Family of 4 looking for the best suburb (schools, vibrant community) we can find/afford near the city (Boston: condo, townhouse)

[marria77]

Hi guys,

I grew up in Mass and after spending many years out of the state, we are considering a move back to Mass. We have a toddler and another baby on the way. Our situation, like so many people on here is I want the best but can't necessarily afford it. We currently live in Chicago and love city living but know living in Boston is not realistic. What is most important to us is schools (the absolute BEST we can get), being surrounded by an educated community, a not absolutely horrid commute, and to the extent possible, a community that doesn't look like your cookie cutter suburb with one main downtown plaza of only big box stores and Chilli's and the 99. I grew up in Raynham and am trying to avoid that style of suburb (I also want to be closer to the city and not as far south). I mean, ultimately let's face it- Newton, Brookline would be our dream but we know we cannot afford that. So my question is, what is the closest I can get to that type of Brookline, Newton, Concord, Lexington type community with a much lower budget.

- The home budget is: 500k
- Would want a 1900sf, 3-4 bedroom semi-updated (doesn't have to be gleaming all new but not totally outdated). Don't need a big yard.
- The commute concerns is: assuming jobs in Boston. Commuter rail is great if possible but otherwise, I am realistic about commuting to the city (after doing so from the south shore for years) but am looking for something that is under an hour.

What is the best I can do and closest I can get to what I am looking for with these very tight restrictions?

Thank you for your help!

[timberline742]

Really need to know where you will be working. What part of Boston. This is critical since different commuter lines end in different parts (north station or South station) in different parts of Boston.

If you're driving, there is more flexibility of course, but yeah, you're asking for a lot for an hour commute or less. Others will be able to help more with school questions on the outer ring.

[marria77]

You are totally right, unfortunately, we don't have jobs yet. I know that is annoying when it comes to giving advice. We would have a car and driving is okay too for sure. Sorry that isn't as helpful as it could be. Even just some possible suburbs I can add to my list to consider.

[gf2020]

Get your jobs first and then we can make recommendations.

Not much point in recommending Melrose if you end up working in Norwood.

[G-fused]

Wakefield - ok schools, nice lake and community. May need to stretch housing budget a bit.

Sharon - great schools, not much/none town center. May be able to get a place for around your budget if you shrink the sq footage, not updated, and less than 4 beds. Taxes are high though.

Maynard - family friendly area. Not sure about schools.

Just some things to explore.

You can also consider a town house or condo. You can find something in Newton and areas of Brookline that are 2 bed townhouse or condo. Impeccable schools, nice neighborhoods, great access to Boston, etc.

You'll have to make compromises somewhere. If schools are your top priority, consider compromising your residence.

Best of luck

[timberline742]

Originally Posted by G-fused

Maynard - family friendly area. Not sure about schools.

I've only heard "not great, but improving". I know some young families there and they're view is the schools will either improve to the point where they need to be, or they'll treat the house they bought when married as a starter house.

[marria77]

Sorry- I am not trying to be annoying. The truth is- we aren't going to move there (and get jobs) unless we can see that there are realistic suburbs we can move to that would offer us what we are looking for. Again within reason. So what I am looking for are suburbs that are within my price range and perhaps might offer the things I am looking for- so that I can pop them into zillow and see how things look. If we have a few suburbs that look like they will be a good fit for us- we will move forward in the process of looking for jobs there.

[marria77]

Originally Posted by G-fused

Wakefield - ok schools, nice lake and community. May need to stretch housing budget a bit.

Sharon - great schools, not much/none town center. May be able to get a place for around your budget if you shrink the sq footage, not updated, and less than 4 beds. Taxes are high though.

Maynard - family friendly area. Not sure about schools.

Just some things to explore.

You can also consider a town house or condo. You can find something in Newton and areas of Brookline that are 2 bed townhouse or condo. Impeccable schools, nice neighborhoods, great access to Boston, etc.

You'll have to make compromises somewhere. If schools are your top priority, consider compromising your residence.

Best of luck

Thanks- this is helpful. Oh man- I would love to be in Newton/Brookline but not willing to compromise on at least a third bedroom and some bonus space- like a den or family room as play room. We are in a two bedroom in the city right now and bursting at the seems.

Thank you very much.

[timberline742]

Originally Posted by marria77

Sorry- I am not trying to be annoying. The truth is- we aren't going to move there (and get jobs) unless we can see that there are realistic suburbs we can move to that would offer us what we are looking for. Again within reason. So what I am looking for are suburbs that are within my price range and perhaps might offer the things I am looking for- so that I can pop them into zillow and see how things look. If we have a few suburbs that look like they will be a good fit for us- we will move forward in the process of looking for jobs there.

Sadly, you're probably better off in another region. I personally love Chicago, but get how the suburbs there might not be your thing, but you're asking for what tons of people want at a very difficult price point. I'm thinking about my mother's house (where I grew up), it would possibly suit you, but 3 bedrooms, not really updated since the 70s, etc and that would probably go for 800k+. But the schools are great.

[marria77]

Originally Posted by G-fused

Wakefield - ok schools, nice lake and community. May need to stretch housing budget a bit.

Sharon - great schools, not much/none town center. May be able to get a place for around your budget if you shrink the sq footage, not updated, and less than 4 beds. Taxes are high though.

Maynard - family friendly area. Not sure about schools.

Just some things to explore.

You can also consider a town house or condo. You can find something in Newton and areas of Brookline that are 2 bed townhouse or condo. Impeccable schools, nice neighborhoods, great access to Boston, etc.

You'll have to make compromises somewhere. If schools are your top priority, consider compromising your residence.

Best of luck

I appreciate it. That is what I am worried about. I mean I know suburbs like Raynham and Bridgewater and other are in my price point, even below it...but that isn't what I am after.

Do you think my biggest problem is the schools or proximity to Boston? If I went a little further out- could I find great schools in a not too cookie cutter suburb in my price point?