Need Advice about places to live around Concord, MA (Boston: low crime, appliances)

[MovingToMA]

My husband, son, and I are about to move to Boston area with his new job. We're moving from Denver, CO and have been overwhelmed by the number of communities surrounding Boston.

His job is in Concord, MA. We are in our mid-30s, and have a 1 yr. old son. We've typically lived in suburban, single family homes. We're looking for a community with good schools, low crime, and relative short commute (< 30min) (Who isn't, huh?), and like to be close to church (catholic), restaurants and shops. We've generally preferred newer homes (bigger rooms/closets, updated features, appliances, etc.) Our price range for a house would be in the low $600s. We've heard good things so far about Hopkinton, and Acton, but really don't know much about either.

We would appreciate any help about a potential community to live.

--MovingToMA

[scarletfire]

Hopkinton has what you're looking for except the commute is about 45 minutes. You can certainly find a newer house like you're looking for in that price range there.

Sudbury is also an excellent option - very close by, terrific schools, a few good restaurants, great community activities, but home prices are higher. You'd likely find an older home in your price range.

Crime is very low in both areas.

[beccaoco]

what about living in concord? concord is a great little, safe town. has a nice downtown with some shops, a few restaurants/cafe/deli. nice kid parks in the area. acton is also nice. my sister lives there now. small downtown area. very close to concord, maybe 10 min.

[brightdoglover]

You should be able to find something in Concord in your price range. But yes, Acton would be delightful and an easy drive. One of the best communities around, anywhere. No reason to look into Hopkinton or further afield. Also, Concord/Acton are low on McMansion-style development compared to Hopkinton. I don't think Concord's history and ambience can be beat. You might get a bit less house in Concord versus Acton, but it's one of the best places on the planet to live, and I imagine for family life. Acton is a close second. (Disclaimer- I live one town over from Acton, don't have kids, and find my town a lovely small town rural-ish town for family life, very kid-centered, one Catholic church. I imagine there's more than one in Acton, and likely more than one in Concord, but these aren't heavy-duty Catholic areas like the urban suburbs in closer to town).
Best wishes. You should be able to find a wonderful place to live.

[scarletfire]

I agree with BrightDogLover that Concord has everything you're looking for. You can find a home there in your price range, just not a newer home for that price. It's a lovely community though with lots to offer in terms of schools, community activities, historic sites, attractive walkable downtown, terrific bike path, easy access to Boston, etc.

[VerBoston]

I agree that Acton and Concord would both be excellent choices and I would also add Westford. All three towns have excellent school systems and meet all your other criteria.

[suejulene]

I grew up in Acton..haven't lived there for quite a few years now. It was a great town.. good schools and great history. I used to like Acton Center a lot with its older homes and library. I don't know if the town offices are still there or not, but that was nice. Concord has wonderful history.. I call that area my Magical History Tour whenever we go back.

[Serenity141]

Hello. There are so many choices because the greater Metro Boston area is quite large. Concord is a nice area with many nice surrounding towns. I'd research Belmont, Arlington, Lexington, Winchester, and Bedford. My personal favorite is Arlington, since I lived there for many years. There are some really nice areas around the West Medford/Arlington/Winchester line. You won't have to worry about finding a Catholic church out here. Every town around the Boston area has at least one Catholic church, even towns that are historically heavily Protestant. I love my parish (St. Raphael's in West Medford). It's a very family-friendly parish with a good Catholic grammar school. This area is closer to Boston but still has a nice neighborhood feel (on the Arlington line).

Good luck!

[Analyzer]

Bolton is a small town with very low crime (if any at all) and it has one of the best Elementary schools. Most of the homes are large and on big lots. It is a nice town and is close to stores, malls etc.. Concord in less than 30 min. away. It is worth a look.

[Maria8]

Welcome to Mass. -- you're going to love the Concord area. I'd like to suggest Wayland, where I live (we're also in our 30s), and Lincoln -- both beautiful wooded towns with large lots, excellent schools, and a very short drive to Concord (10 mins. from my house). The natural beauty in this area is astounding; the Sudbury River runs through both towns and there are loads of walking trails. Wayland has two Catholic churches and Lincoln has one tiny church.

Finding a new house in the low $600s is pretty hard around here; if that's a firm requirement, you'll have to turn your gaze west to Hopkinton or other distant suburbs. Basically the closer you get to Boston and Cambridge, the more expensive everything is. In Wayland or Lincoln, you can get a nice house with a very nice lot in your price range; it just won't be new.

None of these towns are rich with restaurants, but that's what Cambridge is for! Best of luck.