*O/T* Anyone here from/in Massachusetts?

[NixLifter]

I am looking into moving out that way. I now live in the DEEP south and no NO one out that way so I was going to ask for anyones advice here...
I love the area anywhere from Boston through Salem. I am still a student and will be working at a hospital while in my pre-medical studies. I am looking for a small beautiful area anywhere in the 5 hour radius of the two cities I have mentioned above and only about an hour or so from some type of "in-town". I am looking for a quite, wooded/country-type, affordable area with history where I can refocus my studies and my life.
Thanks for any help (if any) in advanced... This move will mean a lot to me.

NixLifter

 

[Jrizzle385]

Southcoast here.

You should check into the Lakeville/middleboro area. Plenty of woodsy areas, fairly low population density, and only a minute away from the commuter rail that will take you right into boston.

 

[NixLifter]

thank you very much.. i will most def. look into that. how is the bodybuilding scene (shows) and the gyms in that area?

anymore ideas?
thanks guys
nixlifter

 

[NixLifter]

what might you know about the salem area...? i mean in the living aspect. is it known as an expensive town? or about areas around it? thanks

 

[ghostdog128]

All of Mass is expensive and has some of the highest tax rates in the country. Or as all of us native Ma. residents like to say welcome to Taxachusetts. You're coming here for school so I have no reason to tell you to stay away like the plague. But if this were a permanent move then yes, I'd tell you to stay away like the plague. Between the crappy NewEngland weather, unbelievable traffic, general rudeness of Massholes (as we are called by some)...high taxes and just high all around prices, realestate!! forget it you can't even afford a small condo unless you're pulling in over 100k by yourself. That's why I'm moving and half of the people I know are moving out of state.

But for school you should be OK, just get out once you finish. There are plenty of areas that fit your requirements. It would be helpful if you provided where you will be going to school and doing some of your medical training then we could narrow the areas down for you as a 5 hour drive radius puts you in Maine!!

 

[NixLifter]

well i have already been accepted into a few schools in the north and northeast areas of mass. but i am really looking for nice areas to live and then i will decide on my schooling. my scores and class rankings so far in my college so far will keep my options pretty open school wise. so i just wanted to narrow down my search a bit before settling into a college.
thanks guys

 

[moonshine420]

ghost dog is right mass is way too expensive, i live near Boston its overpopulated theres too much traffic and it just plainly sucks at times...but i love New England its where im from so im used to it but some people hate it. just my 2 cents

 

[NixLifter]

any more info on new england? i am thinking about looking into that area as well.

does anyone know about ipswich mass? i have heard that might be a nice area to look into!

and i have heard that about boston that is why i plan to stay at least a good hour or two away..
thanks for you input!

-nixlifter

 

[rotty]

Nix, Are you looking to buy or rent? If you are looking to buy how much are you looking to spend? If you are looking to buy a house in Mass you need to be willing to spend 300K, you can get a condo or townhouse for less. I don't think you meant 5 hour radius from Boston, to give you an idea New York is 5 hours from Boston. Montreal is like 6.5 hours from from Boston. Need to be a little more specific

Guys complaining about the traffic....try going somewhere else. New York traffic suck, LA is probably the worst in the country and there is like 6 lanes but always traffic... Boston weather isn't that bad either. Yes it snows but not as much as North Dakota and a whole lot of other states. The summer's are nice and the spring and fall aren't bad either and if you don't mind a little snow the winter isn't terrible. Mass isn't as bad as some other states as far as taxes go either. Live in sunny CA for a while and tell me how you like those taxes and the real estate is more expensive than MA. San Diego is just as if not more expensive than Boston but the average salary is more in Boston. Mass is one of the few states that you don't have to apply to get health insurance either. Most states you have to fill out an application and can be turned down, not in Mass. The hospitals and health care are some of the best in the world, secondary education is amazing. There is good and bad in everything, try not and dwell on the bad you will live a happier life

 

[NixLifter]

hey thanks for the reply...
i will be getting an apartment out there. so no buying for me...

sorry for not being as specific..i meant a 4-5 hour radius going west of boston. still in the Massachusetts area. i would like to stay in the general area of eastern mass

 

[rotty]

I wouldn't go that far away from Boston if you are going to school in Boston. You don't want to be that more than an hour maybe an hour and a half away from Boston. If you are going to rent it really depends on where you live. I would probably recommend the South Shore. A lot of the towns are nice, near the ocean and have acces to public transportation. The towns aren't huge but have some life to them and aren't stuffy and did I mention beaches and ocean. You are probably looking at spending $1,000/mo for rent or maybe a little less depending on how far from Boston you go. You might be able to find some stuff for arounf 700 but you will really have to look. You could also look to see if there are people looking to rent rooms or looking for roommates, that would make it easier too if 2 people were splitting 1200/mo. I don't know a lot about Salem or up that way. Not a big fan of too far north of the city. If you have anymore questions about Boston or south let me know

 

[NixLifter]

i am not ness going to school in boston. i am looking for a nice area before i check the schooling. i will be going there in about 6 weeks and would like to have an idea of a few towns to look at... options are still wide open.
I don't mind too much of the ocean. and i would like to keep my monthly apartment rent as much below 1000 a month as i can... i only spend close to 600 here.

