Westford, Acton, Littleton? (Boston, Natick, Grafton: home, high school, college)

[brightdoglover]

You should be able to get something quite suitable in your budget. Not sure where you're coming from, but around here, there don't seem to be the BIG new houses I've seen around Atlanta,Texas, and so on. But up to $400K is a slam dunk for something you'll genuinely like. Best wishes.

[nene70]

I had not checked into Chelmsford...I'll certainly do that. Actually Grafton is becoming a point of interest for us...we know a few people who live in that area and seem to love it. Can't wait to make a trip north to search out some areas!! :-)

[lissa2343]

I think Acton or Chelmsford are your best options. I grew up in concord and we took back roads to Natick all the time. That may also be a good option for the commute.

[Billericares]

Check out massstats.com for a ton of helpful up to date statistics.

[Citizen08]

If schools are a priority, Acton has the best of the towns mentioned here. It's an unpretentious Boston exurb. Also check out Acton's sister town of Boxborough, which is similar and shares the same school district.

Littleton is a rural, very small place so if that's your thing you may like it better.

[thisiswater]

Hi -- If you're looking at Acton and being on "this side" of Rt. 9, I'd strongly suggest you check out Concord and Carlisle. The schools are *so* fantastic. You can PM me if you'd like more information. And having lived here for over 5 years there is *no way* I'd buy a house now. I've been watching the market closely and things are dropping, despite what brokers tell you ...

[4panthers]

I'm thinking about moving to Concord. What are the schools like? I know there are 3 elementary schools. Are there differences? Is it an old money town? What are the people like? Just wondering, since it is difficult to know just by walking the downtown when it's mostly tourists.

[brightdoglover]

Concord is marvelous. Plenty of moneyed folk, but very New England money, meaning no ostentation. A beautiful town, of course the history, well located to the city and to get up north and west if you'd like. Commuter train to Boston.
I think a lot of people in Concord who aren't old families (most people) tend to be professionals who outgrew Cambridge. You know, software geniuses married to social workers.
Like all of the more expensive western areas, there are plenty of people who aren't rich, never were, but moved there before housing boomed.
There's a shoe repair shop in West Concord, near the train station. I think they're Italian or Greek or something.
I'd live in Concord in a minute if I could afford housing. I can't think of anything wrong with it.

[nene70]

Wow, I had not logged onto here for a while and was quite happy to see all the new posts! Thanks so much for all the info...I will definitely check into Concord, Carlisle and Acton. "Thisiswater", I am curious as to why you would *no way* buy a house now? Thanks!

[smarty]

It is interesting what you and many still suggest North... near Rt495 when you say your husband works in Natick. 20 miles seems no big deal until you realized going on a ONE lane highway with many stop signs and lights will take you 40-60 minutes each way on Rt27 depending on time of day you travel.

As to why some thinks it is not a good time to buy is because they bought in the last 5 years when the price was high. In many town, they are back down to 2001/2002 level only. For Acton (for example), it has dropped more than 10-15% for the high ($220 vs $250 per sq ft). With lower price, it means you have a chance to buy something cheap. However, there is a concern that $220/sq ft may still be too expensive. Average single family house price is $500K. Also, the real estate tax is fairly expensive here also. Average tax bill is $8K. That is $700 a month just in taxes not including mortgage and maintenance fee. Rent on the other hand is many places are less than $3000.