I am considering moving my family to Mass. for a job opportunity. I am looking for some feedback on what it is like to live in the greater Boston area, specifically within close proximity Waltham, Mass. Tell me about town life, real estate madness, public schools, taxes... I am especially interesting in hearing from people who have moved there or moved away- and why, what you liked, what you didn't like. THANKS!

OK, I am qualified to answer because we just made the move from NYC to outside of Boston. We have family here, the schools are great for the most part, so it made sense.

I know Waltham well -- I used to go there a lot for work -- and it has many nice parts. There is also West Newton, which borders is, which is really nice, less expensive than Newton proper, but has great schools. I think in general West Newton schools are considered better than Waltham itself, but don't quote me on that.

Real estate is nuts. We were in NYC, so used to really expensive prices, and it's nutty here. But the market is better now than it has been in years, so your timing is good actually.

Overall, while it was REALLY hard for me to leave NYC, I am liking it here -- it's a great place to raise a family. Tons of young families, the city is so close and it's nice, clean, fun, and accessible, lots of things to do in the summer and winter, a really nice family area. What I don't like is the cold and snow, high real estate prices (but again, used to it from NYC), and yes, high taxes. But the taxes pay for good schools, so it's worth it.

I hope this is helpful.

We have a Boston Moms group on WIM, check it out:
http://www.workitmom.com/group_bostonmoms