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Could it be that Boston is so small that its inner ring suburbs would be part of the city proper anywhere else (i.e. Chicago, Houston, etc.). Getting into the city from say Reading is a 20 minute drive on the weekend. That has all the vibrancy you need. People looking to live in the 128 belt are really just looking for schools commute and a place to sleep. IDK. just a thought.
Your point makes more sense i think when we talk 495 towns maybe.
If I lived in a 495 town, I wouldn't even feel like I'm living in Greater Boston. As empty nesters, no way were we going to get bored out of our skills living that far out!
> Chelmsford is right next to Lowell which AFAIK is a full-fledged city with all that cities have to offer.
As a former resident of both Chelmsford and Westford, it seems off to me to describe Lowell as a "full-fledged city with all that cities have to offer. AFAIK, Lowell doesn't have a lot going on and it's a bit drab. We drove in to Boston when we wanted to enjoy city activity. If I were you, I'd keep looking inside 95/128 and cut back on your wish list in other ways.
Chelmsford is right next to Lowell which AFAIK is a full-fledged city with all that cities have to offer.
As a former resident of Chelmsford, I never felt I got much out of living next to Lowell. It's got a lot of city problems, and some city conveniences, but not a lot of city fun. I wouldn't count on it to be a place where you can go get the vibrancy you are seeking. Sounds like what you really want is to be within a reasonable drive of Boston, so focus on that.
As a former resident of Chelmsford, I never felt I got much out of living next to Lowell. It's got a lot of city problems, and some city conveniences, but not a lot of city fun. I wouldn't count on it to be a place where you can go get the vibrancy you are seeking. Sounds like what you really want is to be within a reasonable drive of Boston, so focus on that.
Lowell has some decent restaurants and bars in downtown area, but most places look so old and shabby... It is not a pleasure to visit it.
Could it be that Boston is so small that its inner ring suburbs would be part of the city proper anywhere else (i.e. Chicago, Houston, etc.). Getting into the city from say Reading is a 20 minute drive on the weekend. That has all the vibrancy you need. People looking to live in the 128 belt are really just looking for schools commute and a place to sleep. IDK. just a thought.
Your point makes more sense i think when we talk 495 towns maybe.
It doesn't really matter how far you are from the city limits - it matters how far you are from the places where you want to go. Chicago is very large, especially north to south. If you're driving from downtown, you could be driving for quite some time while still being technically within the city limits. And there are some suburbs which are relatively "far out" (i.e. too far for my taste) even though they may actually touch or be not far at all from the city limits of Chicago. O'Hare airport is in the city of Chicago. But it could take an hour to get downtown.
Hi all, I’m new to this amazing forum. Am researching about Chelmsford and came across this thread. Now I’m wondering what decision did OP make at the end?
Hi all, I’m new to this amazing forum. Am researching about Chelmsford and came across this thread. Now I’m wondering what decision did OP make at the end?
There are only 3 SFH for sale in Chelmsford under $750k. A fine town, but arguably not even a top 50 most desirable town in Eastern Mass.
In the case of Westford, most houses for sale now fall in the “luxury build” department, $1.2M+. Or you’re on a main road.
I wouldn’t pay the price tag for either, unless you have a very specific reason to live in those towns. Most people that move to Westford really like the School System or the bucolic environment. Or, I suppose, you want a new build. So unless that’s you, towns like Reading and Burlington have just as many houses in the <$1M range with better location and access to the city.
There are only 3 SFH for sale in Chelmsford under $750k. A fine town, but arguably not even a top 50 most desirable town in Eastern Mass.
In the case of Westford, most houses for sale now fall in the “luxury build” department, $1.2M+. Or you’re on a main road.
I wouldn’t pay the price tag for either, unless you have a very specific reason to live in those towns. Most people that move to Westford really like the School System or the bucolic environment. Or, I suppose, you want a new build. So unless that’s you, towns like Reading and Burlington have just as many houses in the <$1M range with better location and access to the city.
Burlington has become a lot more expensive in recent years.
Any 3-bed SFH under $1M must be an old ranch or cape.
Burlington has become a lot more expensive in recent years.
Any 3-bed SFH under $1M must be an old ranch or cape.
Oh no doubt. Burlington is the most expensive, when you consider median listing price.
But my point is, for entry level homes, there's really no cost difference between Chelmsford and Burlington (current snapshot). So, unless you really prefer Chelmsford/like living further out, I would recommend buying in Burlington.
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