Another thing to consider, aside from older homes, are homes that are affected by wetlands/conservation land. Not sure how things are in OK, but in MA you can get in serious trouble for interfering with wetlands. Had a neighbor whose house backed up to conservation land. When he bought the house, he thought it was so great, because the realtor sold him on how no houses could be built behind his, he’d see lots of nature, etc. The reality? He was not allowed to put up a fence. Because it was conservation land he had to go before the town and ask for approval. Town said no. He wanted to add a small addition to the back of his house. Had to get lawyers involve, present to conservation committee for approval. When it was all said and done he moved. Wasn’t worth the headache.

Just putting that out there because a lot of times realtors will sell you on things like “the charm of an older home” or “the nice conservation land behind the house” when in reality these issues make big headaches..

Massachusetts is a “caveat emptor” state, so do your due diligence. Ask for disclosures. Call the town. Ask for permits. See the plot plan at town hall before you buy.

Not trying to scare you, but I’ve had colleagues move here from NH (just one state above us) who are shocked at how different real estate is in this state. Good to have realistic expectations.

Additional towns: wrentham, Hopedale, and Franklin.

Have you considered RI? You could be on the MA border and get a great property for cheaper than MA. Schools would not be as great as MA but still have a solid education. Lincoln RI North Smithfield RI and Cumberland RI have decent schools from what I hear.

I second the above recommendation! That area is very nice and geographically your husband’s business would be in a great spot to thrive.

I forgot to add: when looking for good school in that area, avoid Millville, northbridge, blackstone, and Douglas

Yes, a lot of older homes can be “historical” houses too… definitely research before you buy! The historical homes have regulations on what you can/can’t do when renovating

Sutton Rehoboth Millis (though it would be likely a smaller home) Millville (schools are garbage but you could try for charter school or private) Mendon Uxbridge Upton

Honestly if you don’t mind being in a sleepier part of a city, both Milford and Attleboro have quieter areas. Some parts of Attleboro that border Norton or Rehoboth are quiet, homes have bigger lots. Milford is the same way. Just look for homes away from the center/hospital.

Remodeling in MA is different than other states. We require permits for pretty much everything. Also, if you have a house built before 1979 (I believe?) you have to test for lead and asbestos. Remediating that is big $$$. A lot of the older home have things out of code that will cost a tremendous amount to fix. You touch one thing and now the electrical system from your 1940’s home must be brought up to code. Add an extra $5-10k. A “simple” remodel can be a huge headache in MA. I have friends from the Midwest and the South that dabbled in remodeling/investing in properties in MA. They both said it was 3x the cost compared to what they’re used to and many more hoops to jump through (permits). Neither said they’d do it again. Not saying you’ll have the same experience, just that you might be in for a surprise when you realize how different the process is here. Even people who live in NH (just over the border) can’t believe how strict MA is when it comes to remodeling.