Reading, MA--really liked it!~ (Boston, Cambridge: for sale, renting, houses)

[Francofilly]

My husband and I were in MA this weekend checking out towns. With our realtor(s), we saw Burlington, Reading, Tewksbury, Wakefiled, Reading and Beverly.

We really liked Reading and Wakefield--my husband will be commuting to Cambridge and we really liked the "feel" of the towns. We have a 3.5 year old and one on the way so we're in the process of researching schools etc.

We did take a look at some houses for sale and realize we're going to have to spend a bit more to get what we want, but the lot sizes in Reading were more appealing to us than in Wakefield.

Does anyone here live in either of those towns? If so, do you like it? Hate it? Why?

We're coming from NJ where property taxes are already high--and I read of the water tax in Reading but even that isn't high to us--comparitively speaking. Love any advice...
TIA!

[vogue]

I have close relatives living in Reading. We visit often.

Reading has a lot going for it--good schools and location, plus relatively affordable compared to some

other places around. I would say it offers very good value and quite good lifestyle in general.

Water/sewer is very expensive and so are taxes (compared with Wakefield e.g.). Many are not happy with that. Coming from somewhere else you will have much more balanced view on that.

I like Reading better than Wakefield. Yes, area around lake in Wakefield is quite nice, but the rest I do not like as much. Nor, I know much about it except that Wakefield seems to be a fine place to live.

What about Melrose? Your husband commute would be easiest from there. Also, I would strongly consider Andover (right above Reading). Bit more upscale, has very good schools, and more amenities (like town swimming pond, unlike Reading which I find lacking in such department). Will you be stay at home mom? If so maybe this will help: About My Moms' Group - My Moms' Group (Burlington, MA) - MeetupMeetup

Wish you all the best.

[holden125]

Yes, my aunt and uncle used to live in Reading. They liked it there but compared to Wakefield the property taxes are much higher. Water is expensive for now but allegedly will go down once Reading's introductory probation period in the MWRA expires. No idea when that might be.

I like downtown Wakefield. Main St. is nice.

Melrose and Andover are nice towns as well. Melrose obviously much closer to Boston and denser, though not all parts are super-dense. Andover's more spread out.

[gf2020]

Did you consider Lynnfield or North Reading? Why or why not?

[Francofilly]

We were only up for 2 days...we are considering Lynnfield, but did not get to see it that much. Just drove through. North Reading is on our list for the next time we visit.

[Chayleah]

We just moved to Wilmington (just west of Reading) and we really like it. There are loads of activities for the kids and there is a pretty good mix of newer and older homes. There is a town lake and the schools are pretty good. We are currently renting so I'm not sure how property taxes here stack up, but I have heard the town is well managed. We do not pay for trash service or school buses, which some of the other towns do.