Sutton, Millis, Hopedale? (Worcester, Attleboro, Seekonk: daycare, house, YMCA)

[jpq]

We're looking to move to MA from NC. My husband is from MA and does not want to move to RI even though he will be working in Providence. We have a 7 year old child so schools are important. We have narrowed it down to Sutton, Millis and Hopedale based on the following criteria:

good schools
rural town
small school population (approx 200 students per grade)
house price 350k max
less than 45 minute commute to Prov
activities for daughter (gymnastics, swim)
Catholic church nearby


Does anyone have any input or opinions that could help us in our decision making process?

[1979]

All of the towns listed are fine. I lived in Millis for many years, it's very quite, with great schools and a great place to raise a family. Hopedale is a bit more on the depressed side. Sutton is also a very nice bedroom community of Worcester. Everyone is different, but truthfully, the drive to Providence everyday would get old real fast. Seekonk or North Attleboro might be a good compromise to stay in MA, but not familiar with the schools.

[Concepts]

Out of the 3 choices of Millis, Sutton and Hopedale, I'd choose Sutton. You can hop on Route 146 and be in Providence in less than 30 minutes....(weather and traffic permitting!) Schools have a good reputation and there is usually a Catholic church in every town in this area. You will get less of a house than you could in NC for $350,000 but you probably know that already. Good luck with the move....

[dem3456]

I don't really know anything about Sutton, but I would not choose Hopedale. Millis is a good family community.

[scarletfire]

How about Hopkinton? Good schools, quiet town, Catholic church & daycare, swimming & gymnatics at the new Y www.metrowestymca.org/guide/YMCA_Guide.pdf and lots of sports programs through the town recreation dept.

I used to do that drive in about 45-50 minutes and it was relatively easy because I could just hop right on 495 in town.

[jpq]

Originally Posted by scarletfire

How about Hopkinton? Good schools, quiet town, Catholic church & daycare, swimming & gymnatics at the new Y www.metrowestymca.org/guide/YMCA_Guide.pdf and lots of sports programs through the town recreation dept.

I used to do that drive in about 45-50 minutes and it was relatively easy because I could just hop right on 495 in town.

We've thought of Hopkinton as well but the school enrollment is over 3000 students which is larger than we're looking for. But we won't rule it out. How does the size of Wrentham compare to Hopkinton? We'd love to find a small town with a quaint New England common.

[CaseyB]

Wrentham is a bit smaller, about 11,000 people. I'm not sure what you could get in that price range there (the same would be true of Hopkinton), but you may be able to find something.

[richardhead]

Millis has a school motto, "Small School, Big Family", which is true (I believe Millis is the smallest public school district in the state). Maybe it's too small for some (graduating classes of less than 100), but if you're looking for a small school system, Millis can't be beat.

[3each4me]

I'm curious as to why folks are not recommending Hopedale. We moved here a few months ago and find it to be a small, quiet town and rather well to do compared to some for its size. We are still learning about it so I'm interested in hearing more.