Massachusetts Property Blog

http://www.braintreemarealestate.com Tour Braintree, MA neighborhoods, condominium developments, subdivisions, schools, landmarks, recreational areas, and town offices.

Braintree, Massachusetts is a suburban community with a strong residential character. Incorporated in 1640, Braintree has a rich history and a promising future. The town is ideally situated at the crossroads of Route I-93 (128) and Route 3 for easy access to the Greater Boston area and Cape Cod as well as having excellent public transportation to Boston and Logan International Airport. The community has a good mix of established neighborhoods.

There is a strong business base which includes one of the largest regional shopping centers in the northeast. Attractive office and industrial parks are located in the town as well.

Braintree has a rich history. Old Braintree was the birthplace of two presidents, John Adams and John Quincy Adams, as well as John Hancock and General Sylvanus Thayer, the founder of West Point.

People are attracted to Braintree as a good place to live and work because it has an excellent public school system as well as a fine parks and recreation program with the availability of many recreational resources such as Town Forest, Pond Meadow Park, Sunset Lake, Smith Beach, the Cranberry Pond Conservation District, the MDC Blue Hills Reservation trail system, and an 18 hole public golf course. For other town tours visit http://www.virtualhomes.com . For towns in MA visit http://www.ma-virtualhomes.com . For MA relocation information go to http://www.relocationma.com . For a MA MLS map search visit http://www.virtualhomesmls.com .

Duration : 0:5:58

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http://www.dedhammarealestate.com — Tour Dedham, MA neighborhoods, condominium developments, subdivisions, schools, landmarks, recreational areas, and town offices.

Dedham, Massachusetts is an historic suburban industrial town on the principal southern corridor of metropolitan Boston, and is the site of the earliest surviving framed house in New England, the handsome 1737 Fairbanks House. Dedham received its grant as a town from the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1636, making it one of the oldest communities in the state.

Its colonial agricultural economy was expanded by industry only after the town, in 1639, built one of the earliest water power canals connecting the Charles River with a tributary of the Neponset River and creating sufficient water power for grist and fulling mills. The character and future of the community changed drastically when Dedham became the county seat for Norfolk County and the court house was built in 1796.

As local historians point out, this brought in lawyers and officials, trained, educated and ambitious men who changed the face of the community by investing in and supporting industrial development. Woolen mills sprang up in Dedham as innovations such as powerbroadlooms were introduced. Dedham’s factories manufactured everything from pianos to furniture and the famed Dedham crackleware pottery.

The town shows a rich and diverse architectural face to the world, with its monumental granite court house of Greek Revival design, its Victorian prison, its limestone Neoclassical Registry of Deeds, Romanesque Revival public library and Renaissance and Georgian Revival schools. In addition, Dedham has a remarkably well preserved town center, with a bounty of colonial architecture and several historic sites highlighting the community’s Old New England splendor. For other town tours visit http://www.virtualhomes.com . For towns in MA visit http://www.ma-virtualhomes.com . For MA relocation information go to http://www.relocationma.com . For a MA MLS map search visit http://www.virtualhomesmls.com .

Duration : 0:1:38

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http://www.salemmarealestate.com — Tour Salem, MA neighborhoods, condominium developments, subdivisions, schools, landmarks, recreational areas, and town offices.

Salem, Massachusetts is one of the oldest and most storied towns in the state. Founded at the mouth of the Naumkeag River in 1626, Salem originally encompassed most of present-day Danvers, Beverly and Peabody. By 1790, Salem was the sixth largest city in the country, and a world famous seaport—particularly in the China trade. Codfish was exported to the West Indies and Europe. Sugar and molasses were imported from the West Indies, tea from China, and pepper from Sumatra.

Prosperity would leave the city of Salem with a wealth of fine architecture, including Federal style mansions designed by Samuel McIntire, for whom the city’s largest historic district is named.

Today, Salem is perhaps best known as the site of the infamous Salem Witchcraft Trials of 1692. Though the hearings led to more than 150 convictions and 29 executions, the attention garnered by this peculiar incident left Salem with a formidable cultural legacy. Forever shrouded in the myths and legends of America’s early days, Salem offers a wealth of architectural treasures, a wide variety of museums and a sparkling literary heritage.

In addition to its many fine historical and cultural attractions, the city of Salem is home to Salem State College, the North Shore Medical Center, the Essex County District Superior and Probate Courts, and Registry of Deeds, the world-famous Peabody and Essex Museum, and a host of banks and other financial institutions. It is the educational, medical, legal, cultural and banking hub of the North Shore. For other town tours visit http://www.virtualhomes.com . For towns in MA visit http://www.ma-virtualhomes.com . For MA relocation information go to http://www.relocationma.com . For a MA MLS map search visit http://www.virtualhomesmls.com .

