I REALLY need some help finding the right Boston burb for my family! All input welcome...

[MikePRU]

Originally Posted by kmann-sherborn

>>

I know, it's crazy. I really don't think it's representative of the whole market. I think it's that people have been holding off from selling unless they have to, so there's low inventory so the good stuff gets snapped up.

If you're willing to do some updating though you have a better bet of finding something that is hopefully not going as crazy fast.

It's mostly happening in the top tier towns like Newton, Wellesley, Needham, Lexington, etc. However, the market in Natick has been pretty crazy too. I closed a house in Natick about a month ago and we sold it for about 10% more than these people bought it for about 3 years ago. What I'm seeing is that it's mostly the entry to mid-level price ranges that are the most active. In most of these towns, a lot of the lower priced homes have been torn down so there's less to choose from which is driving up their value and causing multiple offer situations.

I would agree that if you are willing to put in some "sweat equity" you'll have better luck. In my experience, the current crop of buyers just don't want to do any work. They only want "move in ready."

[a bag of it]

what about the south shore?

[alykerri]

Southborough has cultural diversity (but not economic diversity), exceptional schools, and a one hour commute (depending on time of day). I love the New England charm in Southboro, but there's no artsy- hippy. My kids have become little artists because I'm into the arts, and there are some amazing arts programs outside and in-school. I am here for the great schools and the low crime, but it's not where you move if you need to walk to your favorite gallery, vegan diner or foreign film. It's Snooze-ville until your kids are old enough to play sports, which is where,when, and how one begins to accept and appreciate the quiet beauty of suburban living. I gave all of that up because Lexington, Belmont, and Brookline were out of my league in terms of $$!

[CaseyB]

Originally Posted by a bag of it

what about the south shore?

Hippies on the Souh Shore? Where?

[konfetka]

Originally Posted by alykerri

Southborough has cultural diversity (but not economic diversity), exceptional schools, and a one hour commute (depending on time of day). I love the New England charm in Southboro, but there's no artsy- hippy. My kids have become little artists because I'm into the arts, and there are some amazing arts programs outside and in-school. I am here for the great schools and the low crime, but it's not where you move if you need to walk to your favorite gallery, vegan diner or foreign film. It's Snooze-ville until your kids are old enough to play sports, which is where,when, and how one begins to accept and appreciate the quiet beauty of suburban living. I gave all of that up because Lexington, Belmont, and Brookline were out of my league in terms of $$!

You could have just moved to North Shore!

Vegan organic cafe - Beverly - check.

Foreign film festivals - Salem - check.

One of the best art museums in New England with a kids room and classes, Peabody Essex Museum - Salem

Plenty of good schools around and less $$ - check.

[gf2020]

I would give Newburyport a look.

[thenewtexan]

My vote goes to Newburyport. It's affluent, but not overly pretentious, and definitely has plenty of New England charm right on the North Shore.

[timeofseasons]

You might like the southeast area around Brockton and Quincy.

[Sunni2012]

i have lived in Natick Half my Life, great schools, all new now.. very good town
i now have live in Milford for the last 15yrs..Love the town,small but really growing alot with retail, food stores etc..property taxes are not bad and alot of great neighborhoods with friendly people.

i will be moving to Arizona soon to relocate and will be selling my home in Milford very soon

Ma is great but in allset with the winters and snow.