New construction in Haverhill vs. in Newton NH (Danvers: house, safe area)

[kaesmom]

Hi,

I've learned so much from all of you over these past few months while my husband and I have tried to decide whether or not to move.

We're currently living in southern PA (commuting distance to Baltimore, MD) but are both originally from New England (RI & VT). My husband took a job in Danvers MA and we were up there the past 2 weekends looking at properties. He's willing to have up to a 45 minute commute. We've narrowed it down to 3 properties -- 2 of which are new construction. One is in Haverhill and one is in Newton, NH.

We have only 1 child who will be attending a Catholic school. I know that both areas put us in pretty good proximity to the schools. But I'm concerned about high school -- how bad IS the Haverhill high school? How is it compared to Sanborn Regional, which is where Newton feeds into? Does anyone know the comparisons? I've been reading and reading and reading and I feel like I'm just going in circles.

We need to decide on one of these properties this week (the 3rd property is an existing home in Newton) and I can't help but wonder if schools will end up having to be our deciding factor.

Oh, we spent the weekend in Haverhill while house hunting and we really liked the downtown -- we ate at The Tap Room (love microbrews! That was such a bonus to us to see that it was right there!) and had a drink at The Peddler's Daughter (my husband is an Irish pub fanatic -- he could just stroll around them looking at all the stuff inside all night long). We felt very safe in that section and really enjoyed our evening.

For housing, the one we're looking at is off of Broadway, near Crystal Lake. Is that considered a safe area??

Thanks so much for all of your help!

[Valerie C]

Hi kaesmom, and welcome to the forum Raised in Haverhill, so maybe I can help just a bit. I'm going to stay away from the schools discussion (that's for you and your Realtor to discuss, and others on this board who aren't licensed agents) but I can say that the Crystal Lake area is very nice, you're tucked away from the inner city areas, but very easy access to Rte 495 via Broadway/Rte 97. Best of luck with your decision!!

[minnie50]

what streets would i possibly be looking for, all the listings just say haverhill

thanks so much

bev from so cal

[Valerie C]

Hi Bev
Just to clarify--there is no Crystal Lake, MA. Are you looking for property in Haverhill, near Crystal Lake? The streets you'll be looking for would be the upper numbers along Broadway, out to Crystal Street, Liberty Street, Lake Street, and a bunch of newer streets that have new construction

At this time, the Massachusetts MLS system does not make property listing address available via realtor.com. In New Hampshire, this rule has changed in just the last 6 months, but still, each Seller needs to give written permission for their property address to be made public in the listing. It's their house, they can make the decision

I was raised in Haverhill, and am there quite often. If I can help you with anything pertaining to the area, just ask. I'm sure there are others around who are also familiar with the area...