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I am relocating from nj - questions

My job is moving to Mass.  I will be working in Waltham.  I am looking for a nice town possibly north of Boston still drivable to Waltham.

I am a single mom and my income is around 80 plus.  My dd has an IEP (Learning disabilty). So what I would love is a good town, good schools, and somewhat quaint.  My family lives in Maine and her dad is in NJ - so close to major highways is a plus.  All I need is two bedrooms.

Any good towns for me to look into?

 

Re: I am relocating from nj - questions

  • I would look in Waltham, actually. It's a nice town and I think the schools are good (someone weigh in on this).

     

  • Waltham is pretty family-friendly and my understanding is that it has a decent school system, though not the best.  Some of the best schools are in Newton, Belmont, Brookline, and others.  Newton and Belmont would have easy drives to Waltham; Brookline would be more of a pain.

    Man, it's "moving to Boston" day on the board, apparently.  Welcome!

    I'd rather be rock climbing or playing volleyball
    imageimage
  • Lexington.  The public school system is AMAZING for special needs.  It is the next town over from Waltham.  The housing prices are really high, but the schools are fantastic.  Are you looking to rent for the time being?

    It is also right off of 128.

  • I would agree with Lexington.  It has a great downtown area in addition to what was mentioned about.
  • Great! Thanks for the tips... is $80k a livable income in Lexington and Newton areas?  They look nice - The apt prices are comperable to my area but I worry
  • imagejesmadi:
    Great! Thanks for the tips... is $80k a livable income in Lexington and Newton areas?  They look nice - The apt prices are comperable to my area but I worry

    Yes, that's doable, especially if you're renting and don't have to worry about a mortgage, unforeseen repairs, etc.

    FWIW, Newton will have easier access to public transportation than Lexington.  There are also a ton of "villages" in Newton--Newton Highlands, Newton Upper & Lower Falls, Newton Center, Newton Corner, Nonantum...I can't keep track of them all but just wanted to give you a heads up so you're aware.

    I'd rather be rock climbing or playing volleyball
    imageimage
  • imageRock-n-Voll:

    imagejesmadi:
    Great! Thanks for the tips... is $80k a livable income in Lexington and Newton areas?  They look nice - The apt prices are comperable to my area but I worry

    Yes, that's doable, especially if you're renting and don't have to worry about a mortgage, unforeseen repairs, etc.

    FWIW, Newton will have easier access to public transportation than Lexington.  There are also a ton of "villages" in Newton--Newton Highlands, Newton Upper & Lower Falls, Newton Center, Newton Corner, Nonantum...I can't keep track of them all but just wanted to give you a heads up so you're aware.

    Waban...ha ha ha.  There are so many!  

    80K is doable if you are renting.

    I am somewhat  familiar with the Lexington Public Schools because I have done some work inside the schools (with special needs) and as representing families as an advocate.   There is a fantastic SN community there. 

    Rock is right about public transportation being great in the Newton area.  I lived in Chestnut Hill (another village--of both Newton and Brookline)  for a while many years back.  

  • I live in Waltham, and I'd recommend taking a close look around here. The city had kind of a not so great reputation when I was growing up - lots of the industry that was here moved. However, in recent years the city has plowed money into the school system, and parts of Waltham have become very trendy and nice places to live. There are also lots of good family neighborhoods. Everyone's risk tolerance is different, and we're very risk averse when it comes to real estate, but I think buying in Waltham on $80K would be tough unless you have lots saved for a down payment or you're looking for a small condo. Renting here would totally work. Newton and Lexington definitely have top notch school systems. They are also incredibly, incredibly expensive if you're looking to buy a house/townhouse that's not 100 years old and in need of major work. If you want to rent, that would be feasible. One thing I would say could be tough is that many of the people with kids in the school systems in these towns are very wealthy, and the activities their kids participate in do reflect that. I have friends with moderate incomes who live in Newton, and their son can't go on the school trip to Switzerland, take private ballet lessons, horseback ride, fence, etc. with his school friends. Not saying that matters to you, or that all, most, or even many people in Newton live lives like that - just sharing one family's experience in the public school system there. Given the sociodemographics in Waltham, I think that sort of thing is less likely here. (Oh, and I live a 6 minute drive from downtown Lexington, and I can use my Waltham library card at the library)... Not sure if this helps!
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