raising a family in Boston metro - suburb recommendation

[rsnsmh]

Thank you very much for all the input. We are reviewing many of the data points and our need / want; not much exposure to northeast and current pandemic has made things very difficult.

[495neighbor]

Originally Posted by rsnsmh

How are the IT job market (Infrastructure - Networking) in Boston area? I will be moving for my current job but just in case for the future as you cant be so sure these days.

Thanks

You really want to be close to Burlington/Woburn/Lexington/Waltham area for Infrastructure - Networking IT work.

[mwj119]

Originally Posted by rsnsmh

Thank you very much for all the input. We are reviewing many of the data points and our need / want; not much exposure to northeast and current pandemic has made things very difficult.

Yeah, I'm not sure who started this idea that Acton and Westford don't have large Asian/Indian populations. Both towns have substantial Indian/Chinese populations. Both are top districts in the state.

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/...-compares.html

According to this Stanford study, which I like to point to if test scores are important, both are among the Nations best school systems. Westford's school systems are 20% Asian (predominantly Indian), Acton's 30% Asian (more Chinese as a %).

South Westford commutes down Rt 2 via Concord to alewife or directly into Cambridge. ~80 minutes during rush hour. The rest of Westford commutes via 3 to 92 to 2. Again, assume 80 minutes. In the case of Acton, I'd assume 70 minutes.

Either way, $450k probably won't do it. Maybe a cottage on a main road in one of the old parts of town? Certainly not going to get more than 3 beds, 1 bath. No garage, likely no basement.

Someone mentioned Chelmsford. 11% Asian, good schools, a lot of varying neighborhoods. This is where I would look to balance location to Cambridge/95 (tech corridor) and good schools. Something like this:

https://www.realtor.com/realestatean...-61021?view=qv

[StillInTheHood]

I can relate to your desires, and I'd respectfully suggest that you consider compromising on one dimension, the age of house issue. You'll want a good inspection, for sure, and I understand asbestos concerns but I think these are easily overblown. Because MA has been settled for so long, even in several of the attractive "suburbs" are formerly independent towns with many older houses. The older houses are often built more solidly, and you may be able to help square your budget concerns by finding a place that you can upgrade in stages over time. Full disclosure: I grew up in a house that is over 100 years old and I currently live in one that's much older than that. Some of the construction from the '60s-'80s was rather shoddy, and asbestos is not the only issue to consider - radon, mold, lead paint, etc. It all varies property to property, and there are certainly well-maintained houses built in the '20s that I'd perceive as more salubrious than some of those built in the early '80s.

[hunter111]

Definitely give Acton a look -great schools and a big Indian community within a reasonable distance of lots of IT jobs. I agree that you should see if you can compromise on the year of construction. New construction is pricey here and not necessary to have a happy home ownership experience. Older doesn't necessarily mean full of asbestos (or other construction issues).