Lesbian family looking for affordable area (Boston, Arlington: houses, good schools, taxes)

[k3200n]

Due to a switch in my partner's career path, we are considering a move to the Boston area sometime in the next year. We will probably be going out there for a visit sometime next spring, but were hoping we could narrow our search before we start blindly driving around the entire metro area. Here are the criteria of our search:

-Good schools
-Within 45 mins to downtown Boston
-3-4 bedroom home for under $400k
-Older, classic homes, possible fixer-uppers
-Tree lined, quiet streets, medium to big yards.
-Liberal, gay-friendly neighbors
-Lots of families w/children

Coming from Chicago, this is almost a laughably impossible wishlist, but I thought I'd give it a whirl in Boston. Anyone know of some areas we in which we could start our home search?

Thanks so much!

[scarletfire]

Welcome! The towns that come to mind first are Sherborn, Lexington, and Lincoln. Although prices tend to be much higher, once in awhile there are pretty antiques that are in your price range. I sent you a private msg with more details. Sherborn has among the best rated schools in the state and a very welcoming community.

On the North Shore, I like the towns of Hamilton, Wenham, and Manchester-by-the-Sea for small town, wooded feel, although I don't know much about the culture of those towns myself. Perhaps someone else on the list can comment on that aspect?

[geminijinx]

my family lives in Medfield which is the neighboring town to Dover and Sherborn. Honestly, Sherborn is a very uppity, snotty well-to-wealthy town. I don't think Sherborn is a very accepting town of other races and sexual orientation. Neither is Medfield, neither is Walpole.

Norwood, MA is a good town to check out. It is liberal, some-what diverse, and a nice town, kids in the school system play alot of sports. And it's not too far from Boston, about 20 miles, and Norwood has 3 train stations that will take you into South Station

Look into Norwood!

[MovingForward]

For under $400k with good schools and gay-friendly, and only 45 minutes from the city, you might be able to find a cape cod house with a medium-sized yard. Try Littleton or Maynard, west of Boston. Sherborn and Dover are much too expensive. Don't know anything about Norwood, but you should certainly check it out.

If you could swing $450k, your options get better.

[k3200n]

Thank you all...you have been extremely helpful!

[scarletfire]

I live in Sherborn and while there may be some very expensive houses in parts of town I have found people here very down to earth and welcoming. Taxes are high here but you can from time to time find something reasonably priced. For me it was worth the hunt because I really like the quiet and open space here.

[whinton]

I would highly recommend Arlington, although it may be out of your price range. Arlington is both very family oriented and very gay-friendly, there are tons of same-sex couples with children (including my husband and me).

[MovingForward]

Originally Posted by whinton

I would highly recommend Arlington, although it may be out of your price range. Arlington is both very family oriented and very gay-friendly, there are tons of same-sex couples with children (including my husband and me).

I live in Arlington, too, and I would heartily agree. I didn't mention it only because of the stated budget.