Which do you prefer: Belmont or Lexington? (Newton, Brookline: upper-class, 2014)

[GeoffD]

Originally Posted by FCMA

As one of the wealthiest states in the country, MA should be ashamed of its lack of support for public higher ed, and UMass has been treated as the proverbial red headed stepchild for decades. Pretty sure the grads of prestigious private institutions living in bubbles like Lexington and Weston and running our legislature are not capable of feeling shame on that front though.

Here's some reading on the topic. Higher Learning, Lower Funding: The Decline in Support for Higher Education in Massachusetts - MassBudget

25%+ of the Massachusetts budget goes to education. The inflation-adjusted amount going into the state college system hasn't changed in decades. The problem is cost control, not how much the state spends. Even worse, the inflation-adjusted total comp of college profs hasn't changed in decades, either. If you get rid of the non-academic bloat, state schools become cheap again.

[GeoffD]

Originally Posted by NYItalian

I honestly would choose neither. Lexington is a rich snobby town. i don't know much about Belmont, but am thinking it has to be better.

This is just sour grapes because you can't afford to live there. Lexington, particularly if you live walkable to the town center, is a very nice place to live. Belmont is better for someone looking to commute into Boston because of the public transportation access. Lexington is better for someone who works on the 128 belt.

[timberline742]

Originally Posted by GeoffD

This is just sour grapes because you can't afford to live there. Lexington, particularly if you live walkable to the town center, is a very nice place to live. Belmont is better for someone looking to commute into Boston because of the public transportation access. Lexington is better for someone who works on the 128 belt.

Do you know he/she can't afford to live there? I sure don't.

[GeoffD]

Originally Posted by timberline742

Do you know he/she can't afford to live there? I sure don't.

Because "I don't like that place. It's all snobs." is classic socioeconomic class envy.

[semiurbanite]

Originally Posted by GeoffD

This is just sour grapes because you can't afford to live there. Lexington, particularly if you live walkable to the town center, is a very nice place to live. Belmont is better for someone looking to commute into Boston because of the public transportation access. Lexington is better for someone who works on the 128 belt.

I can afford to live there - no thanks though I agree it's too snooty, boring and kinda isolated. Sticking with Somerville - and yes with kids.

[aries4118]

Originally Posted by Brave Stranger

The son lives on Belmont Hill.

Originally Posted by aries4118

I think the Romney children went to the Belmont Public Schools as well when the family lived there...

Originally Posted by timberline742

Only early on. I was in grade school with Matt, then he went off to Belmont Hill I believe.

Originally Posted by CaseyB

You're right. My son-in-law is from Belmont and he went to private school and he said the Romney boys did, too.

Interesting. Thanks.

[timberline742]

Originally Posted by GeoffD

Because "I don't like that place. It's all snobs." is classic socioeconomic class envy.

Seems to me going to the "envy" card is classic snobbishness.

[wolfgang239]

Originally Posted by semiurbanite

I can afford to live there - no thanks though I agree it's too snooty, boring and kinda isolated. Sticking with Somerville - and yes with kids.

Funny, I'm finding the same is starting to happen in dear old somerville. Luckily the immigrant population and townies keep it down to earth.

[semiurbanite]

Originally Posted by wolfgang239

Luckily the immigrant population and townies keep it down to earth.

Exactly, plus the people starting families are unpretentious here. The snooty renters or short term condo owners usually end up in Lexington or similar.

[FCMA]

Thank G-d for immigrants and townies! Some of the most interesting and vibrant places in this state are the ones where socioeconomic and/or racial and cultural diversity combine. Places where it's not all affluent and it's not all broke, and your kids may be more likely to become compassionate, considerate, non-classist human beings even if the schools are not the best of the Best of the BEST. The suburbs work for a certain type of person, but for some other types, non-elite parts of urban greater Boston, Lowell, New Bedford, Worcester, and the Pioneer Valley are some affordable places where the hum of creative innovation and vibrancy are truly alive in this Commonwealth, and for the types who thrive in these places there is not a whole lot to "envy" in Lexington or Belmont.