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balor123 · Joined: 08 Mar 2008 Posts: 1204

I don't know Winchester well and never had an interest in the town. Density was too low for my tastes. I agree that many parts aren't all that pretty though.

Didn't notice the purchase price. A million dollar markup? That's insane. There's at least a few hundred thousand dollars of froth then.

Guest · Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2014 8:15 pm GMT Post subject:

I like Winchester is somewhat of a secret. Except few areas it is one of the prettiest town around Boston, with tons of mid and upper class historic houses from the late 1800s and early 1900s, where it become a trendy wealthy Boston suburb. It has a nice well defined historic downtown and both commuter rail and buses to Alewife, and easy access to I-93. While I like Arlington for it's food options, I never understood why somebody would chose it over Winchester... there isn't even comparison. Judging by the prices in Arlington relative to Winchester, it's actually kinda crazy.

The house, despite being in horrible condition, was purchased well below the market value. They bought it from some idiot bum. It would easily go for $400k if not little more had it hit the market.

They redid the house and built a large addition larger than the house, I believe. So the markup may not be that bad, but still.

unclemat · Joined: 25 Nov 2013 Posts: 18

And re density - the eastern part of the town is quite dense as dense as Arlington it's north-eastern part particularly. The western (west of Rt. 3) is for the most part boring post-WWII suburb with tons of ugly ranches and splits lacking character. Fortunately many meet wrecker ball these days! Razz

balor123 · Joined: 08 Mar 2008 Posts: 1204

Commute into Cambridge is quicker from Arlington, no? Land prices always increase as you get closer to urban areas. As others have stated, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I like the walkability of Arlington and restaurants. Schools are pretty good and there's a relative good supply of tear downs. I don't care much for old homes, whether they were expensive or not. If it has to be old, though, then it may as well be expensive I suppose Smile

unclemat · Joined: 25 Nov 2013 Posts: 18

Re Cambridge commute - depends where you are and where you are going. Commuter rail goes to North Station so it's relatively inconvenient. Driving to Cambridge I'd argue is easier from Winchester. Along Rt.3 there is a bus to Alewife, and the ride time is about the same as from Arlington Heights.

balor123 · Joined: 08 Mar 2008 Posts: 1204

What about Brookline, Waltham, and Metrowest?