Lynn - Pine Hill (Peabody, Melrose: high crime, house, neighborhood)

[amr11]

Hi there - we are house hunting and are interested in a house in the Pine Hill neighborhood of Lynn. Given Lynn's reputation with high crime and poor schools, does anyone have any insight into this location?
Married couple with baby on the way so schools are important, but resale value of the home is almost more important.
Other areas we are looking (but can't get the house for the $$ as we can in Lynn) are: Melrose, Wakefield and Reading/N. Reading.
Thanks

[KarynO]

Pine Hill itself is ok but it borders a very dicey area of Lynn. You will be right near plenty of crime, prostitution and gang activity. The schools are a zoo...I don't know, I lived in Lynn for 30 years and unless you can live off of Lynnfield St., Peabody line or in the Fay Estate & send your child to private schools I wouldn't buy in Lynn.

[brightdoglover]

Regarding resale, I think Lynn's reputation (and realities) will continue to affect it. If you can buy "more house" for less, you will likely be selling in the same way.
Especially if you are interested in schools (and community), you would be best off buying less house in the other towns you mentioned. Without doubt. All of 'em.
My humble opinion. I know people who have raised families in those towns (and in modest housing). They're wonderful communities.