Young family - where to live along 495 (south of I90, north of Middleborough) (Boston: rent)

[Chris9621]

Hello, I had posted a different thread when we thought we might be moving to Canton. We received some great feedback which we really appreciated. My job is flexing and we can actually live just about anywhere in Mass.

We are a young family currently living in Westchester, NY (about 20 miles outside of NYC) looking to relocate to Massachusetts somewhere along the 495 corridor south of I90 (though we are flexible), north of Middleborough. We are thinking along 495 since we go to Truro\Ptown many times per year.

I've been looking up each town using google maps but was hoping some of you might have some recommendations to narrow things down.

We'll probably rent the first year to better learn the different towns and areas. When we are ready to buy we will be in the $700k range (3-4 bd\2ba), nice size yard would be our preference). Good public schools a must as we have a pre-k child. As for lifestyle, we really like where we live now if anyone is familiar with the small towns of Westchester. We prefer a safe\walk-able neighborhood with nearby parks and a nice downtown area for basics or to stroll\get something to eat. Being on a train line isn't a primary concern.

Thank you in advance.

[gf2020]

Along 495 and south of the Mass Pike, I think the King Philip regional school district towns of Norfolk, Wrentham and Plainville offer good value. They may be somewhat "sleepier" communities than you are looking for, however, so towns like Westboro, Millis, Walpole and North Attleborough, may be more appealing.

[mwj119]

The towns along the 495 belt typically do not provide as much in the way of walkability or true downtowns. They are inherently more rural, many of which are still being developed. There are a few exceptions, but my initial suggestion is to look between 495 and 95. If you can swallow the extra few minutes down the Cape, I think you'll be much more comfortable in those communities.

I'd look at Natick. It checks all of the boxes, and for $700k, you should find some decent options. Rt. 9 has a ton of creature comforts - upscale shopping, restaurants, and easy access to Newton/Brookline/Boston, and the Natick downtown is a nice little area with shops, a town common, the train, etc. After that, there are always the Mansfields/Bridgewaters down that way.. I'll reserve my comments for someone more familiar with that general area.

[timberline742]

I don't know the area well, but drive through it to work often. I kind of like the little "downtown?" strip along Route 1 in Plaineville. I stopped at the bookstore and it was surprisingly nice for an independent bookstore in such a small town.

[CaseyB]

You mean the bookstore in downtown Plainville along 1A? That's about the only nice building in the whole town.

I'd recommend the OP look in Franklin. It's going to be more the size you want and there are some very nice developments. 2 exits off 495 and the train to Boston.

[timberline742]

I guess it might be 1A, not sure. I cut through Attleboro to 495 often enough.


I like the vibe of that strip there, not just that store.