I don't want to live in a '60s sitcom

Do you want good schools or do you want funky neighbors? If you can afford private school, then never mind.

My wife and I moved to Quincy a few months ago, and we absolutely love it. We've found it to be surprisingly (& refreshingly) diverse, with a pretty good cross-section of cultures - not to mention cuisines!

Sorry, editing error on my part.

I was referring to Allston when I wrote: "However, I am deeply prejudice against neighborhoods with high student populations. Is there a microcosm I am missing?"

Julio: Schools are not now part of the equation.

Lowell is great if you can afford private schools. It is a very diverse city, with a vibrant artistic community. Incredible festival’s, traditional food (Asian, Greek, Indian to name a few), good hospitals, 45 minute train ride to Boston, 15 minute drive to New Hampshire, boat races, sports, concerts, theaters, affordable housing. Everything you could want without the elitist attitude.

Wow... lot's of snobs around here.
Seems that the whole idea of "white people are boring" isn't just snobby, but racist too. But let me guess, it is the "okay" kind of racism. Heaven forbid "diversity" included living next to Republicans!
Diversity of skin color: Good
Diversity of thought: Bad
... got it...

Rona - this topic's been beaten to a pulp. I'm not sure if you just want to hear people's opinions, or think we will gain something out of reading other people's stereotypes of certain towns and neighborhoods. Everyone's description of their perfect neighborhood will be different... and their perfect neighborhood might not even exist in the Boston area.

For me personally, I am a family man in my mid 20's with a toddler and another on the way. Obviously I want decent schools, but I also prefer a denser neighborhood than the outer suburbs have to offer. We only make $125k/yr so our budget was only $400k for a 3bd dwelling (sensible budget for a practical person). Does our dream neighborhood exist in the Boston area within our price range? Not really.. so I had to compromise and move to Natick. I hate it and now I wish I just waited a couple more yrs for our income to increase since we're still only doing entry-level work and/or housing prices to decline so we could afford to buy in Newton/Brookline instead. *sigh*

I was hoping that this second discussion would be about where to live. I also wanted to give WS a chance to thank those who were trying to help him out. (I guess my Thanksgiving good will got the better of me.)

To WS,
Last week, I saw a friend who moved to Lowell last summer. I asked her for an opinion. She adores Lowell. She owns a loft overlooking the ball field, near the river. My friend says that there are festivals, parades, and a lot of street life. She moved there from Cambridge and is happy as a clam at high tide.
(I don't work in Lowell, so I have no professional opinion.)

The South End has become very gentrified and I hear it is spreading quickly into Roxbury. This isn't white racism. Its just ...I don't know....become bland in some way. Its still one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the country but it now lacks diversity which gives it a sterile feel. Some people are into this...if you prefer living around upper middle class white people everywhere...great! If not, find something else.

I've lived in the South End on and off since 1996. It's changed, yes. It still hasn't changed that much - most of the whining on the subject is vastly over-stated.

Thanks everyone and Thank you Rona. I appreciate it.

Congrats to Lowell for obviously making some great impressions. I will check it out.

Mike, no offense but, I want to avoid your situation. I am not as familiar with the surrounding communities e.g. Lowell, Upper Cambridge and want to avoid moving in the next 10 years. Thanks for your anecdote about regrets.

Again and finally, skin color has nothing to do with it. (Rona made that clear. I made that clear.) I would like a mix of blue collar & white collar. I have an affinity for artists probably because I was never (or am not) accomplished in the arts - any of them. I like discovering new and different things socially, culturally, & professionally. Homogeneous neighborhoods tend not to have the attributes I look for. Give politically correctness & the race card a break for once. It simply has nothing to do with this thread.

Lowell is a dump. But Rona won't post this so I dont know why I bother to write.

Check out the average family income of the town.

I'll take the white bread.