Moving to Boston

[Anonymous]

Hi there. Work is taking DH to Boston so we are picking up from the DMV and moving. Would love some help in deciphering the Boston suburbs from those who have lived both here and there. We currently live in Bethesda and generally like the mix of proximity to the city and quieter suburban neighborhoods. We have very friendly neighbors and there are a lot of young families like us. We're Jewish but not religious and like that we have an international community here where we feel very comfortable.

We've narrowed our search to and would love any thoughts about:

South Newton / Newton Center
Needham
Wellesley
Lexington

We'd prioritize walkable streets (sidewalks! wish we had them here) and high performing schools. We're tying to avoid country clubbiness (DH doesn't play golf and doesn't want to, prefers running / biking) and places where I won't feel comfortable if I don't get done up to go grocery shopping with my 1 year old. We came here from Westchester County, NY and have liked that Bethesda is more relaxed. Budget is up to $2M.

Thoughts? Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Newton has a large, active Jewish community. Casual but affluent. Very good schools. Public transportation to city.

Needham: More Catholic and farther out of town.

Wellesley: Wealthy, very pretty, snobbish

Lexington: Pretty. Great and highly competitive schools (but there may be some problems d/t upcoming renovation of HS.) A lot of professionals and East Asians. Public transportation not great.

[Anonymous]

PP sums it up pretty well. Based on your preferences it sounds like Newton is the best fit.

[Anonymous]

Stay away from Wellesley if you are not interested in country clubs. So much golf!

[Anonymous]

Arlington, Cambridge and Somerville are nice options and may be more affordable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi there. Work is taking DH to Boston so we are picking up from the DMV and moving. Would love some help in deciphering the Boston suburbs from those who have lived both here and there. We currently live in Bethesda and generally like the mix of proximity to the city and quieter suburban neighborhoods. We have very friendly neighbors and there are a lot of young families like us. We're Jewish but not religious and like that we have an international community here where we feel very comfortable.

We've narrowed our search to and would love any thoughts about:

South Newton / Newton Center
Needham
Wellesley
Lexington

We'd prioritize walkable streets (sidewalks! wish we had them here) and high performing schools. We're tying to avoid country clubbiness (DH doesn't play golf and doesn't want to, prefers running / biking) and places where I won't feel comfortable if I don't get done up to go grocery shopping with my 1 year old. We came here from Westchester County, NY and have liked that Bethesda is more relaxed. Budget is up to $2M.

Thoughts? Thank you!

My sister in law loved living in Cambridge

[Anonymous]

for what you’re describing, 100% Newton

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks everyone! We see a house in Needham we love-- wondering if you think it's as good an option as Newton?

[Anonymous]

Brookline

[Anonymous]

Brookline is the Bethesda of Boston. Nice, rich, boring, and white. And schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Brookline

+1

You can't go wrong with any of your choices, OP. Needham will probably be a slightly cheaper option (still not cheap). Lexington is the furthest out - with the biggest lots. Wellesley is very walkable. My Wellesley friends tell me that the Jewish population was always biggest/best/most active in Newton. Love the Brookline idea.

[Anonymous]

South Newton / Newton Center ---probably what you are looking for, although a bit bland.
Needham ---very suburban and bland.
Wellesley---got to play golf.
Lexington ---very small and cliquey. Same kids go from preschool-high school together.

My husband and I lived in Brookline pre-kids. We absolutely loved it. Great day to day and much closer to Boston than Newton or any of the other places mentioned.

[Anonymous]

Brookline!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Arlington, Cambridge and Somerville are nice options and may be more affordable.

None of these places is remotely affordable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hi there. Work is taking DH to Boston so we are picking up from the DMV and moving. Would love some help in deciphering the Boston suburbs from those who have lived both here and there. We currently live in Bethesda and generally like the mix of proximity to the city and quieter suburban neighborhoods. We have very friendly neighbors and there are a lot of young families like us. We're Jewish but not religious and like that we have an international community here where we feel very comfortable.

We've narrowed our search to and would love any thoughts about:

South Newton / Newton Center
Needham
Wellesley
Lexington

We'd prioritize walkable streets (sidewalks! wish we had them here) and high performing schools. We're tying to avoid country clubbiness (DH doesn't play golf and doesn't want to, prefers running / biking) and places where I won't feel comfortable if I don't get done up to go grocery shopping with my 1 year old. We came here from Westchester County, NY and have liked that Bethesda is more relaxed. Budget is up to $2M.

Thoughts? Thank you!

My sister in law loved living in Cambridge

IIRC Cambridge has a citywide lottery for schools so it can be stressful. Schools in the other towns being discussed are much more homogenously fine (not to say people aren’t going to argue about the two HS in Newton but the range is smaller).