Boston suburbs for family (Woburn, Braintree: homes, neighborhoods, movie theater)

[SalamanderSmile]

I would not pick Weymouth or Braintree if I had $700k to spend and a kid in school.

[htfdcolt]

Originally Posted by robr2

You can get into a SFH in Burlington for between $500K-$700K. Of course, the lower price ones will need some updating. You can catch the bus to Alewife station on Rt. 3A. Schools are good, family oriented town, lots of shopping and dining all located on one end of town.

Theoretically sure, but from our very recent experience, be prepared to settle a lot (e.g. no central A/C, no garage, or big time fixer upper). A condo in that range is more realistic.

[Buddies43]

Your suggestions and advice are helping me a lot-thanks guys!
Just in case someone knows- is there a park-and-ride place around Natick station to board Framingham/Worcester T ? Thanks--Dan

[robr2]

Originally Posted by htfdcolt

Theoretically sure, but from our very recent experience, be prepared to settle a lot (e.g. no central A/C, no garage, or big time fixer upper). A condo in that range is more realistic.

Depending on budget, that is absolutely the case. What I've seen around town in terms of SFH is the following:

less than $350K, it's a potential for a teardown
up to $500K, it's an older home that needs updates
up to $750K, older home that has been updated and expanded or a couple of cluster home developments
up to $1 million, 7-10 YO recent build in a nice neighborhood or a replacement for a teardown on a busy road
over $1 million, a couple of select neighborhoods in town with oversize colonials.

If I could spend up to $700K, I'd jump on this house:

5 Goodwin Dr, Burlington, MA 01803 - realtor.com®

The addition out the back is about 2 years old and it's on a quiet street backing up onto conservation land. I believe it has central air as you can see both baseboard hot water and vents in the ceiling. But it's a HUGE house.

[Whatsnext75]

I wouldn't pick Woburn if with 700k to spend.

[mmyk72]

Originally Posted by Buddies43

Your suggestions and advice are helping me a lot-thanks guys!
Just in case someone knows- is there a park-and-ride place around Natick station to board Framingham/Worcester T ? Thanks--Dan

Natick has 2 commuter rail stations in town: Natick and W. Natick. There is a paid parking lot for the W.Natick station - it always seems full by the time I pass by, so I'm sure you need to get there early. I think there's also parking for the Natick station, but also limited spaces.

A lot of people live within walking distance to these stations so you may try to buy a house within a mile or less.

[Buddies43]

Thanks a lot! Also, is there a park-and-ride place available near Natick station? Thanks-- Dan

[Buddies43]

PLEASE DISREGARD THE MESSAGE BELOW, SORRY I OVERLOOKED THE REPLY, BEST-- Dan

Thanks a lot! Also, is there a park-and-ride place available near Natick station? Thanks-- Dan

[robr2]

Originally Posted by robr2

If I could spend up to $700K, I'd jump on this house:

5 Goodwin Dr, Burlington, MA 01803 - realtor.com®

Oops - too late. There's an Under Contract sign on the For Sale sale.

[htfdcolt]

Originally Posted by robr2

Depending on budget, that is absolutely the case. What I've seen around town in terms of SFH is the following:

less than $350K, it's a potential for a teardown
up to $500K, it's an older home that needs updates
up to $750K, older home that has been updated and expanded or a couple of cluster home developments
up to $1 million, 7-10 YO recent build in a nice neighborhood or a replacement for a teardown on a busy road
over $1 million, a couple of select neighborhoods in town with oversize colonials.

If I could spend up to $700K, I'd jump on this house:

5 Goodwin Dr, Burlington, MA 01803 - realtor.com®

The addition out the back is about 2 years old and it's on a quiet street backing up onto conservation land. I believe it has central air as you can see both baseboard hot water and vents in the ceiling. But it's a HUGE house.

Moot point since it's under contract, but 1-car garage and no central nor wall A/C. But at this price point and given the time of year, I wouldn't be surprised if it went for over asking price.