Thoughts on Hull/nearby with kids and grandparents? (Boston, Marshfield: real estate, house)

[DcForNow]

We're planning on relocating to the Boston area in the next year and have a budget of about 450k for a house with an inlaw unit (the grandparents are moving in with us). We have a toddler and want to be somewhere with young families, a good community feel, and close to shops and restaurants. The grandparents have a boat and want to be near the water. Can anyone give us a sense of what Hull is like? How long is the commute by ferry realistically? Are there lots of young families or is it more of a vacation spot? Does it feel urban or rural or somewhere in between? Is it solidly middle class? More on the yuppie side? Any thoughts would be much appreciated or suggestions for alternative towns we should look at. Thanks!

[brightdoglover]

I think traditionally it is anything but yuppieish. It's a working-class town, largely, not big on vacation spots (although there are very nice places to go, like the big park and of course the waterfront).
It is neither urban nor rural. I think I'd call it "town" with urban nearby.
The biggest drawback to Hull, I think, is the seasonal traffic to and from the Cape. Any time you want to leave Hull, you have to encounter that traffic on the highway, and it is significant.
I don't know how long the ferry commute to Boston is (15 minutes?) but I know it is very popular and many people rely on it happily.
Best wishes on your move.

[ScituateAl]

DC - I happen to be on the Hingham ferry now and have a lovely view of Hull. Commute times posted on the MBTA site are accurate. Only severe ice stops the boats in the winter (happens like once every 2-3 years, I believe).

While it's convenient to live in the same town as the public transportation, a short drive to the boat is a fine option too. I'm down in Scituate and drive the 20min to the boat in Hingham and then take it in. Some car time allows me to get coffee, stop for groceries, etc.

Living on the coast is a big of a geographical shocker...there's nothing to your east except Europe. Living in Hull might be even more of a shocker; with the harbor surroudning you on the west as well

If you like the idea of coastal living and commute by boat, Scituate or Marshfield should also be considered. That said, finding somethng with an official in-law may make things pricey. Perhaps a more traditional 2 family in Marshfield(?).

Also, the MBTA is looking at cutting commuter boats to save $$. Nothing official yet, as far as I know, but could happen. Greenbush commuter rail is the newest and next best public transportation alternative....which also happens to terminate in Scituate for an even shorter drive.

best of luck!

[ScituateAl]

Oh, and yes, we all suffer from traffic. But that's a constant issue - not just seasonal. Try heading to NH on a Friday afternoon...not a fun time. We learn to alter our driving times to avoid the rush.

p.s. boat is about 35min.

[Beachcomber4]

Originally Posted by DcForNow

We're planning on relocating to the Boston area in the next year and have a budget of about 450k for a house with an inlaw unit (the grandparents are moving in with us). We have a toddler and want to be somewhere with young families, a good community feel, and close to shops and restaurants. The grandparents have a boat and want to be near the water. Can anyone give us a sense of what Hull is like? How long is the commute by ferry realistically? Are there lots of young families or is it more of a vacation spot? Does it feel urban or rural or somewhere in between? Is it solidly middle class? More on the yuppie side? Any thoughts would be much appreciated or suggestions for alternative towns we should look at. Thanks!

Hull has always had a rough side. Part of that is because it is such a summer community and a popular hang out spot for many different groups from Boston and surrounding areas. Some neighborhoods that were in the past deemed "undesirable" saw a renaissance when the housing boom happened. Homeowners bought and fixed up ramshackle cottages to really improve the aesthetic of some of these streets. The schools are not very well regarded and budget issues (as in many towns) have taken their toll. Along with traditional families, Hull also has become a haven for the gay community. And why not. It's a great location and offers relatively inexpensive real estate in a beachside community while still offering (at least while the boats run) a relaxing commute to Boston.

[DcForNow]

Thank you! This is all so helpful...