Opinions...nice towns within 5 mile radius of Easton? (Norwood, Stoughton: 2010, house)

[09Relo]

Might be working in Easton. Would like a rather short commute to work, each morning. Moving from out of state, so not familiar with the area. How about some opinions on towns with the following:

Family friendly..... we have young children
Good school system
Neighborly....very important to us
Safe
Nice downtown with community support
Access to major highways

Not stuck on 5 mile radius, and more important that I get the quality of life I want for my family. Please give me some opinions....I am planning a trip up in mid September. Thanks.

[CaseyB]

Easton, would fit all your requirements except for the "downtown" aspect. It doesn't have that. It's very woodsy, and safe but there is not much of a town center. It's rural, with lots of winding roads. A If you want more of a town center, look at Mansfield, which is a neighboring town with decent schools and family oriented, has a downtown and other shopping areas. There are a few other towns within a short drive on 495 that might be a perfect fit, but if you decided on Easton, you'd be fine.

[09Relo]

Thanks Casey...that would be nice and close. Can you tell me the differences in North Easton, South Easton, Easton Center? I notice this in other towns as well (West/East Bridgewater, etc). Are they all individual towns, or just sections of Easton.

[CaseyB]

They are all just sections of Easton. The Bridgewaters are all individual towns with West Bridgewater having the best schools as far as I know.

Money Magazine named Easton one of the best places to live 2009. I don't know their formula, but here's the link: Best Places to Live 2009 - Top 100: City details: Easton, MA - from MONEY Magazine

[Eric H.]

Easton, overall, is quite beautiful but North Easton seems to possess the most historical charm with its H.H. Richardson-style architecture in several municipal buildings, a nice town park (Frothingham), a "Town Pool" that's actually a pond, and big old homes on tree-lined streets. There's also an amazing sheep pasture in this district, perfect for walking or, in the winter, cross country skiing. Casey B. is correct, there's not much of a downtown in regards to shopping and dining, but you will find the Main St. Cafe for breakfast and lunch, Get Personal gift shop, Korner Komics (a comic books/news store), Pires old-fashioned hardware store, a day spa and old-fashioned barber shop. The absolutely terrific Children's Museum in Easton is also located here. Less than a mile (with sidewalks) is a small shopping center with the Fresh Catch seafood restaurant, Village Toy Shop, and Hilliard's, a wonderful, Victorian-themed candy house that also serves ice cream. Also in North Easton is Soups on Center with some excellent homemade soups sandwiches and soft serve ice cream!

I recently created a photo travel essay of North Easton, which might give you a better, detailed sense of the area: North Easton, MA, Village Photos and Travel Essay. Hope this helps!

[DreamworksSKG]

I'd say Mansfield, Foxboro, Sharon, Bridgewater, West Bridgewater, Stoughton, Norfolk, Medway, Medfield, Norwood or Canton
Perhaps the Whitman , Hanson area too.

Sharon would be best for schools.

[missionhill]

Originally Posted by Eric H.

with its H.H. Richardson-style architecture in several municipal buildings...

Those aren't just Richardson-style buildings; they were designed by the master himself!

[sdupont]

You will find what you are looking for right here in Easton! If I didn't live in Easton, I'd also look into Mansfield (but I think Easton has more charm, and it's so close to Mansfield that you can easily travel to any of the shops and restaurants there).

[Hundak]

If I had the choice I'd go with Mansfield. However, I'm a bit biased as I grew up there! Great schools, has a town center, has a train station (good for trips to the city), lots of shops. It is getting a bit more built up than when I was a kid though, but what place isn't?

As others have said, Easton is a great town too. If schools aren't a priority then Norton might be a good option too. It's cheaper than Mansfield/Easton.

[littleimp]

I grew up in Sharon - great place to grow up - and great school system. Easton has a good school system too.