Considering a move from Southern California to Boston's North Shore (Lynn: low income, homes)

[SoPastoBosNoShore]

Thanks again! Beverly Farms/Prides Crossing is incredible - very similar to Manchester, but zoned for Beverly High, so we didn't really consider.

[OutdoorLover]

Originally Posted by SoPastoBosNoShore

Thanks again! Beverly Farms/Prides Crossing is incredible - very similar to Manchester, but zoned for Beverly High, so we didn't really consider.

Yes, Beverly Farms has some of the beauty of Manchester, but it's not so isolated, and in my opinion has a little less upper crusty attitude. Hmmm... well, it sounds like you've covered things pretty well in your visits. Houses with garage are the exception in the whole region, as most of the housing stock is older and the lots tend to be small too - charming, but not lending itself well to garage additions. But, the bottom line is, newer houses, with garage do exist, and there is the occasional old standalone barn or carriage house that's been converted to garage duties. There are some neighborhoods of newer houses, and occasionally an old house gets leveled and a new one is built on the lot. I know they have all of these in my town. You'd just need to be ready to move quickly on a suitable house that comes on the market, once you decide what destination is the right one for you. Best of luck to you in your search!

[tysmith95]

With enough of a budget you could definitively find a home with a garage. Although most people have budget constraints.

[SoPastoBosNoShore]

Thanks! Yes, garage is a must.

[Idontwanttocheckmymessage]

I wanted to chime in about some upcoming changes in Newburyport as you said you are taking a second look at the high school. There will be a new principal at Newburyport High School next year, as well as a new superintendent for the entire school district. The current administrators are both retiring. I'm not sure whether this would affect your decision either way -- though I know that the new superindentent was a special education teacher at some point and this came up as a plus during the hiring process.

We also happened to move to Newburyport this past year and our daughter started at the high school in September as a 9th grader. Although I can't specifically comment on their support for kids with ADHD, I will say that we couldn't be more pleased with her transition. She finds the school community down to earth, welcoming and friendly. It was pretty easy for her to make friends, despite being on the shy side. I think it's a good school academically as well -- though certainly not one of Massachusetts academic power houses. (I can only compare it to Acton-Boxborough Regional High School. We moved from Acton after 16 years following our older daughter's graduation from ABRHS.)

I hope this info helps!

[SoPastoBosNoShore]

Thank you! We called NHS this morning to get additional info on their services for kids with ADHD. When we toured the school late last year, it didn't feel quite as comprehensive or individualized as Ipswich. The class sizes and school itself are somewhat bigger. Ipswich might be a better fit, but Newburyport as a city has more to offer (though sorely missing a YMCA), so it's a very tough call for us.

Did you consider any other areas before moving to Ipswich? Why did you move from ABRHS (great school!)? How do you like living in Newburyport?

[mwj119]

Hope i'm not duplicating a recommendation here, but I'd go Marblehead.

Having lived in a few different areas of the country, it was so rare to find a town with such character coupled with a sense of community, great schools, and desirable location. While it's not going to be quite as quaint as Ipswich/Manchester, the schools are probably the best of the bunch, and there's nothing like summer nights on the harbor.

It can get expensive quick, so this recommendation is budget permitting.. But coming from SoCal, you should be fine!

[SoPastoBosNoShore]

Thanks so much, Marblehead is great, but a little too far from family for us.

[tysmith95]

Marblehead is great if you don't have to drive in and out often.

[gf2020]

I've lived on the North Shore for 28 years. I wasn't going to make this post but I feel I really need to. Honestly, if your budget allows it, I would pick Newburyport over Ipswich 100 times out of 100. For that matter, I would also choose Georgetown over Ipswich every day of the week.

Despite what your brief visits and Internet research may tell you, there is no way in hell that Ipswich is a desirable community for a gay male couple with teenage sons. I've been a coach and parent of youth athletes in Essex County for almost two decades and Ipswich students, parents and fans are the absolute worst in all of the Cape Ann League. Foul mouths, bigoted chants, constant cow bell ringing and poor sportsmanship are all hallmarks of Ipswich teams and their fans, parents included. I would not want to have my sons at Ipswich High School and I would never consider recommending Ipswich over any other Essex County community.