Boston.com has identified 24 of the top neighborhoods in and
around Boston and have awarded them various distinguishing
accolades. If you are relocating within the state of Massachusetts
or moving to the area there is some interesting information
contained within the editorial. Below, we have highlighted some of
the more interesting aspects.
Kid Friendly Real Estate in Massachusetts – The
best place to live with kids is the Dorchester
neighborhood of Neponset. The runner up in this category was Bolton
for its array of celebrations, contests and parades all targeting
the youth.
For Stable Real Estate Prices – The best
neighborhood to live in was the town of Norwell for their steady as
she goes attitude. This was closely followed by Brookline.
For Real Estate Bargain Hunters – Quincy took the cake here as
the best place to find a quality bargain on a home as since 2005
the average cost of single-family homes has fallen 15%. The town of
Chelsea is in second as large stores are opening up and people are
beginning to take notice of the deals that exist in this market
that was recently hit hard by the recession.
For Food Lovers or Foodies – Bostons South End
neighborhood was determined to be the premier place to grab a
bite to eat in their hip and trendy restaurants. The pleasant city
of Waltham, Massachusetts came in second for its diversity of
eateries, diners and coffee shops.
For Water Lovers – Orleans, about
three-quarters the way through Cape Cod is the best town to enjoy
the ocean. Rockport was the runner up for its many beaches and
views of lighthouses along the coast.
For The Green-Minded or Eco-Friendly Real Estate
Buff – The place found to take the most Green initiatives
amongst 53 state-designed Green Communities was Acton,
Massachusetts. Medway came in second and also has been implementing
green ideas and projects into their homes, buildings and
schools.
For Economic Growth and Jobs – The winner here
was Essex as opportunities are growing especially with the new
Regional High School in 2009. Downtown Crossing in as the runner up
because of their continued growth and development.
For Buying a Mansion or Luxury Real Estate –
There are many places where mansions can be purchased in and around
Boston, however Manchester-By-The-Sea was seen as the most
reasonable place to do so and it comes with a lovely ocean view.
The popular town of Weston was listed as the
next best place for mansion living with a town that more than
complements this lifestyle. (Our Weston office can attest to
this!)
For Buying a Starter Home – Littleton is the
best place to buy your first home because of its smaller feel and
easy access to commuter rails and essential highways, to name a
few. Hyde Park was second showing a place that is a draw for
downsizers and young real estate buyers.
For Arts Lovers – Most of the cultural and art
institutions as well as great shopping can be found within
Bostons Back Bay
neighborhood, which was first under this category. The runner
up was Pittsfield with a vast increase of late of artists shops,
studios and restaurants.
For Blending City and Country Life – Arlington
boasts the number one spot because of its parks, restaurants,
theaters and shopping centers. In at number two was Melrose which
offers a thriving business district along with the ability to
basque in the beauty of nature at Middlesex Fells Reservation.
For Outdoor Activities – The most supreme place
to live and enjoy outdoor activities has got to be Duxbury with
over 33.33% of its land covered in water. It seems obvious that a
plethora of activities on and off land are available from swimming
and golfing to walking trails. In second is Concord with a great
deal of hiking, canoeing, cross-country skiing, kayaking, a skate
park, swimming and other community gardens to explore.
(Source: Boston.com)