moving out of the suburbs (Cambridge, Newton: cliquey, condo, house)

[SnowDay2011]

We have lived in Canton for about a decade and have no real complaints -- schools are fine -- house is nice - but we never really feel like we put down roots and joined the community. Overall we have found it a little cliquey here (hockey, neighborhood) and live in one of the more remote areas of town. We are considering moving - but we are not really sure where to go. We like some socioeconomic and racial diversity -- but mostly want to feel part of a community and have access to more interesting restaurants and shops. My husband works toward Cambridge so a move further south is not a great fit for us -- and I think we would like something a little more urban. We do public school here -- but could do private school in our budget. Any suggestions? Has anyone moved out of Canton and found a community that they liked? Thanks

[sal1181]

Look into Arlington. It's definitely a little more urban than Canton and close to your husband's work in Cambridge

[kingeorge]

It is hard to advise without budget, but couple usual suspects come to mind. I would check out Watertown, Arlington, Newton, Belmont, Brookline, possibly also Reading or Melrose (although both Reading and Melrose might suffer from similar small-town insular vibe to some extent). There is also Waltham, that is getting better with schools, and would offer some urbanity with closer proximity to Cambridge. Re prices are getting higher there lately. Arlington would probably be best fit.

Town listed have somewhat transplant/transient population in need of making friends and sense of community, unlike people who are born and bred here in MA, and have already too many family and friends to be extending themselves beyond their already established circles.

If you do not expect huge, top to bottom renovated home, big yard and privacy, then amenities, school quality, and sense of community in some of these towns would be well worth considering, especially for commute purposes, and if Canton is not your cup of tea anyway. But do expect RE prices to be much higher than in Canton. Some compromises might be necessary.

Good luck.

[MikePRU]

What kind of budget would you like to stick to? If you want a more urban feel, would you also be open to living in a condo? There are several options as you can tell from the responses you've already received but budget is a major determining factor. You'll get better suggestions if you can provide that information.

[SnowDay2011]

We could go as high as $800,000 and would be fine with a condo. Biggest issue is whether or not to uproot the kids -- one will finish high school here for sure the earliest we would move is when our younger child is a sophomore. Another option is to have the second child start a private school toward the city for high school. As I mentioned the schools here are solidly good and one of the things that I like is that it is not a pressure cooker at the high school -- but I wouldn't mind having a school/community with more options for activities etc. and slightly better academics. It is really hard to thread the needle of strong schools that have balance for the kids.

Thanks for your help.