Tewksbury
Median home price: Single family, $320,000; condominiums, $284,900
Residential tax rate: $10.45
Average tax bill: $3,850
Choice location: The original version of Touching Souls, a bronze sculpture by noted Tewksbury resident Mico Kaufman, is on display in town, with a replica on display on the grounds of Tewkesbury Abbey in England.
Cocktail party nugget: Helen Keller's tutor and companion Anne Sullivan was raised in Tewksbury.
SOURCES: Warren Group, Massachusetts Department of Revenue, Commonwealth of Massachusetts website
THE GOODS: Tewksbury has undergone a makeover this decade as more commuters look farther beyond the Route 128 belt for affordable homes. Median income is now $84,500, up from $68,800 in 2000. The town is also trying to diversify its tax base and lighten the burden on homeowners through a sustainable economic development plan. Its location along Interstates 93 and 495 makes it attractive to light industrial businesses, as well as small and start-up companies.
PROS: The housing stock is diversified. The upper end has big new homes in subdivisions, while the midmarket has Colonials and ranch homes in a variety of sizes and styles. Yard space is often plentiful. Townhomes offer new construction at lower prices and compete with older, small Capes and the like.
CONS: There are fewer opportunities for condo buyers. Tewksbury Memorial High School is showing its age; the condition of the older building is one reason the school was recently given a warning by an education industry accreditation group.
DAVE COPELAND 