Help from HS families: Arlington HS or Burlington HS

[Sharon Rowley]

Thanks everyone! My husband is trying to get me to give North Andover a chance so he can have an awesome commute. It doesn't seem like a "walkable" town, but the real estate pricing seems decent & the HS looks so new (not rated super high, but I think it looks good).

Staying up north is a complete 180 from living closer to Boston, but we only have 4 years left before we're empty nesters (1 already college bound) and having family dinners with dad at the table instead of stuck on the freeway is what we should rank over city life!

[dtopaz]

I've lived in the Boston area all my life, and in Arlington the past couple of years after many years in the farther-out suburbs. Arlington has a very different, much more city-like feel. Lots and lots of shops, restaurants, and activities are within walking distance, the Minuteman Bike Trail is a joy from April through October, and when going in to Boston I've got the choice of my own car or plenty of public transportation options.

However, if I were working in the Lawrence area, I doubt that I'd consider taking the train Commuter train service is very limited except at peak hour and going in the direction of the peak flow. Plus, the against-the-flow traffic on 93 is never a problem.

I have friends living in No Andover. It's a typical suburban town: plenty of room in the backyard, and going anywhere does require a car. Even though No Andover is only about 20 miles from Boston, the weather can be quite different, especially in terms of snow totals: Boston, being close to the ocean, almost always gets considerably less snow than do the 495-area suburbs. Arlington's weather tends to be more liike Boston's.

[Sharon Rowley]

Thank you Dtopaz. It's going to be a big tradeoff to live in the burbs. I'm used to walking to coffee or pubs with friends and having neighbors across the street and a small manageable yard.
Definitely an Arlington/Melrose feel. But the commute sounds miserable for my husband. Hmmmm

[gf2020]

Originally Posted by Sharon Rowley

I'm used to walking to coffee or pubs with friends and having neighbors across the street and a small manageable yard.

Heck, you can find that right in Andover center or Reading center, which I mentioned previously.

[Beantown_mama]

I would definitely look at towns along the I93 corridor if your husband works in N. Andover. I would not travel on 128 if needed. I would look at Melrose (it is a very cute town, with a great downtown area), Reading, and Andover. I think price wise, Melrose is the most affordable and Andover is the least affordable so you can look at your budget and see which one works the best for your family. But all 3 have cute downtowns (although 28 runs through Reading so it isn't as 'quaint' as Melrose, but it does have some nice restaurants) and they would all be a preety easy commute to North Andover. Good luck with your search!