Hi Nicole!

If you have not already received the answer you were searching for...and/or if you have not already done so...I would recommend you speak with a Relocation Specialist who is familiar with Boston proper...and all of the towns that would serve as prospects for you. As my colleagues here have illustrated, you have many choices and it can be overwhelming trying to narrow down your choices.

You will save a lot of time by speaking with an individual who will know the questions to ask you. That individual will assist you in identifying the towns that meet your criteria and then assist you in finding a "local" expert to assist you in finding your new home!

Good luck!!!! We are thrilled to have you in MA!

Judy Boyle
Relocation Specialist
Weichert Realtors
Northborough, MA

Home buyer:

What is your definition of a long commute? If you want to get good information from this site then be specific. Some of the best Realtors in the region on on this site.

I would recommend going to http://www.mass.gov and checking out our education section. Our state has MCAS which is a testing program which tries to demonstrate the effectiveness of the education programs. I would use this as a tool for deciding on school systems. I would also visit http://www.mbta.com which is our transit website to determine modes of transportation for your husband.

Our region has access to many forms of water. You have the ocean, many lakes, ponds, and estuaries. Best.

Nicole - Your price range. How will your husband commute to Boston- drive to work or public transport. When do you plan to move.
Check - http://www.manishpatwari.net which has links on the left to MCAS scores or click on the link below
http://www.manishpatwari.net/default.aspx?id=68531&PageT…
Towns/Cities link:
http://www.manishpatwari.net/default.aspx?id=68531&PageT…
More useful links on the left of the website.
Feel free to e-mail for questions:
mpattu@gmail.com

Hi Nicole
Good Luck with your move. Great suggestions already from the many responses. Any chance you might be coming out for a visit?

Nicole,

I've lived in both Seattle (98116) and Boston and while there are commonalities in attitude and lifestyle, there are differences. Water views are not as common in Boston as they are in Seattle. The commute in Boston is possible via train and subway unlike Seattle where most commutes are via 520 or I5.

The State of Massachusetts Department of Education publishes school information for all the towns in the state at: http://profiles.doe.mass.edu/ . The commuter rail information can be found on http://www.mbta.com . Using these two sites you can get an idea for the schools and commute times that will narrow down your search and help focus based on your criteria.

Good luck!

Hi Nicloe, This is going to be a Big Move. I wish you luck. My house is currently on the market, it is not on the water, however, we have just opened a new High School. I'm being repersented by century 21.My address is 97 N. Lowell Rd. Windham, Nh 03087. Take a look. Oh, we are close to the Ski resorts off of interstate 93 north of Boston. Good Luck. Marion

Hello Nicole,

This is a difficult, but important question to answer. Boston is on the water and for you to be on the water you can only go North or South. Realtors are not permitted to "steer" buyers into areas but we can help you with statistics on towns and their schools and communities.

I would be very happy to help you. I am mostly familiar with the Boston, Boston West and Boston North areas. You can reach me at JessicaHarveyRE@aol.com.

Jessica Harvey

Hi Nicole,

That is a BIG move! Boston is a great city and I'm sure you will enjoy your time here. I would have to say Brookline and Newton are going to be your best choice for schools. You can compare all of the local school ratings here: http://www.signaturerealtyservices.com/school_reports.shtml
As for being close to the water, it would take you about 45 minutes to drive to the ocean from either of these areas. If you would like to be closer to the beach, Hingham might be a good choice but it will take your husband approximately an hour each way to commute during "rush hour". I used to live in Hingham and it was only 20 miles from the city, but with traffic it can be tough. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I would be more than happy to help you find a place to live. Currently I work in the Boston, Brookline, Newton, Cambridge and Dedham area but being from the Cape, I am also very familiar with the South Shore of Boston as well.

Best regards,
Holly Daniels
Signature Realty Services
617.962.4211 Mobile

Near water, good schools and close commute to city will be tough.

Here are a couple options:

On water:
Hingham - http://www.bostontre.com/results.aspx?p=1&city=12711&…

Swampscott - http://www.bostontre.com/results.aspx?p=1&city=12839&…

Near water but close to commute to city and incredible schools:

Brookline - http://www.bostontre.com/results.aspx?p=1&custom=1208&am…

Newton - http://www.bostontre.com/results.aspx?p=1&city=12828&…

Good websites to measure schools: greatschools.org

Hi Nicole,

I would suggest Hingham, the town meets your criteria. It's close enough to the city so the commute isn't terrible, its a great town with good schools and its on the water.

Visit my website or send me your e-mail and I would be happy to send you listings.

Best,
Nicolas
http://allbostonrealty.com/
nicolas@onlinebostonproperties.com
(617)794-9000

You need the inside scoop on the school systems you might consider. All our schools are great here in Massachusetts. I think we spend more money on average compared to the rest of the US per student. Maybe Vermont spends more than Mass. Point is there is no better place to get a great education than here in Massachusetts. If you'd like more info on MY thoughts on our schools...david@davidsears.biz, toll free 800-500-0992. Direct 617-694-9349. David Sears, father of 3 children educated here in Massachusetts and 6th generations born and raised in Massachusetts.

Nicole,
First off good luck with your move. I'm having some difficulty making a recommendation. There are great public and private schools scattered throughout the Greater Boston Area. However, I would need to know what you would like your commute time to be and what type of setting you see yourself residing in, for instance urban, suburban, rural, etc. Furthermore, it would be helpful if you can elaborate on what you mean by being near the water as it is quite different living on a pond, lake, or ocean. I look forward to seeing your response.
K. L. Santos

Well to be near the city Newton is a great choice with good schools. There is a large pond that is used for jogging around etc.. If by water you mean you want to be near the ocean than you should look at Winthrop. Another great high school actually got voted #1 in Ma is Brookline High. Brookline is bordering the city and has a city atmosphere, lots to do restaurants etc.. and a commuters dream. If you would like to talk to an Agent please feel free to call me at 508-277-2032, I have been a Massachusetts Realtor for 18 years.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Heidi Zizza
mdm realty

You can try looking on this website. Everyone has there own preferences of what is important to them so it is best for you to evaluate them for yourself You can try looking on this website. Everyone has there own preferences of what is important to them so it is best for you to evaluate them for yourself. http://www.greatschools.org/massachusetts/boston/Boston-Publ…

I had a family move from Chicago with similar concerns about schools. Feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss this further 617-875-2395 or bhinkley@warrenre.com

Picking a school is a very personal choice. There are several good websites that rank the public schools, charter schools, and private schools in and around boston. I would start by doing some research on these different options.