Hello, everyone. My husband and I are in the processing of selling our house in Salem and are looking to buy anywhere from Swampscott to Ipswich. We really love Salem, but are torn about staying because of the schools. I was just wondering if some of you would be willing to weigh in on your community. If you love where you live, tell me why. We have a 3 year-old and 8 month-old. I work 4 days a week and would need a quality day care/pre-school program. I could keep my kids in their current program too, depending on where we end up. We hope to stay in our new place for many, many years and are really looking for that perfect community to raise our kids. We have a good idea of where we want to end up, but I thought I'd get a few more opinions. Thanks so much for your thoughts! I really appreciate it.
Thanks for all of your responses. Unfortunately the offer on our house fell through, but we're hopeful to be in a new place soon. I think we've narrowed it down to Ipswich, S. Hamilton and Swampscott. Thanks, again!
Hi Maggie
I live in Peabody and love it and the public school.Public school can be a great experience if you work with your child and the system.I also have family in Beverly, and Gloucester and some friends in Danvers, all in which are great communities to raise a family.Best of luck!!
Hi, Maggie. We live in Gloucester and it's great but if I had my choice it would be Essex or Ipswich. The school systems are great and they both have that small town feel without everyone knowing your business (like Gloucester and Rockport). In the summertime, there's always some kind of family event going on. Good luck with your search!!
Maggie,
I live in Wakefield and really love it. I have heard great things about their schools. I recently did a check on daycare and preschools (for my own son) and found very good programs. The community is great and there always seems to be something family oriented going on in the town. I have family and friends in Ipswich and Topsfield, Boxford as well. I think a lot of the surrounding towns all have good schools. A lot of your decision may fall not only on schools but also on where you want to commute/travel to. What suits your personality and lifestyle as well. For us, our family is very close by and our commute to work is short. Travelling further north would be less convenient with our lifestyle and schedule. Good luck in your choice! T.
We moved to Danvers a year and a half ago and really like it. It isn't tiny but has a small town feel and the schools rank well. It is also close to everything.
Hi Maggie!
We just moved to Arlington last year and we love love love it! Great Schools, great people. I know it's not the North Shore (p.s. I went to Salem State :)) but it really is great. Winchester is also a lovely community with wonderful schools from what I understand. Probably not much help but just though I'd let you know. Have a wonderful day!
We currently live in S. Hamilton with a 1 year old and LOVE it! We were fortunate to buy our 'starter' home there but may not be so lucky when it comes time to move again; the taxes are getting too crazy! Our next choice would def. be Danvers. I LOVE that town and have heard many great things about it...the schools, access to the highway, etc. Good Luck!
