Not an easy question to answer. I attached a link that lists the ranking of public schools in MA. The ranking is based on the MCAS performance. How accurate that is to define a very good public school is debateable, but it is a good place to start. I would look at the srounding towns and determine what towns you consider close to Boston. You may want to make that decision after comming up and visiting the area. Besto of luck with the new job and relocating.

Newton, Brookline, Weston, Wellesley, Lincoln-Sudbury, Dover-Sherborn and Concord-Carlisle.

Good luck :) !

Without a doubt-Dover, Needham, Wellesley and Weston. Also convenient to public transportation and major routes.

Hi Shaila,
I live and work in the Merrimack Valley and North Shore area, and I think you would find it perfect. The area offers an easy commute, as it is surrounded by 3 major Boston commuter routes, and just about every town has a commuter rail station. It's a lovely area with quintessential and SAFE New England neighborhoods. It's a quick drive to the beaches, to Boston, and to skiing, and best of all it's AFFORDABLE!

I publish a Homes & Land Magazine for that area, we have a few thousand listings on our web site that you may want to check out. http://www.HomesAndLandMA.com. The site offers a school report for any listing you find interesting. Or I would be happy to mail you a copy of the next issue, just let me know! Best of luck with your search.

Cary Bowman
Publisher
Homes & Land Magazine

Hi Shaila! I have helped many relocating families find beautiful homes in excellent communities in the MetroWest Boston Area. Some of these towns include Northborough (my home town), Westborough, Southborough etc. There is easy access to Boston via the Massachusetts Turnpike if you choose to drive. The more popular choice is the Commuter Rail Train into Boston. Each of these towns (and there are a few more) offer high quality of life, affordability and EXCELLENT school systems...among many more things!

Please feel free to call or email me (508.561.7164 or jboyle@comvestresidential.com) if you would like more information and/or if I can be of assistance in helping you find your new home!

Best wishes!

Judy

Shaila,
It would be helpful to know how much you can afford. But Brookline would be a great choice because of its public schools system and residential appeal. It is also so close to Boston.
Would be happy to help!
Veronique
617-477-5079

Well plenty of places around Boston have excellent schools. It all depends on how far away from Boston do you want to be. I do not think that you should rely on anyone’s personal opinion since the districts vary in sizes, funding, and of course it comes down your personal experience.
I constantly keep hearing that our district is one of the best but in my personal experience it is not. You can research the towns to find out how much funding their schools have and also if there are budget overrides every year (as in our case). The budget overrides will definitely affect your taxes.
Try this website for an unbiased idea http://www.zipskinny.com/

Best of luck

If you're going to live in the city, then live in the city. Jamaica Plain is the best neighborhood in the Boston Metro area. We have it all. Olmstead designed green space including the Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Pond, tons of community organizations, theater, art, blah, blah, blah. We even have a zoo. Great shopping, groceries (organic coop, farmer's market, etc.) killer restaurants and just 12min on the Orange Line from Back Bay station. Public scholls here aren't the best, but there are a lot of affordable solutions. Taxes are low especially after the residential exemption which you can read about on http://www.cityofboston.gov. JP is a real community. I've been here for 15 years now and I won't live anywhere else.

Jon,

The tri town area of Norwood, Walpole and Westwood are very attractive towns for public schools and many options for Parochial and Private schools. Public transportation to Boston is most ideal in Norwood with three commuter train station stops available within walking distance of many residential areas.

RE taxes in Norwood are lowest due to a strong commercial RE base.

If you need a RE broker in the area contact me at jsullivan@omegafin.com and I'll supply you with the best.

JRS

Hi Shaila, not enough information. The most important question is, what is your price range? In what exact area of Boston is your job located? Do you have a husband and children or do you expect them (by them, I mean husband, children or both) in the near future? Are you looking for a single family, condominium or multi-family? What are the minimum amount of bedrooms you will need? There are other questions I would need to ask, but these are the bare basics needed to proprly answer your question. Thanks in advance, Jon

Scituate Mass on Boston's south shore 26 mi's from Boston is an idyllic sea coast town that has been substantially condoed in the last 5 years. The school system is excellent. 84% of the 07 class was admitted ro college. Lats month modern train service to Boston started (50min's) Large parking lots are $2 a day and are at the train station.

32 Mi's of beaches all private for town residents. Taxes are reasonable. Real Estate market is severly depressed. Some exceptional properties are available at bargain prices. Best realator in town : John Gallagher 781 545 2730.