Young Couple - Norwood/Walpole (Boston, Marshfield: rail, stadium, coastal)

[Newdaawn]

I grew up in Walpole many years ago on West Street, not far from where it divides with Lincoln Rd, and still visited there frequently until both my husband's parents and mine passed away. Is the Barleycorn still there in the downtown? I will be attending a class reunion in late September and look forward to seeing my old classmates from WHS.

[dognh]

Not sure, but MiMi's is and so is the First Sandwhich Shop

[CaseyB]

Originally Posted by Newdaawn

I grew up in Walpole many years ago on West Street, not far from where it divides with Lincoln Rd, and still visited there frequently until both my husband's parents and mine passed away. Is the Barleycorn still there in the downtown? I will be attending a class reunion in late September and look forward to seeing my old classmates from WHS.

I think the Barleycorn became The Paddock, but I think that's closed now.

[Eric H.]

Originally Posted by Newdaawn

I grew up in Walpole many years ago on West Street, not far from where it divides with Lincoln Rd, and still visited there frequently until both my husband's parents and mine passed away. Is the Barleycorn still there in the downtown? I will be attending a class reunion in late September and look forward to seeing my old classmates from WHS.

The Barleycorn left Walpole several years ago, and became the Paddock -- still a bar-type place but with some impressive Irish-pub style renovation and a full menu with decent food. Trouble was that recently there was no one managing the liquor license. Not a good move for a bar. The Paddock is now closed.

[Eric H.]

Originally Posted by FromBrooklinetoBurbs

Thanks for all of the feedback so far! No, neither of us are "partiers", but I do like being able to walk to get ice cream or dinner, or to pick up a pizza. Also love ordering delivery after a long day. I've also heard there are some great restaurants nearby within driving distance, which I guess would not be bad. I know we have talked about moving in 5-7 years, so we may not have kids while we are here, but I can see that for resale Walpole would be attractive for a family. I thought I had also heard something about a grant for downtown improvements, so I'm hoping that will happen soon after we move there (if that is what we choose, though we are leaning towards it).

Also, does anyone know anything about the reputations of dance studios in Norwood and Walpole? I grew up taking dance and want to continue, but I obviously don't know much about the studios in the area.

Bettijane Grey- Robinson of the Commonwealth Dance Academy in Walpole is a nice lady with impressive credentials in the dance field and a good reputation in this area.

[Molly829]

Norwood and Walpole are pretty similar in terms of demographics, however Walpole has a much more suburban feel. Norwood definitely has areas that are more gritty and urban. There are more new developments and mcmansions In Walpole, because there is more space for building. I do take issue with the generalization that Walpole schools are better. Actually, class sizes in Walpole are much higher than those in Norwood. For example, my daughter's full-time kindergarten class in Norwood had 22 kids with a teacher and a full-time teacher's aid. A friend's son attends full-time kindergarten in Walpole (which the family has to pay extra for) and has 26 classmates and no teacher's aid. MCAS scores in Walpole might be slightly higher than those from some schools in Norwood, but keep in mind that Norwood is more urban and so, in some neighborhoods, more diverse with a larger population of English language learners. Remember that scores do not tell the whole story. At the high school level, Norwood High and Walpole High perform are petty much the same level. And Norwood just voted to build a brand new state-of-the-art high school. The neighborhood elementary schools enjoy small class sizes, great teachers, and active PTOs. Also, Norwood is a close-knit family-friendly town with a superior recreation center many great offerings for families.
That being said, the person asking for advice wanted walkability and an active downtown. I think Norwood is closer to what this couple wants than Walpole is. However, neither town comes close to being like Brookline. If schools and family activities are not a priority right now, I would agree with the writer who suggested West Roxbury or Roslindale. My favorite town in the Metro Boston area is actually Arlington, which is both hip and happening AND family friendly. But it is pricey. OK--that's my 2 cents.

[FromBrooklinetoBurbs]

Thanks for everyone's feedback. Our initial house in Walpole fell through, which was actually a blessing given the amount of work it needed and the fact that I really wanted to live in Norwood over Walpole. We did buy a Norwood house that is about a 10 minute walk from the train, so we're very happy!

[vledwards]

I am looking to move to the Norwood area. Are you satisfied with your move?

[FromBrooklinetoBurbs]

vledwards, we haven't actually moved yet. We are closing tomorrow and will move in about 2 weeks, but we spent a lot of time around Norwood looking so I have a good feeling!

[Charliekeet]

Originally Posted by FromBrooklinetoBurbs

vledwards, we haven't actually moved yet. We are closing tomorrow and will move in about 2 weeks, but we spent a lot of time around Norwood looking so I have a good feeling!

Hi FBtB -

Congrats on the new house. I have lived in Norwood, and it's a great area to be in.

I'm curious, because I don't think your initial post(s) got into this (and because I'm contemplating a move myself): what was it that you didn't like/wanted differently than Brookline had to offer?

Thanks