Question regarding a house in Reading, MA

[holden125]

Originally Posted by gf2020

Holden, you are sorely mistaken. West Street is a major commuting thoroughfare in the morning and evening. I know, I drive it several times each week in my attempt to avoid the traffic congestion at the I93 interchange.

Interesting. I've never been there at rush hour, only mid-morning and mid-afternoon. Sorry for the misinfo.

[heather3]

Originally Posted by tikaram

Heather, what attracted you to this particular house over others? I'm not familiar with Reading area, and it was interesting to read comments from locals pointing out different positives and negatives. if we know more what makes or breaks a deal for YOU, we can help better.

Trying to find a house with 4+ bedrooms (we have 3 kids), room for family to visit, that is under $550K, in the Reading/Wakefield/Andover area that doesn't require numerous upgrades/work to make it liveable (I am not one of those people that need the updated kitchen, but I don't want a place that I'll have to put a new roof on, new windows etc). Coming from MD where you can find a new home anywhere it's quite a shock to see how little new construction there is in this area of Mass. Also, my husband wants an older home with character, which this has and for me to like one that he likes is a plus! This was just one of those homes that popped up on Redfin that doesn't have alot of great pictures and even the relators can't tell me much more than what is already on the paper. So, that's when I ask the locals b/c they can give you the lowdown, honestly!

[capenewfs]

We have been interested in moving to Reading for a few years. It seems nothing moves except split levels, it is almost impossible to get into the historic area ( Scotland Road- Oak Street) so we keep watching but need to explore other areas.

The town seems unusually stable, not sure why? Any thoughts?

[chaxey]

Originally Posted by capenewfs

The town seems unusually stable, not sure why? Any thoughts?

The simple answer is that Reading has the rare balance of offering a good school system with a reasonable commute either by commuter rail or 93. It's a desireable place, so people don't leave.

The lack of turnover here is consistant with all more affluent commuter towns in Metro Boston - people can't move up and out because jumbo and super-jumbo loans are difficult to meet requirements for. Most people aren't sitting on 250-300k of cash and if they are, it's not responsible to put all that money into housing. In other words, people are staying put because they have to. With wages static and the housing prices plateued I'd expect expect things to stay like this for a while.

[thefaf]

For seventeen years, I lived on Woburn St. at the corner of West in Reading. Here are the plusses and minuses as I see them. Reading is a great town. I didn't have kids then, but generally, at least 20 years ago, the schools were well regarded. That part of Reading is super convenient for travel. Easy access to 93 or 95/128 in any direction. Ten minute walk to the train to Boston. My house was right on top of the road, most in that area are, so noise is a factor. West St. and Woburn St. are busy during the day, even more so at rush hour. Even at night, there is never more than 30 seconds between cars. Woburn and West is a dangerous intersection, plenty of crashes outside my door.

The houses are all over 100 years old on that part of West St. and seem to be well cared for. Other than my rickety old house and busy street, I liked the neighborhood.

[capenewfs]

This is an old post but I had a similar experience this month with a Reading Realtor who didn't get back to me after waiting for a month. It turned out that she was hospitalized. Is there anyone out there who knows a realtor for the north shore?

[accufitgolf]

I was once told to never buy a house on a road with a painted line down the middle of it.....LOL