Thriving Massachusetts Communities? (Lexington, Wellesley, Weston: foreclosure, low crime, unemployment rate)

[Eric H.]

This might sound like an odd post during such tough economic times, but do you feel there are any thriving towns or cities in Massachusetts? To break it down more, this could mean close neighborhoods, low crime, lots of activities and events, good community budgeting, high achieving schools, a nice downtown, and politicians that work for the people -- instead of the other way around. I define thriving as a community excelling socially, economically and politically. No town or city is perfect, of course, but perhaps there are communities that approach their highest potential?

The rationale for such a post is that if a given community can thrive in a depressed time, then it can so at any other time. For the person looking to move, I feel your responses might serve as valuable resources for those in search of a rock-solid community.

[smarty]

I disagree with your thoughts... a "wealth/high income" community will always weather tough economic times much better than "poor" community.

Usually unemployment rate is high... in towns where people have lower skills... and lower pay... In good time, they can find jobs easier... in tough times, they are the first to get layoff. Also, if you make $250K, it is more likely you have enough put away in reserve to deal with temporary set backs.

Hence, look at Weston, Wellesley, Lexington, .... Check their foreclosure rate... Now... I just need $600-800K to get their starter home...

[lrfox]

I agree with smarty on this one. It's going to be correlative to average income of the community. The wealthier towns will be faring better than the less wealthy ones.