Narrowing it down -- Holden, Sutton, Charlton, Millbury (Worcester, Framingham: sale, condo) - City-Data Forum

st995 · 03-10-2010, 05:33 AM

We sold our condo in Dorchester in one week (wasn't expecting that at all!) Hubby will be starting a new job right off the pike in Framingham. So we need to find a single family home fast! We have 15 month old twins, so schools/crime are something to be considered as well.

We want a town with a rural feel, yet has somewhat of a neighborhood setting. We're looking for at least 0.5 acre, 3BR/2BA for under $300K. We'd like to keep his commute to under an hour. I've been doing lots of research and I've narrowed it down to Holden, Sutton, Charlton and Millbury. Any advice about those towns? Anything to look out for...like those towns are great, but don't live next to ___. I've looked at other towns that I would love to live in, but the houses are out of our price range since I'm quitting my job to stay home with the twins until they start school.

Thanks in advance!

DiJay · 03-10-2010, 06:30 AM

My brother lives in Sutton, has for years and they love it; 3 kids. It is rural and beautiful. My SIL is thrilled that they finally have decent stores along 146. No longer does she have to go 5 miles just to go to the nearest one. The Pike is right off of 146. 10 minutes to Worcester in one direction, RI to the South. Nice area....

KellyCrash · 03-10-2010, 06:56 AM

We are relocating back to MA after living in NC for 3 years. Charlton is at the top of our list for towns to live in.

Sutton Elementary gets a 6 out of 10 on greatschools.net
The Middle & Highschool gets a 9 out of 10

Holden's Elementary schools get an 8 & 7
The Middle School a 9
Highschool a 10

Charlton's Elementary is not rated. Not sure what that means. hmm..
Heritage grades 2-5 is an 8
Middle School 7
Highschool 6
Bay Path 4

Millbury Raymond Shaw Elementary is a 5 (grades 4-6)
Elmwood St is an 8 (pk - 3)
Millbury Jr.Sr. High - 5

So from just looking at greatschools.net the winner would be Holden!

kmann-sherborn · 03-10-2010, 07:39 AM

I have quite a few clients who searched on those areas and felt Sutton and Holden were the best. I've heard mixed things about the Charlton schools. I don't know Millbury as well but parts of it seem rather unattractive & a little trashy to be honest. I like Holden for it's ease of access and pretty neighborhoods with reasonable housing prices. Sutton also has a very pretty lake & feels a little more spread out and off the beaten path in many places. If you like privacy there are some good areas there.

KellyCrash · 03-10-2010, 11:28 AM

I'm actually looking at Holden now too.

Holden's tax rate: $14.80 per thousand for 2010
Charlton tax rate: $10.24 for 2010
Sutton tax rate: $12.32
Millbury: $13.46

Charlton wins this one.

susanewood · 03-10-2010, 02:08 PM

Congratulations on the sale of your condo! I just did a quick search on MLS for 3+ BR, 2+ BA under $300k in those 4 towns and came up with 50 properties of all types! There was even a HUGE cape with 2 car garage, pool, more bedrooms and bathrooms than you want for $225 in Holden! Wow! Wish I knew more about these towns! Best of luck with your search!

st995 · 03-11-2010, 01:59 PM

Where does one find tax rate data?

KellyCrash · 03-11-2010, 06:40 PM

I found a couple of those on the town's website under the tax collector or assessor's info. I called the tax collector's office directly & asked as well.

googie · 03-11-2010, 07:37 PM

We lived in Rutland for a year and spent quite a lot of time in Holden. My friends who lived there loved the schools (our daughter was too young for school at that point) and I thought it was a great town. I really liked the Holden pool complex in the summer. The people there are very friendly, too! If you wind up in Holden make sure to visit Rutland for the 4th of July celebration -- they really go all out.

holden125 · 03-12-2010, 03:41 PM

Well, Holden, of course! Just kidding.

About the tax rate: the actual tax will, of course, depend on the combination of the tax rate and the home value. the actual tax with (1) a higher tax rate in a less expensive town can be the same as with (2) a lower rate in a more expensive town. If actual taxes are even, the home price and mortgage are lower, and all else equal, you'd be better offer in the first town despite the higher tax rate.

Tax rates also fluctuate over time, but tend to be lower if there's a lot of commercial development, higher if not or if the population is generally high-income and wants "the best" in schools and services. Lexington falls into this category and has a pretty high rate.