Training_Sail_5996 t1_j98rhvb wrote on February 20, 2023 at 2:58 AM

Longmeadow, East Longmeadow or Wilbraham. For ease of getting onto the highway and pike I'd say Longmeadow. Great school system. Not sure to Cambridge but I can go from my house to Fenway Park/Ipswich St. In 90 minutes without traffic.

EtonRd t1_j992dt6 wrote on February 20, 2023 at 4:34 AM

It’s not easy to get on the pike from Longmeadow.

SpyCats t1_j9b8saw wrote on February 20, 2023 at 5:37 PM

And Longmeadow has the highest tax rate in MA.

chunkydrunkymonkey t1_j9agpv8 wrote on February 20, 2023 at 2:24 PM

I think a combination of access to the pike and new or redone houses in their price range probably knock these communities out.

All of what you said about Longmeadow is true but the houses are mostly on the older side since the town was built out by the 1970s. Getting an updated or new house in that price range might be difficult.

East Longmeadow and Wilbraham have newer houses but highway access can be difficult. They are also less walkable compared to Longmeadow but have more of the farm feel. That being said, they are also more politically conservative.

Based on the experience of family members OP’s age, I think Grafton is probably their best bet.

nkdeck07 t1_j9as8dz wrote on February 20, 2023 at 3:48 PM

Ehhhh Wilbraham has a lot of "Well I went to high school here and am still here in my 30's" vibe. Don't get me wrong, it's a nice area but as someone starting a family around here I feel like a kind of permanent outsider in a way that I don't in the towns further north.