Saugus
Miles from Boston9
Population 26,915 (2005)
Median house price $316,000 (Jan.-May 2007)
Tax rate $8.28
Average single-family property tax $3,227 (State average, $3,799)
Transportation Routes 1, 107, and 129. MBTA bus service.
MCAS Among 280 systems, 10th-graders ranked 208th in English and 175th in math, according to a Globe analysis of 2006 results. Sixth-graders ranked 246th out of 305 systems in English and 213d in math. Thirdgraders ranked 174th out of 298 systems in reading and 204th in math.
Census facts Median family income is $65,782 compared to national rate of $50,046; 19 percent held a bachelor’s degree or higher compared to 24 percent nationally.
Website saugus-ma.gov
SAUGUS -- Whizzing past a concrete dinosaur or a plastic cow is not the way to see this town, which has more to offer than Route 1 and its various restaurants, gas stations, fast-food joints, and shopping spaces.
There is a pedestrian-friendly town center, and not too far from Route 1 the humming of the highway gives way to the sounds of birds and bees. History is available at the Saugus Iron Works, a National Park Service site preserving the 17th century iron-making center, and nature trails and recreational opportunities can be found at the 640-acre state-managed Breakheart Reservation.
Town Manager Andrew Bisignani says his community is facing difficult financial times after voters rejected a $5.2 million budget override this spring, which has forced cuts in every town program , with some programs closing entirely. He said the town is hoping to rebound in fiscal 2009.
"Town finances are in a bit of a turmoil," he wrote in an e-mail. Despite the struggles, Bisignani says Saugus is worth a look for future homeowners.
"Can't beat the location," Bisignani said. "It's close to Boston, beaches, plenty of shopping, restaurants, and still maintains some sort of a small-town flavor."
On a recent week, Realtor.com listed 154 single-family homes, ranging from $275,000 for a two-bed, two-bath, 1,180-square-foot home to $1.08 million for a four-bed, three-bath, 3,044-square-foot home. Median price of a single-family home through May was $316,000, according to Warren Group, which publishes real estate information.
JOHN RICHARDSON ELLEMENT 
