful of years so it is a good time to buy in this area. Hopefully my home sells once it is on the market. You could always contact the Billerica Chamber of Commerce or visit their webpage at.... http://www.billericachamberofcommerce.com/ which has a lot of helpful information.

There's also.... http://www.billerica.org/ and http://www.billerica.mec.edu/ which is a site for the public school system here.

Hope all of this info helps and good luck to you!!!!!

[Parsec]

Originally Posted by tao777

I would say, if you would move out to this area, you might do better than some of the towns you listed. There's Burlington (which is on the rise apparently), there's Chelmsford, Reading/North Reading, for relative cost of living. Though I like the area out by Hopkinton. Sharon, nearer to Fitchburg, is small, a bit remote though I think.

I think you're thinking of Shirley. Sharon is south of Boston, near Stoughton.

[Parsec]

jifranci5: are you single or married? have kids? do you prefer urban, rural, or suburban? if you live in newton and are moving from out of state, why don't you just rent for a year in newton to get a feel for the area before buying? i just moved to newton and i love it here. great place for people of all ages to live, especially if you're working in town.

[jifranci5]

Thank you for those that have posted replies...More information to help...

I'm a married 30 yr. old with a 6 month old daughter. We live in Upstate NY(Rochester) and I will be relocating for a job in Newton, MA. My wife will likely work just west of Salem and we're looking for a good halfway point. I have an opportunity to get a place in Billerica and it seems like a decent area. Will likely rent the first year, get a feel for the job and area, then make a "stay" or "return" decision. I live in a suburb now, 20 mins from the city and would like to commute less than 40 minutes. I'm not one for city life and prefer the communities and space that suburbs offer.

Thanks again.

[puffle]

Originally Posted by Parsec

jifranci5: are you single or married? have kids? do you prefer urban, rural, or suburban? if you live in newton and are moving from out of state, why don't you just rent for a year in newton to get a feel for the area before buying? i just moved to newton and i love it here. great place for people of all ages to live, especially if you're working in town.

Could you give me your feel for Newton as far as community feel, walkability, crowded, rentals, safe feeling and how long does it take to get into Boston via the T?