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)
