Ayer

[Shrewsburried]

Originally Posted by brk330

I'm surprised people keep mentioning Lowell. I would think comparable towns would be Lancaster, Sterling, Pepperell, Townsend, Lunenburg, Shirley, Westminster.
Connected to Fitchburg? I don't think so. I commute to Fitchburg and it's a lonely drive. Only one other employee at my 500+ employee workplace comes from Ayer.
I can't speak to the social life- but jobs: yes, careers: no. Pre-covid there were tons of picker/packer warehouse and medical assembly jobs. Not much for career paths.
I am also happy with the schools so far.

It's because OP isn't concerned about school ratings and wants easy access to Lowell/Boston. Having lived in both Ayer and Lowell, I would certainly prefer the Belvidere neighbor in Lowell over Ayer if my concerns were COL, immediate quality of life, and access to job markets/social scene (pre-covid). I really enjoyed my stint in the Belvidere section and never encounter any petty theft or spill from Lowell's more poverty stricken sections (e.g., the Acre).

Lancaster or Sterling are probably the best value if good school districts are a concern and reasonable eastern access is desired. Lunenburg should also be shortlisted over Shirley/Ayer. Westminster is nice, but now you're getting "out there".

[wolfgang239]

The areas around Westford Rd and the old Ford plant have many good jobs. Along with all that manufacturing and industry are countless maintenance and engineering jobs surprisingly enough. Sealed Air, the grain place, Catania oil, the power station and L3 have more than just a few $100k/yr trade workers, engineers, etc kicking around.

[brightdoglover]

Originally Posted by brk330

I'm surprised people keep mentioning Lowell. I would think comparable towns would be Lancaster, Sterling, Pepperell, Townsend, Lunenburg, Shirley, Westminster.
Connected to Fitchburg? I don't think so. I commute to Fitchburg and it's a lonely drive. Only one other employee at my 500+ employee workplace comes from Ayer.
...

(Having lived in Littleton for 27 years until 2018) I'd say that Lowell is the closest urban experience for presentations or music or ethnic food or other entertainments. If I was going to date, I think I'd meet in Lowell for activity. I did meet friends in Lowell for classes or meals. I sure didn't expect a social life in Littleton (so many families and long-time inhabitants) and I imagine Ayer would have the same minimal offerings for social life.

[brk330]

It's because OP isn't concerned about school ratings and wants easy access to Lowell/Boston. Having lived in both Ayer and Lowell, I would certainly prefer the Belvidere neighbor in Lowell over Ayer if my concerns were COL, immediate quality of life...

Aha, as a child of 80's Nashua, Lowell just has a horrible reputation in my mind. It seemed to be where all of our crime originated. Would be an easy drive though.
Also, Ayer is a tenth the size of Lowell, just doesn't seem to match up.
Westminster to Lowell is only a couple of miles further than Sterling, but gains a train station. I do like Lunenburg, especially at the top of the hill. They have the nicest roads around, they have repaved the whole town.

[Shrewsburried]

Originally Posted by brk330

Aha, as a child of 80's Nashua, Lowell just has a horrible reputation in my mind. It seemed to be where all of our crime originated. Would be an easy drive though.
Also, Ayer is a tenth the size of Lowell, just doesn't seem to match up.
Westminster to Lowell is only a couple of miles further than Sterling, but gains a train station. I do like Lunenburg, especially at the top of the hill. They have the nicest roads around, they have repaved the whole town.

It's probably equal times from the eastern side of both towns to Lowell ... Sterling may even be a bit longer. I was speaking more to job market access. Sterling/Lancaster have much better access to Worcester and the 495 'boroughs markets.

[babsd.groton]

Just wanted to add that this week the Devens Grille has closed. Living in Groton, it was a reasonable place to dine and have drinks. Unfortunately I expect this will become more the norm post covid.

My husband did one of his first flips in Ayer 10 years ago. I think it was more of a challenge to fix up and make a small profit from one of the homes on Pearl Street. The new owners got a bargain.

[GolfingCat]

Originally Posted by babsd.groton

Just wanted to add that this week the Devens Grille has closed. Living in Groton, it was a reasonable place to dine and have drinks. Unfortunately I expect this will become more the norm post covid.

My husband did one of his first flips in Ayer 10 years ago. I think it was more of a challenge to fix up and make a small profit from one of the homes on Pearl Street. The new owners got a bargain.

That's sad to hear. I always enjoyed the Devens Grille.

[brk330]

Originally Posted by GolfingCat

That's sad to hear. I always enjoyed the Devens Grille.

A Mexican restaurant is moving in.