South End, Boston (Newton, Arlington, Canton: neighborhoods, good schools, professionals)

[sebco]

Hi, I am planning on moving to the South End in Boston and am looking for some insight. Does anyone have an opinion on the West Canton Street area. We have two small children and want to make sure area makes sense for families. Thanks.

[brightdoglover]

I don't think the South End makes sense for families, honest. Most children in the area are from the projects. It's a very hip area for non-project adults, upscale professionals, lots of gay people, excellent restaurants (not family type). No parking, a fair amount of crime.
West Canton,I think, is an average South End street.
I am open to correction if wrong, but it doesn't seem to be a place where it would be a plus to raise children.

[DreamworksSKG]

I might suggest Arlington as a place to raise kids, or Newton.

Arlington has good schools, a bike path through town, parks and playgrounds in Arlington Heights, Services downtown and shops, and good transit to Boston.
Convenient to route 2 for access to 128/mass pike, and back road short cut to 93.

Arlington would be a good starter town that is afforadable for a first time family

[goyguy]

I concur with the above; the South End is a big draw for grown-ups who tend to be in step with fashion trends and who have the means to stay "hip." Outlying city neighborhoods, i.e. West Roxbury, would be far better in terms of family-friendliness.