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I'm not sure what's meant by "older home," and we've been given little insight into what the OP's price point is.
If post-WWII to 1970's vintage passes the "older" test, Chelmsford can deliver in spades. There is some very recent construction, as well as areas such as around the common that go farther back. But for the most part it's a town where subdivisions mushroomed to accommodate Baby Boomer families as well as those "escaping" Lowell and other cities. Neighborhoods vary to some degree: numerous split-levels, and ranch houses - many incorporating an odd A-frame look - to the south, larger garden-variety colonials to the north.
Groton, as well as Carlisle and the town of Harvard, skew towards "precious." Their lot sizes and house prices reflect this. For a less pretentious feel as well as a viable town center (with a movie theater and practical businesses, not just cute shops) I'd look at Maynard, which isn't right next door to Chelmsford but is an easy distance away via 495.
I'm not sure what's meant by "older home," and we've been given little insight into what the OP's price point is.
If post-WWII to 1970's vintage passes the "older" test, Chelmsford can deliver in spades. There is some very recent construction, as well as areas such as around the common that go farther back. But for the most part it's a town where subdivisions mushroomed to accommodate Baby Boomer families as well as those "escaping" Lowell and other cities. Neighborhoods vary to some degree: numerous split-levels, and ranch houses - many incorporating an odd A-frame look - to the south, larger garden-variety colonials to the north.
Groton, as well as Carlisle and the town of Harvard, skew towards "precious." Their lot sizes and house prices reflect this. For a less pretentious feel as well as a viable town center (with a movie theater and practical businesses, not just cute shops) I'd look at Maynard, which isn't right next door to Chelmsford but is an easy distance away via 495.
Another idea. Since schools are a non-issue, look at the Belvidere neighborhood in Lowell. Lots of period houses in a suburban setting complete with white picket fences, parks and sidewalks, with right distance to city center diners, art festivals, coffee shops, ethnic groceries and university related events around UMass.
I am going to guess you haven't spent much time in Groton and in fairness I know very little of Carlisle or Harvard. Groton center is more then useless cutesy shops. Actually I can't think of any off the top of my head. There is a Donelan's for groceries, a butcher shop, a bakery, a natural market, coffee shops and pizza places, there is Filho's Cucina (which everyone loves but me) and more that escapes me right now. No movie theatre though.
If I am honest about myself I am not upper middle class material, I am very solid working class and look and act it. I have friends who live in Groton and I am there frequently, I do not feel out of place or feel treated as not belonging there as I have felt in some places.
The problem with Chelmsford would be the shopping is so spread out. Pepperell center is also a good working center with groceries, drug stores, coffee shops, pizza, restaurants, etc. It should be cheaper as the schools are not that good and it has more of a socio-economic mix. It also has some truly lovely Victorians right in the downtown area.
I have to admit I know little about Maynard either but here good things about it.
I am doing quick searches online for real estate and the prices seem higher in Chelmsford , but it could be that I have no clue what I am actually looking at. It could be that there are simply more homes available at a lower price at this time...
It has to do with location of Chelmsford being "closer" to major RT and Boston. Economy in MA is very Boston and Cambridge-centric. You are very lucky not to have to commute to settle with Boston commute in mind and on a daily basis.
With job in Chelmsford you COL will be much lower than rest of Eastern MA and closer to hub as they like to call it.
Groton is cheaper because it tucked away, and too far for a daily commute to Boston (although someone must be doing it from time to time I am sure).
Chelmsford although nice in some parts, is not as nice as Groton IMHO. I also do not think that Chelmsford has walkable downtown like Groton. Which is why got more votes for Chelmsford.
Personally, I would be in town like Groton in a heartbeat, if we didn't have to be around Cambridge on a daily basis. It is a very beautiful place.
Another idea. Since schools are a non-issue, look at the Belvidere neighborhood in Lowell. Lots of period houses in a suburban setting complete with white picket fences, parks and sidewalks, with right distance to city center diners, art festivals, coffee shops, ethnic groceries and university related events around UMass.
This sounds like it would be more to my liking. I like more of an eclectic feel as opposed to being stuck in a subdivision. Which is where I am now.
Very appreciative of all of the info. This is overwhelming to say the least. We've been in the same home for over 20 years.
I'm not sure what's meant by "older home," and we've been given little insight into what the OP's price point is.
If post-WWII to 1970's vintage passes the "older" test, Chelmsford can deliver in spades. There is some very recent construction, as well as areas such as around the common that go farther back. But for the most part it's a town where subdivisions mushroomed to accommodate Baby Boomer families as well as those "escaping" Lowell and other cities. Neighborhoods vary to some degree: numerous split-levels, and ranch houses - many incorporating an odd A-frame look - to the south, larger garden-variety colonials to the north.
Groton, as well as Carlisle and the town of Harvard, skew towards "precious." Their lot sizes and house prices reflect this. For a less pretentious feel as well as a viable town center (with a movie theater and practical businesses, not just cute shops) I'd look at Maynard, which isn't right next door to Chelmsford but is an easy distance away via 495.
Goyguy hasn't been to Maynard in awhile either apparently. The movie theater has been gone for a long time. Actually, Maynard has its own form of pretension, especially lately. Becoming very cliquey with suburban hipsters and a few old hippies.
Greetings. We have a possible relocation from the Midwest to Chelmsford. The children are grown so schools are not an issue any longer We have two dogs, so a yard is key. Any advise about Chelmsford or nearby towns would be greatly appreciated. I would love an older home closer to a town center where I could walk to do some shopping.
When you say Chelmsford (Ch {as in charm}..ems..fud) do you mean work or live there? As you say older home (many in MA are), the deciding factor could be walking to a town center. Few have town centers.
If wanting an upmarket town with a walkable downtown, I suggest you look at Andover.
Be carful in MA. Many of the cheap New Englanders will say you do not need central air conditioning. This is their way of selling them older homes. Do not believe them. You need AC in MA.
We moved to Chelmsford two years ago and love it here. We purchased an antique historic colonial just a few steps from the town center. The home is on an acre of land but the backyard blends into the Bartlett Woodlot and new Bruce Freeman bike trail. When I want to go into Boston, I park my car in Lowell and take the commuter rail, 45 min later, I'm in the city. It's the best of both worlds for us, clean, safe, friendly neighbors, decent schools for our daughter. There's a lovely farmers market on the common on Thursdays.
If you are going to be working in Chelmsford, it doesn't hurt to take a look here. There are still some deals to be had, especially if you are willing to fix up an older home like we were. There's a place on High Street that came on the market a couple days ago.
ive done a lot of research on chelms area. only red flag re: chelms is property taxes. for a larger mid-upper class town of 35k ppl, taxes are very high for an average school district. this smells like poor town management.
I know you don't care about schools, but the resale value of your house sure does. keep that in mind.
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