Newlyweds Looking For 1st Home In Or Around Boston (Wakefield: real estate, condos)

[StayRightPassLeft]

We've looked everywhere but nothing seems to fit. Either the home requires too much work or the asking price is too demanding -our comfort zone is 300k-350k. We do not have children but would like them soon enough (2-3 years). I work from home, she works in Medfield. We currently do not need anything more than a 2-bedroom condo, but some time ago we thought that a small home would be best, in case we needed to stay there to ride out the market. I think we've gotten ahead of ourselves in terms of looking at school systems and neighborhoods that are good environments for kids.

My question, I guess, is what should our priorities be at the current moment while looking for a home?

Should we consider condos again?

Is Andrew Square in South Boston a nice neighborhood, even if for just the two of us?

What about West Roxbury?

[shiver]

My ex-boyfriend lives in Andrew Sq. It's not a bad area at all, but it's a little rough around the edges. I never felt unsafe or had any problems and neither did he, but he does live on the main drag on Dorchester Ave. There's a strong Polish presence there with a Polish church in the neighborhood (and a yummy Polish restaurant - Cafe Polonia), It's an underrated location. The T is right there, immediate access to the highways (93 and 90) and easy shopping at South Bay. Fairly easy street parking too.

West Roxbury is a little more residential and quite nice.

Think about it this way - if you don't plan on having children for another 2-3 years, school districts aren't going to really matter until the child is 5 which won't be for another 7-8 yrs.

[redpanda]

Shiver--that's so funny, when I saw Andrew Square the first thing I thought was "mmm...cafe Polonia!"

I agree, it's a bit rough-ish, but not unsafe. West Roxbury is definitely more residential and I think great for both young couples or families, and homes there do seem to hold their value well. At your price point I suspect you'd be looking more at condos, but I'm sure you could find something nice.

[buywithbeth]

A couple of things for you to consider, if I may...while schools are important to consider for when you have kids, since you don't have any now, you should not place as much emphasis on that when deciding where to look. Most people are not able to buy their dream home when they buy their first home...the best way to get closer to buying your dream home is to buy your first home. You'll be able to build some good equity by the time you have kids and they are ready to go to school. Then you can move to a different town if you feel so inclined. With the help of a good real estate agent you can find a home that meets your criteria and is a smart purchase in any market and at any time. You need to look at "what" you want in a house and you also need to look at "why". You should be pre-approved by a lender and then work with an agent to determine what features and amenities you want can be found in a home in that price range in the towns that will work for you.

[DreamworksSKG]

Try Wakefield

I think it would be a good fit for you

Reading Might be another option