Affordable towns near Boxborough? (Boston, Worcester: low income, houses, school district)

[Austin Ali]

We are looking to move back to the Boston area after being in Austin, TX for a few years.

My husband will likely be working for AMD in Boxborough, so I am looking for affordable towns around that area. We have a baby and another on the way, so schools are important.

Is it possible to get something in the 300-350k range for at least a 3 bedroom/2 bath single family in a surrounding town? I'm starting to worry we'll never be able to move back! We are spoiled by the housing prices in Austin already.

Any input on towns with good schools is much appreciated!

[Cato the Elder]

You actually have a cornucopia of options unless proximity to Boston is keenly important to you. I would start by looking in Boxboro itself. Blanchard is a great elementary school and the regional school system shared with Acton for grades 7-12 is fantastic as well. For the area, there is some diversity in the schools. The main downside of Boxboro that mitigates cost is the commute to Boston that starts to get a bit long.

Littleton and Stow are worth a look as well with the latter being a bit more bucolic but with a beautiful landscape. Coming from Austin, you won't find anything quite as bustling unless you're willing to sacrifice schools in places like Worcester and Waltham. Nevertheless, one place to look is Groton if you want a more bohemian/academic feel. It is the home of two notable prep schools.

If you want more access to cultural diversity while still retaining good schools, I would look south towards Northboro. The commute would still be good and you would have access to Worcester, Framingham, and even Boston via the Turnpike (generally more convenient than taking Route 2 from Boxboro). It might be a bit less isolated in feel with less culture shock coming from Austin.

[Austin Ali]

Thank you for all of the info! I couldn't find a anything in boxborough for $350k. We care less about being close to the city these days dice we'll have 2 little ones! How are the schools on framingham?

[brightdoglover]

Not really recommended, Framingham.
Littleton is good. Really good, and a very nice place to raise kids. A nice community and very positive for families, not pretentious, not low income. I highly recommend it as a place where OP could find the house they want near Boxboro.

[Austin Ali]

Thank you, brightdoglover!

[wheelz]

Lancaster would be right up your alley. You can take advantage of the Nashoba Regional school district and the houses are far more affordable than Bolton or Stow. The taxes aren't as out of control as stow or Bolton and you will surely find a home in your price range.

[Austin Ali]

Thank you, wheelz!