Accepted a job offer in MA (Newton, Brookline: neighborhood, to buy, good schools) - Massachusetts - City-Data Forum

victorma · 12-13-2006, 05:36 PM

I have just accepted a job offer in a town close to Brookline. I live in NJ with my wife, 2 kids and a dog.

My relocation will be by last january. We are looking for a friendly neighborhood in the suburbs, to make new friends, have social life, good schools and trying to give our kids all they have in NJ such as safety, sports, good schools with boy and girls scouts activities and so on.

I am a physician and my wife is a journalist. Catholic. We would like to be around nice people.

Please, if you get a chance, can you advise me on these issues? Neighborhood? safety? good schools? a whilte-oriented environmnent?

Thanks so much.

Victor

2KidsforMe · 12-13-2006, 06:24 PM

How far of a commute would you consider? Are you looking to buy or rent? What price range? Glad to give my ideas with a little more info.

Parsec · 12-13-2006, 08:26 PM

If you're a physician, I would only assume you want the best. Almost all the towns immediately west of Brookline down the Mass Pike have a top 10 school system (Brookline, Newton, Wellesley, Weston, Wayland, and Sudbury). Brookline would be great if you want the city life. Newton combines city life w/a more suburban feel. Weston, Wayland, and Sudbury are very posh suburbs w/little retail. I'm not that familiar w/Wellesley.

smarty · 12-13-2006, 10:03 PM

If you come from north Jersey, you'll think things are cheap here.

Wellesley is like nicer parts of Newton (suburb). Prices are closer to Weston and right next to it too. Median ~$900K. Many physicians also; due to Newton-Wellesley hospital. Very nice downtown with a number of small shops and chain stores (gap). Plenty of restaurants (like Ming Tsai's Blue ginger). Wellesley college is in town too.

CaseyB · 12-14-2006, 08:10 AM

I'd say look in Wellesley to start. I grew up there and many of our neighbors were physicians. Another possibility is Needham.

puffle · 12-14-2006, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2KidsforMe

How far of a commute would you consider? Are you looking to buy or rent? What price range? Glad to give my ideas with a little more info.

Hi 2kids......what do you know of Ashland area? Is it mainly rural with a station? My husband doesn't want to commute on the t or train an hour, and half hour would be best.Any responses appreciated. I know we are bouncing around alot but we still have six months before we move. Too much time!

victorma · 12-14-2006, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2KidsforMe

How far of a commute would you consider? Are you looking to buy or rent? What price range? Glad to give my ideas with a little more info.

Thanks so much for your quick reply. The job location is Rockland but have never been there. I am looking to buy. Price range: 400-550 K. We love a quiet area with a 'main street' for shopping, cafe, etc.

Thanks again.

Vic

victorma · 12-14-2006, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smarty

If you come from north Jersey, you'll think things are cheap here.

Wellesley is like nicer parts of Newton (suburb). Prices are closer to Weston and right next to it too. Median ~$900K. Many physicians also; due to Newton-Wellesley hospital. Very nice downtown with a number of small shops and chain stores (gap). Plenty of restaurants (like Ming Tsai's Blue ginger). Wellesley college is in town too.

Thanks for the advice. We really want a combination of suburbs with downtown. One of the things we dislike about NJ is that you have to drive to go to everywhere since there are not sidewalks. Is MA the same? In wintertime, after 5 PM there is nobody around .It is depressing!

victorma · 12-14-2006, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaseyB

I'd say look in Wellesley to start. I grew up there and many of our neighbors were physicians. Another possibility is Needham.

Thanks for your reply.

Some colleagues are telling me that people in MA are not as friendly as in NJ and because of this, it is very difficult to make new friends or start a new social life. Is that all true?

Vic

CaseyB · 12-14-2006, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by victorma

Thanks for your reply.

Some colleagues are telling me that people in MA are not as friendly as in NJ and because of this, it is very difficult to make new friends or start a new social life. Is that all true?

Vic

I'd say that for the most part people here friendly. It does depend on the area, though. Since you have kids you will probably be involved in their activities, sports and schools and you'll meet people.