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
I grew up in Stoneham and have a lot of family living here. So when it was time to buy our own home, we stayed because of the great experiences I had with the community and school system.
Vibe ::
Stoneham is a small family-friendly town. There is a small green common where local events take place, making it a great way to see old friends and meet new people. The town’s board of selectmen is a diverse group that holds town meetings often.
There are a variety of types of homes, but much of the town features single-family houses on decent-sized plots. There is a current trend of these older single-family houses being rebuilt into condos, offering great housing options for more families. Most homes have off-street parking and green space or yards. There are a few large apartment buildings in town that offer amenities like pools and playgrounds.
Learn ::
Stoneham has three community elementary schools. A family’s school placement is solely based on their address, making it easy for most students to be able to walk to school. The elementary schools house grades PK-4. The pre-K program is an integrated program, consisting of children on IEPs and families who pay for the program. The Stoneham Central Middle School is in the center of town and is the home to grades 5-8. Our high school is close to the edge of town but has plenty of student parking.
Play ::
The Stoneham Chamber of Commerce is very active, as are some other organizations in town. There is often a town event happening at the common, including Town Day (in September), farmer’s markets (Thursdays May through September), or concerts (in the summer). There is a shopping center at one end of town and many small businesses downtown. Right by the common there is a new public playground, a few restaurants, coffee shop, a bookstore, and a pottery painting studio.
Go ::
Stoneham has one bus that runs through the center of town hourly, but it’s a short drive to other public transit. Depending on the area of Stoneham you are in, you are likely able to walk to some of your errands; however, a car makes transportation much easier.
