Charming but Cold
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2/6/2006
Ipswich and it's surrounding communities are absolutely charming. Taxes are on the high side, but services are pretty good in relation. Having the ocean nearby is fantastic, however the water north of Boston is VERY cold. In fact, don't plan on swimming in the ocean until late July early August when water temps finally hit the mid 60s!
The school system in Ipswich is okay, the Hamilton-Wenham schools are much better (next town over), as are the schools in Topsfield and Boxford.
Lots and lots of horses and horse things to do in all of the above towns. Great open space (preserved nicely), history, and planning.
The area is primarily caucasian, Christian, well-educated. Housing prices are currently over-valued but coming down slightly.
Transportation is great...Ipswich and surrounding towns are right on the Commuter Rail, so access to Boston is a no-brainer.
Crime is very low, well lower in Hamilton, Wenham and Topsfield than Ipswich. There are no fast food joints in these towns...the only franchise being Dunkin' Donuts. However, access to the mall and franchises is only 15 minutes away.
The winters are VERY long. It gets real cold in December and stays that way until May. April is not a fun month and is often riddled with snow showers and gloomy days.
Once spring and summer do arrive, though, you couldn't ask for a more spectacular place to live. If you can afford it. Avg. single family home price as of 2/6/06 is around $475k.
Abhd | South Hamilton, MA