Please help with towns to live in! (Andover, Newburyport: to buy, school district)

[jeni1520]

I am now wondering if anyone could suggest towns with some of the things that we would really like to have. My husband will be working in N. Andover. If he were to do a 25 minute commute (or less) what towns would be good to live in? We would love a town that doesn't have a ton of strip malls but has access to grocery stores and good restaurants, maybe a cute, active, little town to walk around in. We have a one year old so perhaps a place that is safe, has nice playgrounds/moms groups and a good school district. We will be looking to buy a single family home, would love 3-4 bedrooms and a yard. Our budget would be around 450 k. Close access to the high way would also be good. What towns would you suggest me to look at? Thanks!!!

[Valerie C]

Hi Jeni. I responded to your other thread as well. There are actually quite a few nice towns very close to Andover. Of course, Andover itself is great, with a nice downtown area, some boutique-style shopping. Lots of restaurants, coffee shops, etc. Good schools, mom's groups, the works... More off the beaten path, but also very nice: Georgetown, West Newbury, Merrimac or Groveland, Newburyport. Merrimac has easy access to Rte 495, while West Newbury & Newburyport are closer to Rte 95. All would be a pretty easy commute to N. Andover, no toll roads, etc. And while you might not have all the shopping, etc. right in-town, all of these are small enough to be within minutes to cities that DO offer more amenities. Have you had the opportunity to visit the area yet?

[kmann-sherborn]

I'd second Valerie's vote for Andover. It's a great town, well regarded schools, decent town center, tons of community activities, lots of outdoor activities, and easy access to Rt 495 + commuter rail access. I have clients with a little one about the same age who moved there and liked it a lot.