Moving to central MA (Worcester, Leominster: apartment, rent, loan)

[jp646]

Based on what you've told me, I still think Millbury is your best best and here's why:

It's most def. within an hour's drive of Marlborough
It has a rural feel despite of being home to one of the largest outdoor shopping malls in the region and its shared border with Worcester
Houses in Millbury are generally smaller and therefore cheaper.

Millbury has easy access to major highways too which could potentially shorten your husband's commute.

[Lowerdeck]

From Marlboro you might be looking at central Mass., but north central might be a bit too far off. Especially from Gardner or Wichendon, which are well west and north. Probably not a pleasant drive in the winters either.

I'd suggest the following:
Millbury and Oxford: near Worcester, nice little towns. Has some shopping, more nearby. No more than 40 min. drive from Marlboro, plus traffic. Might be cheap enough.

Auburn is just south of Worcester and has great highway access. Definitely suburban, but probably has something in your price range.

There's towns like Shrewsbury, Grafton, West Boylston that are well regarded around here - but might be a bit cost prohibitive. Dudley and Charlton too, to the southwest of Worcester.

Could also try places like Sutton, Sturbridge, or even Thompson CT. All three have highway access, but are a little further away and more rural.


Avoid: Fitchburg, Webster, Southbridge - bad schools, questionable parts of town, lots of poverty

[ThinkingThinking]

You seem to have the same criteria and issues that we're having... we're moving from Houston, where you can get a very nice large golf course home for 200k. Housing prices have been a small surprise.

When you find a place in central MA will you let me know what it's like?

[kgil73]

No problem, have to sell my house first, might be stuck here in OH for a while before I get to MA unfortunately.

[ThinkingThinking]

Us too, We told the home office that we wouldn't be moving until next summer... I need some time to fix up this old house for sale, and the kids need to finish out the year.

[kgil73]

Good luck with fixing up your house, hopefully by next summer the market will be better off...listed my house for $95k and can't sell it!

[kgil73]

jp646,

What are your thoughts about Grafton?

[MA8289]

Originally Posted by kgil73

jp646,

What are your thoughts about Grafton?

Perhaps I could be of help since I've spend the majority of my life in the Blackstone Valley. Grafton is one of the more expensive suburbs of Worcester, ride along side of Shrewsbury. This is primarily due to its proximity to the Mass. Pike and the MBTA's T stop in Grafton which transports Boston commuters to and from the city. In downtown Grafton you'll fine a mixture of early American, colonial, and victorian homesteads, as well as some more traditional American neighborhoods. Although Grafton's downtown isn't bustling, it certainly screams classical New England. Grafton's town common is considered one of the most quintessential in the Valley and its quiet renaissance appearance is typical Massachusetts.

It does have some similar elements to Millbury, although Grafton is even more of a "quiet" town. Millbury is a little cheaper, and you get what you get.

What MA towns have you checked out so far, if any???

[kgil73]

I have been to MA once in my life and visited Marlborough, Fitchburg, Leominster, Gardner. Initially considered the Fitchburg area, until I visited and was not impressed in the least. My husband got a job in Marlborough and is living there now, very nice but too pricey, unfortunately. Now I am considering the Grafton/Millbury area. Will also consider a more rural area as the homes seem to be more affordable. I hope to visit again soon to check out these cities.

[ScituateAl]

I encourage anyone in need of MA town info to google the state's "Commonwealth Communities' site. It has all sorts of geographic, economic, statistical, etc. info on each of the state's towns. If the town you are interested is not listed, then you're looking at a village within a town and not the official town itself.

While it's not easy having kids in different schools, etc. etc., I'd again recommend renting to anyone considering moving to MA and not knowing the area. Flipping a house in 2-3 years because you happened to make a not-so-great choice is expensive and stressful. Even after being here for 26 years, I wouldn't move across the state without careful consideration, visiting towns, etc..

As for prices, one option is to go for a multi-family. Might not be the most fun after owning your own single family, but is another way to build equity, etc.