busy or quiet (Boston, Newton, Watertown: condos, crime rate, houses)

[puffle]

I asked my 13 year old son last night if he would prefer living in more of a city feel that can get noisy and busier than he is use to or more a small town feel that is farther away from the city and would take longer to get to, than let's say Newton. Before I change our course, I want to be sure that my son is comfortable for the long haul as he is used to living in somewhat of a protected environment in the suburbs of S. Ca. He feels safe here and would like the same feeling in Ma. when we move. Is this possible in a part of Newton or are we better off farther out of the city?

[Parsec]

Ugh, the NOISE, it's driving me crazy! I live in a "quiet" neighborhood in the blue-collar part of Newton, in Nonantum. I was happy w/the quietness when I first moved here in the winter. But this past week has been in the 80s and I finally had to open the windows 24/7 since I have no A/C. I stay at home most of the day and the noise is driving me crazy! I hear all the cars on Watertown St. (Rt-16, 2 blocks away) driving by all day. There's also a lot of large commercial trucks driving by at all times of the night. When I lived in the boonies of Hudson, I thought I was more of a city person. Now that I'm in a more urban area, I don't know what I want anymore. There doesn't seem to be anything in between. It makes me miss the developed suburbs of Atlanta, which are more like the cities of SoCal. Doesn't seem like there are any towns like that here.

[puffle]

After 40 people have viewed this question, I would think more than one person would have a valuable opinion to share with potential relocators. Please think of the parent's out there with the same concerns and share your opinion. Thanks!

[2KidsforMe]

Hi Puffle. You know me, as a parent I prefer the quiet suburbs. I love that I woke up this morning and the only sounds I hear are the the birds (and lots of them). I could not live with the traffic and hustle around Newton, sorry. (But my kids were born there). The quietness of the 'burbs makes me feel safe and at peace. I've got to think that transfers over to my kids. I feel like the trade off for the drive for shopping, dining etc. is worth it. I also like the fact that since it is so quiet, and some might say "boring", I don't worry too much about strangers and the like driving down my street, knocking at my door trying to sell someting, that sort of thing. That also contributes my perception of safety for my family. We are a bit sheltered here, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

[surfingatwork]

Originally Posted by puffle

I asked my 13 year old son last night if he would prefer living in more of a city feel that can get noisy and busier than he is use to or more a small town feel that is farther away from the city and would take longer to get to, than let's say Newton. Before I change our course, I want to be sure that my son is comfortable for the long haul as he is used to living in somewhat of a protected environment in the suburbs of S. Ca. He feels safe here and would like the same feeling in Ma. when we move. Is this possible in a part of Newton or are we better off farther out of the city?

If your son feels safe in a quiet neighborhood I would focus on that. It's going to be a big adjustment for him just moving and to add going from a quiet area to city living seems like a lot for a 13 year old.

Personally I would choose quiet over city any day. You can always visit the city and when you're done visiting you leave all the noise and congestion and headache behind.

[Parsec]

If quietness is what makes him feel safe, then it sounds like safety is the real issue here, and not the quietness. I wouldn't rule out all of Newton since it's still very safe here, especially in the neighborhoods of single family houses (as opposed to condos and duplexes). The kids in this town are just as sheltered as other more rural towns, like Southboro for example. The only difference is you'll find more diversity here -- Newton South HS is around 15% Asian and over 33% Jewish. The question is, will you be able to find a single family in South Newton at your price range ...

[mwgans]

I think you should look at a twon such as Wellesley -- it has noisy and quiet parts -- you may just find the best of both there -- and it is an overall safe city -- I don't know the statistics, but I would bet that the crime rate in Wellesley is significally lower than in Newton. Like Newton, Wellesley is still very close to Boston and major highways, and has a school system with which many parents seem satisfied. If you want to get REALLY quiet but still be near city life, look at Weston -- there are drawbacks to Weston which include the over-emphasis, in my opinion, on wealth, but that's an entirely separate topic.... Wellesley has that issue, as well.... good luck....

[baystater]

I believe Newton was was safest town in America until last year. Here's a link you can look at:
http://www.morganquitno.com/cit06pop.htm

Think there was a murder there last year. Actually I think there was a body dumped there. Please if someone knows if it was something else please post.

As for the town itself. Well my girlfriend grew up there in the highlands and thought it was very safe. She also really thought the education she got from the public schools was second to none. Now from what I seen Newton is a vibrant area with a small town feel. It's has nice parks with plenty of open fields for sports and just general playing around. Newton also still has a lot of mom and pop stores which really makes it very different from metro Boston and it's surrounding towns. I think it is a good town in general for people that like a nice safe town but also want to live near the city.

good luck with your move puffle

[puffle]

Originally Posted by baystater

I believe Newton was was safest town in America until last year. Here's a link you can look at:
http://www.morganquitno.com/cit06pop.htm

Think there was a murder there last year. Actually I think there was a body dumped there. Please if someone knows if it was something else please post.

As for the town itself. Well my girlfriend grew up there in the highlands and thought it was very safe. She also really thought the education she got from the public schools was second to none. Now from what I seen Newton is a vibrant area with a small town feel. It's has nice parks with plenty of open fields for sports and just general playing around. Newton also still has a lot of mom and pop stores which really makes it very different from metro Boston and it's surrounding towns. I think it is a good town in general for people that like a nice safe town but also want to live near the city.

good luck with your move puffle

Thank you all for coming through for me. I really appreciate all of your opinions and take them all into consideration. I think true suburbs is the way to go, but I do not have the pocket money for the W's except maybe Westborough and they have a complex that has assured me that we can take our doggies! Is Westborough pretty and quiet or noisey due to close proximity to highways?

[scarletfire]

Westboro is a nice town and many areas are quiet, although there is a busy area along Rt 9 with lots of commercial areas and the downtown area is congested and getting worse. I like it as a town though, schools are good, and easy access to lots of activities, highways, Commuter Rail. What complex are you looking at?