 

[NixLifter]

you said your not a fan of the north parts. can you specify why? or what the difference is to someone who is a native of that area? thanks again!

 

[ghostdog128]

Rotty, I never said Ma traffic was the worst out there. But it ranks up there and yes, I've lived in many parts of the country. You'll find the same thing in any major city along with it's accompanying suburbs. My main point was that there are perhaps much better places to do undergrad work. And if he's coming from the south, the expense and weather of the N.E. will be a rude awaking for him.

 

[Kcm3000]

the traffic in boston isnt too bad, i drive in and around boston almost everyday. yeah Rent in boston is really high but outside isnt bad at all. i guess its more expensive than RI but w.e you get what you pay for. you want a nice piece of property your willing to pay for it. the schools are nice in these parts. parking in the city sucks...costs a pretty penny, but you have the option of taking the train or a bus. driving conditions arent bad either, I might just be used to them thou. just dont be a big pus when you drive and youll be all set.

 

[Kcm3000]

ps. the weather is awesome. some great summer and spring conditions. and snow is the shit. just learn how to drive in it. idk y people dont like NE weather but its great. and u cant even deny that we dont have some good sports teams. lol good luck

 

[nhmuscles]

I have lived in northern mass/ southern new hampshire all my life. From the sounds of it you don't desire city living, I would definatley consider soutnern new hampshire. Only about 45 minutes from boston, but nice and quiet. Only draw back is extemely high real estate tax, but if you're renting that won't matter. I think the new hampshire seacoast is the best best of both worlds.
I will also add Ipswich is beautiful, but I can't imagine finding a decent place for less than 1500 a month. If your at all interested try looking for info in Haverhill. I own a garden style condo I am considering renting for a while. My father is going through a boon marrow transplant, the procedure started yesterday. So I would like to be more available to my parents, and stay there for a year.

 

[deltaguy]

I really don't like the area but moved here for family reasons. Thankfully all of us are moving out of the area before the summer. I lived in Manhattan most of my life so I prefer NYC over anywhere in the world. Don't get me wrong, Boston is a nice city and the area is great for a multitude of reasons... ocean on one side in 30 to 45 min, mountains on the other in the same amount of time, blah, blah, blah... but the people really take away from all the beauty. Arrogant comes to my mind. Expensive too for what you actually get in return.

Every place has their draw backs. NYC, Boston, LA included. Get to school. Figure out how you fit in up here and run with it. If you are making good money after grad you will be fine and maybe you will figure out you want to be somewhere else. hahaha

best of luck with school bro.

 

[dogma20006]

Middleboro area is nice, Mansfield, Bridgewater has T stations and Bridgewater has a state school too so the rent is probably a little cheaper. Mansfield you can get an apartment for around $750 but is a very nice area

 

[michael arvilla]

I am looking into moving out that way. I now live in the DEEP south and no NO one out that way so I was going to ask for anyones advice here...
I love the area anywhere from Boston through Salem. I am still a student and will be working at a hospital while in my pre-medical studies. I am looking for a small beautiful area anywhere in the 5 hour radius of the two cities I have mentioned above and only about an hour or so from some type of "in-town". I am looking for a quite, wooded/country-type, affordable area with history where I can refocus my studies and my life.
Thanks for any help (if any) in advanced... This move will mean a lot to me.

NixLifter

Hey Nix, Former New Englander here (now residing in FL). Me and my girlfriend have lived and worked in several areas of the North Shore. Salem is wonderfully historic and has both a wealthy section and a ghetto section. Other areas that are nice to live on the North Shore are Stoneham, Melrose, Reading, Woburn, Peabody, Danvers, Middleton, Lynnfield, Winchester and Wakefield. Stay out of the Lynn, Malden, Everett, Chelsea, Revere, Charlestown and Somerville area. I would also look into finding something just over the New Hampshire border. Like Wenham, Derry, Londonderry, Salem (NH) as the commute is still pretty good (all on 93) and you don't have to worry about Mass taxes and it's high cost of living.