Out of these near-Boston towns, which ones aren't just a "Boston Suburbs" but have true beauty, autonomy and character? (Melrose: school district, price)

[Parsec]

Originally Posted by convextech

I had to stay in Wakefield for a training class for two weeks and I loved it there. Found the local bar on accident and was welcomed with open arms. The folks there bought rounds for every one at the bar; one would do it, and then the next one would do it, etc., so that it went around and everyone got a drink and paid for a drink. Just a great community feeling. And it's walkable, and has lots of trees and foliage. And beautiful Salem and the ocean is just a short drive away.

Plenty of RE in your pricepoint, too. The average home price is $499k:

http://www.realtor.com/realestateand...h/Wakefield_MA

That seems very high for a town with mediocre schools. Are you sure the average home price is that high? The OP was looking at affluent towns due to business needs, so Wakefield wouldn't work for her anyways.

[jan0105]

Watertown is getting very expensive. I have friends in a very modest Cape who paid close to $600,000. You're paying for convenience to Boston, not stellar schools.

[Parsec]

Originally Posted by jan0105

Watertown is getting very expensive. I have friends in a very modest Cape who paid close to $600,000. You're paying for convenience to Boston, not stellar schools.

I understand that, but how can homes in Wakefield be the same price as in Melrose which is even closer to Boston while having better schools? Well I did a search and seems most homes are actually below $500k in Wakefield so my hunch was correct. It's a terrible suggestion if you read what the OP is looking for. She's not looking for convenience to Boston; she's looking for an affluent town with good schools.

[jan0105]

Hhahha, I thought he said Watertown (as you can see in my post above)! I'm thinking to myself, how is Melrose closer to Boston that Watertown??

Yes, I agree, Wakefield does not fit the OP's criteria (and neither does Watertown!).

[jan0105]

(however, average sale price in Wakefield for SFHs for the past six months was $491,181, so he;s not far off.)

[Parsec]

Originally Posted by jan0105

(however, average sale price in Wakefield for SFHs for the past six months was $491,181, so he;s not far off.)

Are you kidding me?! There must be a lot of 1 and 2 bedroom condos there which skewed the data I was looking at. I feel fortunate to be living outside of 128 where prices are pretty normal in relation to the incomes. All you people living inside 128 must be crazy to be paying those prices. Sheesh...

[jan0105]

Originally Posted by Parsec

Are you kidding me?! There must be a lot of 1 and 2 bedroom condos there which skewed the data I was looking at. I feel fortunate to be living outside of 128 where prices are pretty normal in relation to the incomes. All you people living inside 128 must be crazy to be paying those prices. Sheesh...

Yeah, I have to be honest, there's not a chance I would pay $500,000 to live in Wakefield.

[gf2020]

Originally Posted by Parsec

I understand that, but how can homes in Wakefield be the same price as in Melrose which is even closer to Boston while having better schools?

This is getting off-topic, but the median sales price in Wakefield and Melrose are virtually the same. What evidence do you have that supports the assertion that Melrose has better schools than Wakefield?

[jan0105]

Originally Posted by gf2020

This is getting off-topic, but the median sales price in Wakefield and Melrose are virtually the same. What evidence do you have that supports the assertion that Melrose has better schools than Wakefield?

This is purely anecdotal -- I don't have any data to back this up, I just lived in Stoneham for a long time and had friends with kids in both towns -- but I think they're pretty similar.

[johngolf]

Originally Posted by sal1181

with a budget of $600K that will get you a nice house in Andover. The town has a great downtown with many shops and restaurants

I agree.