Best Central Mass. Towns that feel like Boston area? (Worcester: homes, new construction)

[inblackandwhitex]

My girlfriend and I are now considering the central mass region after college graduation. Although we would love to live in Greater Boston, our salaries can not afford us this privelage.

My question is: Are there any central mass towns that reflect the character of Boston suburbs in any way? We would love that "close to Boston" kind of feel without actually leaving the Worcester area. What are Worcester's suburbs like? What towns would you consider having the best quality of life?

[cwaggy]

North of Worcester is your best bet; I like Holden, Princeton and Rutland. Don't think you really get a Boston vibe tho in Worcester.

[ro7586]

i disagree with the above poster...if im correct, you want the 'close to boston feel' but you want that closer to worcester?

If thats the case, the towns to the east of Worcester would best fit the bill, because they are infact outer suburbs of Boston and considered part of MetroWest. Towns like Shrewsbury, Westboro, Grafton, Southboro, Northboro etc. With these towns you would have easy access to both Boston and Worcester via 290, 495, the masspike (especially in Grafton) and Route 9, which, depending on which town, would put you in the major boston suburbs like natick, framingham, wellesley, in about 20 minutes.

[inblackandwhitex]

thanks for both of your inputs. what towns (if any) that border worcester are most reflective of either a Bostonian or just a classic New Englandy kind of feel?
What are Worcester's suburbs like in general in comparison to the suburbs of other cities?

[gf2020]

Originally Posted by inblackandwhitex

Are there any central mass towns that reflect the character of Boston suburbs in any way? We would love that "close to Boston" kind of feel without actually leaving the Worcester area. What are Worcester's suburbs like?

What do you mean by "Boston suburbs"? I grew up in Westboro in the 70s and 80s and even then we considered it to be a Boston suburb. Or does that mean towns closer in to you, like Lexington or Newton?

What towns are you thinking of when you say "Worcester's suburbs"?

I think now most people would consider Worcester to be a suburb of Boston. The extension of the commuter rail service to Worcester several years ago and the discontinuation of commercial airline service at the Worcester airport have only increased Worcester's dependence on Boston, not given it a stroing identity as a separate city.

What is it about the so-called "character" of these "Boston suburbs" that appeals to you? If you can help define some of that, then people may be able to point you in the right direction.

Where are your jobs located? That should really dictate where you want to live based on a reasonable commute.

[inblackandwhitex]

we're still in college now, so jobs aren't an issue. By a "boston feel" i mean a primarily suburban community lacking most "rural" elements, and with some colonial style homes.

What about Millbury? What's it like?

[disasterinahalo]

I'm interested in knowing what Millbury is like, too. I've seen a lot of homes there that look reasonably priced.

[blehman]

Millbury has a very contained "downtown", a rather unattractive industrial area along US Route 20, and good highway access east, west, and south via two turnpike exits, and route 146. There are several nice restaurants downtown, and most notably the Elm Draught House. There is a reasonable amount of new construction heading south towards Oxford/Sutton. Likewise I have several friends who have their children in the Millbury schools and report good results. You would also benefit from the area's newest shopping area on route 146, The Shoppes at Blackstone www.shopsatblackstonevalley.com