Hi! We are considering a move and was wondering what neighborhoods are great for families!
Arlington's become quite family friendly over the past few years - lots of new/refurbished schools, some fun parks/playgrounds with new equipment (Robbins Farm Park totally rocks and Menotomy Rocks Park is a hidden jewel), Together In Motion (fun indoor playspace), a fantastic bike path (Cambridge to Bedford on the old train tracks), and a small, but steady list of great little eateries (Something Savory, Scutra, Punjab, Sweet Chili, Sweet Sue's, Tango, Za, Zocalo to name a few) has attracted many young couples and young families to the area. It's still close to Cambridge and Boston and you have access to MBTA bus lines (and Alewife T Station.) And last, but certainly not least on the list...Arlington Family Connection! This organization is fabulous for finding fun stuff to do with the kids around town: http://www.arlingtonfamilyconnection.org/
We love the Marblehead/ Swampscott/Salem area. Salem is the "more house for your money" option. They all have great school systems too.
Hanover is great...Great School System, Safe Town, Very Pretty, Close to Mall, Close to Farms, it has it all (Hanover is on the South Shore). Great price range of houses...Good Houses from 450,000 to over a mil.
Where are you now? What area of massachusetts are you interested in? We live in Foxboro and love it. Good schools, not too country and not too city! Would love to know what direction you are thinking about going in though. My husband and I have works all over the state and are familiar with many areas!
Good luck!