Maybe you’ve been in Boston for years, but you’re now having kids and looking to relocate. Maybe you’re planning a move to the Boston area from another city in the U.S. or abroad, and you’re trying to make sense of your options. Whatever the case, Boston Moms is here to help with a handy guide to some popular towns in the area! We’ll tell you about the vibe, income levels, schools, and fun insider info to help you figure out the best place for you.

How we got here ::

Originally, we had been looking for homes in the North Shore area, but the price points were above what we could afford. Honestly, we got to Groveland by accident. We had never heard of it but were charmed by its small community feel. We found a home that just “felt like home” within our price range, and here we are! Looking back, I’m honestly glad we didn’t end up on the North Shore. We have a half-acre of land here, access to awesome little neighborhoods, great playgrounds that are never crowded, and just a little bit more space to spread out and breathe. 

Vibe ::

Groveland is a small town, and the vibe is definitely family oriented. We have a lot of families that have several generations living here, and that’s such a beautiful atmosphere. Long story short, our vibe is that it’s a wonderfully small town to raise a family in.

Live ::

Groveland is mostly made up of single-family homes, and most homes have a “decent amount” of property attached to them. There are plenty of neighborhoods, a 55+ community, and some farmland. There is a reservation of land that we all enjoy.

Learn ::

We are a regional school district that serves three communities — Groveland, Newbury, and West Newbury. I love that we can walk to our tiny elementary school that only serves the town of Groveland through grade 6. And when my child gets to the junior and sernior high school, they will be in a bigger school with more resources. Personally, as a parent, I have had great experiences with our local school system.

Play ::

Groveland has several new, wonderful playgrounds. There are a number of fields that are utilized frequently for sports. There is a recreational area and nature reserve that we all enjoy, Girl and Boy Scouts through local churches, and a limited number of restaurants. There is a fabulous boat ramp with easy access to kayaking in the Merrimack River. It is worth noting that we are also neighbors with the city of Haverhill and a short drive to Plaistow, NH, and Salem, NH.

Go ::

People generally get around town by car, but some areas are easily walkable when socializing in your neighborhood. There is no public transit.

Chelsey Weaver
Chelsey is a "central Mass" girl who married her 7th-grade sweetheart. She attended both undergraduate and graduate school in Boston, then taught high school on the North Shore for seven years. After living in Winchester and Melrose for several years (and moving too many times), she and her husband finally settled in Groveland in 2015. She loves the North Shore and everything it has to offer, and she enjoys raising her daughter there. Chelsey is the community engagement coordinator for Boston Moms and is mostly a stay-at-home mom. She spends lots of time advocating for children with disabilities, arguing with insurance companies, and looking for disabled influencers, inclusive companies, and materials that celebrate neurodiversity. She avidly listens to audiobooks, hates everything about coffee, and, most importantly, loves being a mom.