Moving to MA from the South (Boston, Chelmsford: houses, water heater, good schools)

[NJ to MA]

Originally Posted by vtecluder617

Then again, you can always just hire people to plow your driveway and shovel walkways

Or buy a snowblower. I shoveled for years, then when I turned 40, decided to invest in a snowblower because my back wasn't what it used to be.

[chicagoliz]

For less snow, generally stay near the coast. You can certainly get 12+ inch snowstorms south of NYC -- they are in no way unheard of in Philly and DC. I haven't really found that Boston gets more snow than NYC, Philly or DC -- it depends on where the storms hit - sometimes they hit down there and pewter out by the time they get up here, and sometimes they miss those cities and hit up here. It's more luck -- I remember a few years back when this area got hammered, but that was unusual. The last two winters we really haven't had that much snow.

If you want to visit Portland, ME, why not move there? It's on the coast, and it's much cheaper than MA.

[BostonMike7]

I think I'd target the cape ann area.

[timberline742]

Originally Posted by BostonMike7

I think I'd target the cape ann area.

I would as well.

[in_newengland]

Originally Posted by BostonMike7

I think I'd target the cape ann area.

That coincides with my earlier recommendation of Gloucester but expands it to more towns such as Essex, Rockport, maybe Ipswich. There is less snow in that area than I've ever seen in MA. You are north so you could get to Portland--not for dinner probably, but to stay overnight. You'd be somewhat rural and it's a beautiful seaside area. Lots of things to do, nice restaurants and arts scene. Touristy in summer, but you deal with it.

[CaseyB]

Originally Posted by in_newengland

That coincides with my earlier recommendation of Gloucester but expands it to more towns such as Essex, Rockport, maybe Ipswich. There is less snow in that area than I've ever seen in MA. You are north so you could get to Portland--not for dinner probably, but to stay overnight. You'd be somewhat rural and it's a beautiful seaside area. Lots of things to do, nice restaurants and arts scene. Touristy in summer, but you deal with it.

Those other towns sound good, maybe Hamilton, too. I don't know about Gloucester, though. I know the OP has boys, but remember the "Gloucester Pregnancy Pact"'? We had a thread about this at the time it happened and it was on 60 Minutes. I think there was a made for TV movie about it as well.

[in_newengland]

Originally Posted by CaseyB

Those other towns sound good, maybe Hamilton, too. I don't know about Gloucester, though. I know the OP has boys, but remember the "Gloucester Pregnancy Pact"'? We had a thread about this at the time it happened and it was on 60 Minutes. I think there was a made for TV movie about it as well.

Good point. I had forgotten about that. There is some grittiness to Gloucester. Although I was there a few weeks ago and they have made their boulevard (where the fishermans statue is located) even more attractive with flower beds and greenery.

Well, Hamilton, Wenham, Rowley--there are a load of beautiful towns in that area. Anecdotally, I've heard that Rockport and maybe Essex can be sort of "townie", meaning that families have lived there for years and years and it can be hard for newcomers to fit in. Don't know how true it is, but I have heard that said.

[charolastra00]

Is there a reason you're not considering southern NH or Portland itself? Both are more affordable. Sure, they're further north, but if you stay close to the coast then snow will not be noticeably more. My brother and SIL live outside of Portland and most years we get around the same amount of snow. They also have a nice 3 bed/1 bath where they pay less for their mortgage than I pay for rent on one bedroom in a 3 bedroom apartment in a grungier suburban neighborhood.

If jobs aren't holding you to Boston and you are looking for a bit more space and less of the eastern Mass rat race, I'd recommend the Portland area - even on up to Brunswick.

[Moxie]

We will have 2 out of 4 left at home thus our willingness to downsize to a 3 bedroom. Both will be starting highschool....they are twins. I appreciate the town specific recommendations!

[Moxie]

Can someone tell me what Title V is?