Towns close to Boston (Lynn, Quincy: house, neighborhoods, school district)

[Shannie]

My husband and I will be relocating from rural WV to the Boston area next spring. We are looking for safe, beautiful neighborhoods, great preschools and public schools, varied sports, arts and cultural activities. I've heard that Jamaica Plain and Brookline are nice areas. My hubby doesn't want a long commute and we understand that the city traffic is a bear. Would any of you recommend these towns?

[CaseyB]

Jamaica Plain is a Boston neighborhood.

Brookline has very good public schools and an easy commute into the city. It's quite expensive, though. What were you thinking of spending?

[smarty]

Second CaseyB.

Are you ready to move from rural to city? Beautiful neighborhood in Brookline starts around $1-1.5 million. (currently median price $950K)

Jamaica Plan is more reasonable with median home price ~$365K. However, it is part of Boston school district. Hence, school is usually not good unless you can get into the exam schools (like Boston Latin).

I suggest you look at some south shore communities. You can take the subway into Boston.

[ontheroad]

As a former commuter, I agree the South Shore might be a good choice. Three towns I like(d): Hingham, Quincey, Milton.

You can see these in relationshiip to one another here:

http://www.southshorechamber.com/communities/links.htm (broken link)

I thought Quincey had some good prices and nice views. Other towns on the above community map are also very affordable, with good schools, and not far from the inner City.

Commuting on 95, or 93 can be hazardous to one's emotional health. It took me ages to figure out how to get out of the bulk of traffic by gliding over to the far right lane (an invisible lane created by folks trying to get farther South) - I had 60 miles to go!

[maggiekate]

Originally Posted by ontheroad

As a former commuter, I agree the South Shore might be a good choice. Three towns I like(d): Hingham, Quincey, Milton.

You can see these in relationshiip to one another here:

http://www.southshorechamber.com/communities/links.htm (broken link)

I thought Quincey had some good prices and nice views. Other towns on the above community map are also very affordable, with good schools, and not far from the inner City.

Commuting on 95, or 93 can be hazardous to one's emotional health. It took me ages to figure out how to get out of the bulk of traffic by gliding over to the far right lane (an invisible lane created by folks trying to get farther South) - I had 60 miles to go!

hyde park near the milton line might also be a soulution. J.P. near rhe monument and roslindale line is nice. Also J.P. near the pond is nice. hingham is expensive.

[Shannie]

Thanks so much, everybody! This gives me a great start! Now the fun begins (finding a place to live). Sigh.

Shannie

[BSB Boston]

Hi Shannie,
While the South Shore has some nice towns, consider giving the North Shore a try. I live about 20 minutes (on a good day) north of Boston (and I actually work in downtown Boston), and the communities there are wonderful. You might take a look at Peabody, Lynnfield, Middleton, Danvers, etc. - any place north of Route 128/95. Not only are they convenient to major highways, you are closer to TAX-FREE shopping in New Hampshire. Also, if you are an outdoors person, you are closer to what New Hampshire and Maine have to offer for outdoor activities (e.g. skiing, hiking, camping, etc.). Good luck in your search.

[krystil_mist]

Don't overlook Weymouth. Cheaper than Quincy, Milton, Hingham and Boston. It's around 15 miles or so south of Boston. It borders Hingham, Quincy and Braintree. Braintree is nice too, but more expensive. Dont' know anything about north shore towns.

Linda

[maggiekate]

Originally Posted by Shannie

Thanks so much, everybody! This gives me a great start! Now the fun begins (finding a place to live). Sigh.

Shannie

hi, norwood and dedham you could also check out. both are near the boston towns mentioned here.

[lorilou]

We are moving to MA from Texas...interesting turn of events. We are friendly people who like to hang out with neighbors and make friends. My kids are both musicians and we have been told that Hingham & Duxbury have good orchestra programs in schools. HOWEVER, some people have suggested that Hingham & Dux are on the snobby side if your house doesn't exceed the 900- range?? Anybody know anything about this or wish to contribute? I've heard Marshfield is a relatively friendly town as well, but is looked down upon by the wealthier towns of Hingham and Dux. Help us if you can! thanks, Lori