Is Pepperell a good choice for a family with young children? (Boston: home, to buy)

[johnny99]

I work in Burlington and currently live in Charlestown in a rental. I finally sold my previous home in NY and I want to buy in a family friendly town that has a true sense of place. It seems relatively close to Boston and the North Shore towns. It looks like it would be a quick jaunt across the border to NH for no state tax shopping. How are the schools, I have 3 young boys, and what are the pros and cons of living there? Thank you for your comments.

[brightdoglover]

Offhand, I'd say it's only "relatively close" to Boston. There is no good or quick way to drive there, especially during normal business hours.I think the nearest commuter rail is in Leominster.
Don't know anything about kid life or schools there.
It's hardly "relatively close" to North Shore towns, either. Closer than, say, the Berkshires, but not a good drive that I know of.
It is an easy jaunt over the NH border.

[truthseeker2012]

Well it's not Charlestown! that it the good point
If you like a quiet area then Pepperell, Groton or Townsend are terrific places to live especially for children (Lots of running room and forest) Now that Taxachusetts has uped it's taxes Pepperell would be the best choice with the NH State bordering it (Shopping yeha) All towns listed are 10 to 15 miles from any highway. you also might want to look at Westford which is pretty nice also. I belive, but without any knowledge that all the schools are very good!
Good luck in your search.

[meltinjohn]

I used to ride my bike into Pepperell.
I would say its ok there, but I like Ashby best in that area. Its scenic + your right near Fitchburg/Leominster/Newbury Comics and NH. I could live out that way in general.

[Bydand]

My DW grew up in Pepperell and her entire family still live there. I really like the town, and it seems to have good schools for my Nephews. The High School is North Middlesex High in Townsend. It is a quiet place overall and seems to be rather friendly. There is a good ice cream place called Doc Davis on Hollis Street. Easy to get to NH, and a decent train ride into Boston from Lowell or Ayer if I remember correctly.