Back to the drawing board on what town.... Thoughts on these options? (Boston: 2014, mortgage)

[Dm84]

Originally Posted by Shrewsburried

Buying in Belvidere was a good idea in 2009/10/11 when prices were heavily deflated, but home prices have climbed considerably in this neighborhood since. I'd be concerned, per kingeorge's input, that you'd be exposing yourself to a world of hurt in the next down turn.

FWIW you could say this about any place that isn't a top 10 school district. OP doesn't have the luxury of being that picky about hypotheticals that may or may not come to fruition.

[Bruins3445]

Originally Posted by Dm84

FWIW you could say this about any place that isn't a top 10 school district. OP doesn't have the luxury of being that picky about hypotheticals that may or may not come to fruition.

I agree that I need to be less picky. I'm learning that we need to compromise on something. But I do feel it is good advice because I don't want to wind up in a home that'll lose a lot of value if home prices crash....

[AtkinsonDan]

Originally Posted by Bruins3445

We had ruled Lowell out entirely but I am curious as to what the "nicer" neighborhoods in Lowell are? Or what landmarks/streets to avoid? Just want to do a quick search and see if what we could get. If the house is cheap enough we could send to private school

The nicer neighborhoods in Lowell are these.

Upper Belvidere - Areas around and along routes 38 (Nesmith Street) and 133 (Andover Street) on the eastern end of the city bordering Tewksbury.

Upper Highlands - Areas around the outer part of route 110 (Chelmsford Street) back to Middlesex Street and Princeton Boulevard on the southwestern end of the city bordering Chelmsford.

Pawtucketville - Areas around and along route 113 (Pawtucket Boulevard) on the northwestern end of the city bordering Tyngsborough.

There are also pockets of decent areas interspersed throughout Centraville but you have look carefully.

[Shrewsburried]

Originally Posted by Dm84

FWIW you could say this about any place that isn't a top 10 school district. OP doesn't have the luxury of being that picky about hypotheticals that may or may not come to fruition.

I agree that OP cannot afford to be picky; however, he needs to maintain focus. Original goal was a well maintained home in a good/decent school district. He seemingly cannot afford private schools and a mortgage, so Lowell probably isn't a good fit. The risk of inflated prices is just additional reason for caution.

Assuming OP can swing the property taxes, a NH town like Londonderry is likely going to fit his requirements better than anything within the 495 belt ... particularly if "well maintained homes" and "good schools" are the priority. That, or head west to towns like Grafton, Franklin, etc.

[kingeorge]

Originally Posted by Shrewsburried

I agree that OP cannot afford to be picky; however, he needs to maintain focus. Original goal was a well maintained home in a good/decent school district. He seemingly cannot afford private schools and a mortgage, so Lowell probably isn't a good fit. The risk of inflated prices is just additional reason for caution.

Assuming OP can swing the property taxes, a NH town like Londonderry is likely going to fit his requirements better than anything within the 495 belt ... particularly if "well maintained homes" and "good schools" are the priority. That, or head west to towns like Grafton, Franklin, etc.

If SF is only way to go, buy the best town/schools in NH, have a long commute, and do not waste time on 3rd tier towns in MA.

[magicshark]

I was just looking in Dracut. In your price range it looks really good. In fact it was an eye opener. I also looked at the schools. They seem solid. Not top tier (who but very expensive towns are though) but if you plan on being very involved in the learning process I wouldn't worry at all. Also remember the longer commutes into NH mean less time to be involved in your kid's life.

[Shrewsburried]

Originally Posted by kingeorge

If SF is only way to go, buy the best town/schools in NH, have a long commute, and do not waste time on 3rd tier towns in MA.

Here! Here!

I played this game for 32 months of house shopping. I ended up in my current town because: A) it has exceptionally well rates schools for its price point, B) home prices in town remain well below '05 highs (unlike Groton/Dunstable) which leaves me feeling comfortable I won't lose my shirt in a downturn, C) it satisfies my current commuting needs and provides "outs" if I leave/lose my current job.

I teased myself a few times with beautiful properties in "meh" or "bad" towns. It really becomes disruptive to the home search as it ramps expectations which cannot be realized. Pick the town(s) and stick to them. OP should not be dabbling in Dracut real estate when Londonderry is on the table. Totally different towns/markets.

[Boston_Burbs]

Originally Posted by Shrewsburried

Here! Here!

I played this game for 32 months of house shopping. I ended up in my current town because: A) it has exceptionally well rates schools for its price point, B) home prices in town remain well below '05 highs (unlike Groton/Dunstable) which leaves me feeling comfortable I won't lose my shirt in a downturn, C) it satisfies my current commuting needs and provides "outs" if I leave/lose my current job.

I teased myself a few times with beautiful properties in "meh" or "bad" towns. It really becomes disruptive to the home search as it ramps expectations which cannot be realized. Pick the town(s) and stick to them. OP should not be dabbling in Dracut real estate when Londonderry is on the table. Totally different towns/markets.

I am curious to know where you ended up?

[Shizim]

Originally Posted by BostonMike7

I hate that road. You get some driver's driving as if it's one and others think it's two and want to pass on the right.


Billerica tends to love their speed traps too. Can't tell you the number of times I've seen a cop in Billerica center pulling people over for inspection stickers.

They also love to do traps on Middlesex tpk and near the cemetery on Concord Rd. In 15 years of driving, my one and only ticket is on this stretch of road.

Drive slow in the 'Rica

so its really one lane? oops..... count me as the people that drive like its two.

[BostonMike7]

Originally Posted by Shizim

so its really one lane? oops..... count me as the people that drive like its two.

I drive it like it's two. Depends on how I feel that day