First time home buyers - Stoneham vs Winchester (Boston, Malden: sale, school district)

[niharika_nal]

We are looking to buy a single family/town home (budget < 420 K) in the regions north of Boston. We find that Winchester's school district is one of the best, which is probably why the real-estate is highly priced there. We found that Stoneham has decent enough schools and the real-estate is not as expensive as Winchester. Both I and my husband are Software professionals and work in the downtown.

Can someone give us more information about Stoneham and why its real-estate is cheaper than Winchester ( is it only because of the better schools in winchester?)?

[Braunwyn]

I live in Wakefield, about ten minutes from Stoneham. I drive through it every day so that doesn't qualify for much advice but, Wincester is simply known as being a very high end town, in every way. It's like the concord of the north suburbs. Stoneham is nice, but more middle of the road. The homes, stores, etc are just on a lower end...not low-end though.

[niharika_nal]

That was helpful ! Thanks ! We will continue to consider Stoneham seriously then.

[jad79]

In addition to having better schools and a more quaint downtown, Winchester also has two commuter rail stations with direct access to Boston (<20 minutes). Stoneham has no direct rail access, which is certainly a factor in the lower home prices. If you'll be commuting to the burbs, this isn't a big issue.

[FellsMom]

Stoneham had trouble supporting their schools: Stoneham cuts all sports at high school - The Boston Globe If you can afford Winchester, it is much better there. Schools are very important for future property values, even if you do not plan to have children.

[clevedark]

A friend of mine lives in Stoneham and he says the Boys and Girls Club there is incredible, it costs like 10 bucks a year per kid and they can do all the sports and activities they want.

[Beantown_mama]

You should look at Melrose, it is a nice town right next to Winchester, with a very cute downtown.

[krizzybelle]

Well, I love Winchester but house there are really expensive, Stoneham is a nice mid class town with some school budget problems. Friend of mine says that they charge for everything!. Since I live in the other part of north shore close to the Atlantic Ocean, I have Commuter Rail train and I love it. Easy to get to Boston just 25 mins. Winchester offers this convenient service.
Melrose is cute and peaceful town, close to Malden and Orange line trains. Taxes are less expensive and house market is very fair.
If you want me to choose, I would go for Winchester!!!. Excellent school system and great houses. Good luck!

[SickOfRevere]

Stoneham has no H.S. sports or music programs. Nuff said

[Your#1HouseGal]

Both Winchester and Stoneham have a lot to offer. Depending on your budget, lifestyle and commuting needs, ages of your kids, you can be happy in either town. Winchester (where I live) has a variety of homes on the market right now, with many more coming on (as usual) in the Spring. Stoneham's had a harder time lately with prices, school issues, taxes. But, ALL towns have tighter school budgets these days. It's a good idea to ask a Buyer's Agent (who does not cost any money, by the way - agents get paid from the sale of a house) to show you around town. It's very hard to make a decision without seeing first-hand. Only YOU can make the judgement on what's "nice" or not.

There's also Reading, Woburn, Melrose, Wakefield, and Arlington to name a few other attractive towns that might work for you and your family!