Relocate to Waltham, MA (Framingham, Marlborough: lease, mortgage, home)

[495neighbor]

And I agree with the others about Ayer. Just found out that two unique businesses in the downtown, the vegan spa eating place and the fun pub with live music, are no longer there. Not sure if anything good is replacing the vacancy.

I'm also hearing from numerous people that there is increasing animosity from townies directed at newcomers who seek improvements to the town, creating a hostile business environment in the downtown.

[sal1181]

Look into Andover/North Andover

[paigemadison]

What about Marlborough? In terms of commute & schools/town quality?

[SalamanderSmile]

Given the ages of your children I would definitely rent first. You won't send the 3yo to kindergarten until they are 6 so you have at least 2 years of leasing until you have to buy. I would get a 2br somewhere friendly with lots of "newcomers" and great new-moms groups. Arlington, Watertown and Newton come to mind for a short Waltham commute with many rentals.

[495neighbor]

Originally Posted by paigemadison

What about Marlborough? In terms of commute & schools/town quality?

I know a few young families who have settled in Marlborough. As far as I know they are staying there. Don't seem to have any regrets.

[Parsec]

Originally Posted by paigemadison

Thank you all again! I really appreciate all of the info, feel like I'm getting a better grasp on the area. We have two children - ages 3 and 2 - I forgot about the lead paint issue, I recall it from now from our first home search 8 years ago, I suppose that's a big consideration in your area since the housing stock is largely old.

Where in NJ is the OP coming from? Stow might not feel isolated to people who are used to MA suburbs, but to someone coming from NJ it could be extremely isolating. It's comparable to living on the South side of Wantage, NJ - you have a few shops and restaurants in Sussex, and you are relatively close to more restaurants off Rt-206. Except replace all the row crop farms in Wantage with forests in Stow

[paigemadison]

We are in Warren County, NJ - Phillipsburg/Lopatcong area - so we are very suburban but not isolated, close to lots of shopping. But both my husband and I grew up in towns where we had to drive 10 minutes to the grocery store and 30 minutes to malls and other shopping.

[Parsec]

Originally Posted by paigemadison

We are in Warren County, NJ - Phillipsburg/Lopatcong area - so we are very suburban but not isolated, close to lots of shopping. But both my husband and I grew up in towns where we had to drive 10 minutes to the grocery store and 30 minutes to malls and other shopping.

Okay, you'll be fine out by I-495 then. If you said Bergen/Essex or out by Rutgers then I would be very wary about moving too far from Waltham.

[johngolf]

Originally Posted by SalamanderSmile

Given the ages of your children I would definitely rent first. You won't send the 3yo to kindergarten until they are 6 so you have at least 2 years of leasing until you have to buy. I would get a 2br somewhere friendly with lots of "newcomers" and great new-moms groups. Arlington, Watertown and Newton come to mind for a short Waltham commute with many rentals.

I would 2nd this recommendation. Rent close to work to make for an easy commute and dedicate your time to the new job, not to the commute. Take your time learning/exploring the area before purchasing. The quality of the school system is of no interest to your for at least several years.

Best wishes for a happy relocation.

[paigemadison]

Thank you all - we definitely plan to rent first. The housing is just so expensive in this area, that I wanted to get a feel for what will possible in the future before commiting to relocating there. I appreciate all of the insight! Happy Holidays!