Moving from ON, Canada to Massachusetts. Where to live?? (Boston: affordable apartment, rentals)

[wk786]

Hi everyone. We are trying to find a nice, clean affordable area to live that has a very good high school and is close to both Norwood and Westborogh. Currently looking for a 3 bedroom, 2+ bath affordable apartment (looking at around $2300 maximum).

Here are some places that I took into consideration. Some input regarding these places (and others) would be appreciated

- Weston (I heard there is no sewage system??)
- Framingham (Affordable housing?)
- Waltham (Bentley U, Im a university student so that is a plus point.)
- Southborough (good schooling?)
- Norwood (schools dont seem that good and housing seems expensive)


Thanks in advance.

[kmann-sherborn]

Medfield, Holliston, Hopkinton, Southboro would be the first places I'd check. You can also check out Needham, Wellesley & Weston though prices are higher there. They all have well regarded school systems and are nice communities. Here's a link to the latest Boston Magazine ranking of public high schools.
The Best Public Schools in Boston 2011: In the Classroom

Also, many communities in the area have private septic systems but you needn't worry about that. It just means that the homeowner has the septic tank that's underground pumped about every 1-2 years. Also you can't have a garbage disposal with a private septic system.

I hope that's helpful! :-)

[holden125]

If you're expecting a new complex with all the new amenities Newton probably won't work, but you can certainly find plenty of rentals in decent older homes in Newton in your price range. We live in a nice 2BR plus office, with a formal dining room, yard, laundry, basement, screened porch, parking, etc. for $1600. 2+ baths is harder to come by around here.

Newton is suburban with plenty of small downtown areas scattered around the city. Some of the other towns mentioned, which are closer to Westboro, are more woodsy (Weston, Medfield, etc.) but very nice if you're OK with a very quiet town.

[brightdoglover]

Offhand, I don't know of any towns that are convenient to both Westborough and Norwood. Also, how about renting a house? That's a pretty big apartment to look for.

[wk786]

Thanks for your replies. We found an apartment for rent for $2000 in norwood that seems to be appealing. How are the high schools there? Is Norwood generally a nice place to live?

[CaseyB]

Originally Posted by wk786

Thanks for your replies. We found an apartment for rent for $2000 in norwood that seems to be appealing. How are the high schools there? Is Norwood generally a nice place to live?

I guess you'd have to define "nice", lol.

Be careful with apartments in Norwood. I can think of one large complex that has gone downhill. Be sure to look at any reviews available on the web.

Schools are somewhere in the middle.

[Jamesnana]

Norwood is very nice. It's a little urban compared to the surrounding towns, but still nice. The schools are moderately good.

[wk786]

lol yeah. By nice, I mean in terms of high schools, commute to boston, parks/attractions, low crime rate, etc... If not Norwood, what are some other nice places to live that are near Norwood (around 15 -20 min drive from Norwood). Preferably with apartments/townhomes that have a rent no more than $2100. The reason I am asking for places near Norwood is because my dad will be working there.

[spr1975wshs]

Gods bless you for giving up Ontario for Massachusetts. I was born in the Commonwealth (11th generation since 1622), but have grown to despise what the politics have become since I was a youth (grew up in the more conservative, western part of the state).

Rant being over...I do miss the Land, History and my Family. Massachusetts can be a good place to live. You just have to match your expectations with the reality.