Job Opportunity in Devens (Boston, Westford: new house, schools, taxes)

[massbound?]

I have an opportunity to take a job in Devens which will require a move from the CT shoreline. Looking for advice on where to live. We have two small kids (8 and 6) so schools, young family demographics and security are important. The appeal of being close to Boston is appealing as is easy shoreline access. I would consider a commute of up to 45 minutes. Thanks in advance.

[scarletfire]

Sudbury would be an excellent choice with a very well regarded school system. Lots of young families and a very safe place to live, lots of community/kids activities, sports & arts programs, a nice town pool, trails, decent shopping/restaurants, etc. However, it's a good 45+ minutes to Boston. Prices and taxes are high there though.

I can't think of a shoreline community with great schools that would be a reasonable commute from Devens.

[brightdoglover]

Devens is too far northwest to have easy shoreline access. It's a beautiful area. The further west you go, the more downscale in general the towns are, in terms of schools, etc. It sounds like you want an upscale town/suburb (most towns out that way are existing towns with some outlying suburbs).
The suburbs are nothing like I've seen in areas with lots of land- rows and rows of new houses. There isn't enough land for that kind of building. "Suburbs" northwest of metro Boston are more rural around a town and are visually very nice.
Shoreline access would likely be a weekend day trip if you work at Devens. Also, remember the insane traffic closer to the coast during normal business hours.
Best wishes. I think Devens is a very nice place.

[DreamworksSKG]

Look into Westford on 495 and route 3 you'd have good access via route 3 up north to NH and 495 to Salisbury/Hampton Beach areas (about a 45 min ride to the beach areas) +/- traffic

Tyngsboro easy route 495/route 3 access

Tyngsboro you could do back roads to Ft Devens via 113

Westford would be a quick jaunt West on 495 to route 2 W (reverse commute)
to Devens
Westford is the type of town you're looking for
also has a great ice cream stand (Kimballs in the peak season)
and near Nashoba Valley Ski area

You could also look into Littleton which is right on 495 and route 2 and

Sudbury and Concord which are close to 495 and route 2

Concord is on route 2

Carlisle or Lincoln Might be possibilities as well (all on route 2)

Hope this helps

[massbound?]

Wow! This is a great forum. Thanks for the replies. Could anyone comment on Acton? Seems like housing is affordable (relatively speaking) and schools are rank favorably. I will research some of the other communities recommended. Since shoreline living is not feasible I am now thinking it makes sense to minimize the commute.

Thanks again!!

[scarletfire]

Acton is a nice town and I've heard good things about the schools. That seems like another good option for you.

[brightdoglover]

Acton is marvelous. The schools are very highly rated.
Adjoining Littleton is more small-town, rural feel, and the schools are well regarded. Very family-oriented community focus. (I live in Littleton for 18 years now, no kids, no past in the community.)
Acton is larger, has "village" areas and more suburban.
Both are easy 5-mile drives to Devens, and going out Rt.2 when everyone else is going in. It'd be a great simple commute and fine communities.
Best wishes.

[wheelz]

Boxboro is also a very nice town.