4 bed and $1M is solid, but probably not what you think it is. It doesn’t get you into the “excellent schools” category, but damn near close.

The mass pike is the mason dixon line of MA when it comes to north shore/south shore. If you want to be close to the water, look at those. Closer to water in your range is smaller lots.

I’m a MetroWest kid so I’m partial to the towns between 95/128 and 495. Lots are usually 1/2 acre plus.

Almost all towns have plenty of parks. Less have smaller “downtowns” or “centers of town” which I would argue are more important for kids. Every town has enough conservation land to explore to keep you entertained.

From where I am (intersection of 95/90) in 40 minutes you can get to Boston, either shore, NH or RI if it’s the right time of day.