Looking for a community near Marlborough (Worcester, Shrewsbury: homeowners association, houses, transfer)

[ThinkingThinking]

After much ado, it looks as though we may be transferring from Houston to the Marlboro MA area. In anticipation of this, we have begun to do some field work so once the head office gets around to making a decision we wont be left unprepared. I feel that this is turning out to be very much a "Hurry up and wait" sort of situation from them, so the more I can know in advance, the better.

Anyway... We're looking for a town within reasonable commute to Marlboro, where we can find good schools and big yards for our dogs and kids, without paying too much on our mortgage. Ideally, move-in ready houses around the 200's. Also, we really would prefer to not deal with homeowners associations... not after this current one we have. As for weather, we're originally from the northwest. We hate the weather down here in the armpit of America, and prefer the cold, so long dark snowy winters don't alarm us much.

Since my husband will probably do a majority of his work from home, but with regular to occasional commutes in to the Marlboro data center, a "long" commute is OK. Coming from Houston, his current commute can get to be 2 hours if its during rush hour, and that's on a good day.

Ive been reading the boards and doing internet research, and so far I've seen homes I like in Northborough, and Sturbridge. How are these communities, and where else should I look?

[scarletfire]

You'll certainly get a lot more for your money in Sturbridge. Schools there are good for the area and lot sizes are pretty generous. I believe the commute would be maybe 45 minutes. We have friends that moved there and like it a lot, although their teenagers say there's "nothing to do", it being a pretty quiet town but I guess that's true of most burbs. They're friendly with an agent out that way if you'd like me to get her name. She'd be much more familiar with that area than me.

Northboro is lovely with highly regarded schools and very easy commute to Marlboro but it'd be tough to find a single-family home in that price range in decent condition - not impossible but your choices would be limited. There are some good restaurants, easy access to shopping and major highways. The lot sizes range from around 1/4 acre to 1+ acre for larger homes.

Anyhow, I hope that two cents is useful!

[goyguy]

The better the public schools, the more expensive the community (and this is no accident.) However, there are affordable dwellings to be had in the town of Sudbury, which borders Marlborough to the east. The Lincoln-Sudbury RSD is one of the better-regarded in the area. You might also be interested in Acton or Boxborough, which are in the highly rated RSD of the same name and - like Sudbury - would have some homes available that'd fit your price point. Those towns are alongside I-495 a few minutes north of Marlborough.
You could probably get more for your housing dollar in Northborough or Sturbridge, but there'd be compromise on your part where the schools are concerned.

[ThinkingThinking]

Thank you! I have found quite a few homes that fit our criteria now.

[ThinkingThinking]

What about Uxbridge?

[MammaLakn]

Sturbridge is a great town to live in. Best schools in the area, family friendly, affordable, friendly people etc.

We lived pretty close to the Brookfield/Sturbridge town line for nearly 6 yrs. My dh commuted to Marlboro which took him 45 - 55 mins depending on traffic but this incl a few miles on a rural route/driving through town.

We moved south for shorter winters/longers summers. If it wasnt for MA weather I could have stayed in that area indefinately. I'll never live that far north again

[Concepts]

How large a home are you looking for? How many beds and baths do you need?While it may be possible to fiind a home in Northboro for around $200,000, it would sell very quickly and may need some work. Algonquin Regional High School is one of the most highly regarded high schools in the state however so you get what you pay for. Since you don't mind the commute, there are plenty of nice towns West of Worcester where you will find much more for your money and still have decent school systems.

Sturbridge, Charlton, and even further West.Acton, Sudbury, Lincoln all have great school systems, yes, but are truthfully way out of the price range that you are looking. There is not one home currently on the market in Sudbury for under $225,000 for instance.

Feel free to PM if you have more questions.

[daly22]

About a half hour from Marlboro, Princeton and Sterling are "small towns" that feel like the country.They are in the Wachusett Regional school district which is known for academics, sports and music. (maybe more). If you buy close to Interstate 190 you can be in Worcester (entertainment at DCU center, Hanover Theater, Mechanics Hall) or great food (Shrewsbury Street) in less than 20 minutes. Wachusett Mountain is in Princeton for skiing and snowboarding. Right off 190 in West Boylston and north Worcester there are movie theatres, a mall, shopping conveniences.

[ThinkingThinking]

Thank you for your input! Are there any Norman-Rockwellesqe towns in central MA? I know about the cape and coast, of course. I would love to live by one, but failing that I *know* my mother would insist on seeing something quaint when she visits.

[daly22]

The cities and towns in Massachusetts were established in the 16, 17 and 1800s. Winding roads. Old houses and quaint town commons everywhere. In the fall, the leaves are beautiful and many many town commons have big old trees bursting with color behind old churches and steeples, old stone or brick libraries etc. We have plenty of quaint around here. I'll bet if you search on the internet for images of most cities and towns in Massachusetts, you will see Norman Rockwellesque. Too many to mention.