Duration : 0:3:54

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Technorati Tags: americantowns, condos, Estate, homes, houses, land, MA, massachusetts, Real, Salem

http://www.newtonmahomes.com Tour Newton, MA neighborhoods, condominium developments, subdivisions, schools, landmarks, recreational areas, and town offices.

Newton, Massachusetts is known as the Garden City. It lies within the Boston Basin, a tiny structure of the Appalachian Mountain Range. Newton is bounded on three sides by the Charles River and is a diverse community comprised of 14 villages, each with a unique character.

The villages of Newton - listed alphabetically - are: Auburndale, Chestnut Hill, Four Corners, Newton Centre, Newton Highlands, Newton Lower Falls, Newton Upper Falls, Newtonville, Nonantum, Oak Hill, Thompsonville and Waban.

Newton is a highly desirable place to live and work due to its proximity to Boston, nearness to various highway and public transportation systems, attractive neighborhoods and high property values, well maintained parks, bicycle and fitness trails, golf courses, a public pool and lake. Newton boasts myriad arts and cultural organizations and activities, including a Symphony Orchestra, resident theatre groups and an Arts in the Parks Program. Newton has been designated 1 of 3 cities nationwide to participate in a pilot tree bank, planting 6,800 seedlings. In 1993, Newton was one of just 5 cities of over 50,000 to receive the U.S. conference of Mayors’ Livability Award. For other town tours visit http://www.virtualhomes.com . For towns in MA visit http://www.ma-virtualhomes.com . For MA relocation information go to http://www.relocationma.com . For a MA MLS map search visit http://www.virtualhomesmls.com .

Duration : 0:3:27

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http://www.lawrencemarealestate.com — Tour Lawrence, MA neighborhoods, condominium developments, subdivisions, schools, landmarks, recreational areas, and town offices.

Lawrence, Massachusetts is an old, urban, industrialized city whose history parallels that of the country as a whole. Originally a rural farming town, the city was transformed into a major industrial center when Boston entrepreneurs developed huge textile mills on the Merrimack River to use the power of its water falls.

The mill owners built canals, a dam and a reservoir, boarding houses and a machine shop for locomotives, creating one of the first industrial complexes in the country. Employees came first from other parts of New England to work in the mills; for the past 150 years, however, Lawrence has proudly served as an entry point to immigrants. By the turn of the century, Irish, Polish, Italian, Syrian and French-Canadians were following jobs to Lawrence and setting a standard of proud diversification for the city which is maintained to this day with newcomers from the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Vietnam and Cambodia.

Despite the huge technological changes over the years, the manufacture of textiles and of men’s and women’s clothing is still central to Lawrence’s economy; some of the finest names in apparel are made in the city. City planners are working to broaden the city’s industrial and business base and diversify. For other town tours visit http://www.virtualhomes.com . For towns in MA visit http://www.ma-virtualhomes.com . For MA relocation information go to http://www.relocationma.com . For a MA MLS map search visit http://www.virtualhomesmls.com .

Duration : 0:5:0

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http://www.monsonmarealestate.com Tour Monson, MA neighborhoods, condominium developments, subdivisions, schools, landmarks, recreational areas, and town offices.

Monson, Massachusetts is nestled in the Chicopee River valley between steep and rocky hills to the east and west. The difficulty of traveling over the hills to the center of Brimfield prompted the region’s early settlers to petition the court for permission to form a new town. Permission was granted and Monson was officially incorporated in 1760.

An industrial economy flourished in Monson’s early days; waterpower was abundant and small mills were scattered over Monson’s 48 square miles. A hat factory, several woolen and cotton mills and the Flynt Granite Company all thrived for more than 100 years. A.D. Ellis Mills, Inc., known world-wide for its fine woolen cloth, was the last to leave, closing about thirty years ago.

These early industries have been replaced in part by the plastics industry and by Zero Manufacturing Company. Monson Developmental Center has been the town’s largest employer for many years. This facility, housing severely handicapped residents, has a pleasant campus setting on 700 acres of land.

Memorial Hall, built in 1884 from Monson granite, anchors the southern end of a National Register Historic Commercial District. The building houses a fine Civil War Museum and auditorium. Other museums in Monson include the restored 1811 home of attorney Jacob Thompson and a 58-acre farm housing the only known button museum in Massachusetts. This property adjoins the 128 acre Flynt Park, which offers opportunities for bird and foliage tours, picnics and passive recreation. For other town tours visit http://www.virtualhomes.com . For towns in MA visit http://www.ma-virtualhomes.com . For MA relocation information go to http://www.relocationma.com . For a MA MLS map search visit http://www.virtualhomesmls.com .

Duration : 0:2:36

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Technorati Tags: americantowns, condos, Estate, homes, houses, land, MA, massachusetts, Monson, Real

http://www.worcestermahomes.com — Tour Worcester, MA neighborhoods, condominium developments, subdivisions, schools, landmarks, recreational areas, and town offices.

Worcester, Massachusetts known as the Heart of the Commonwealth, is centrally located in Massachusetts. The second largest city in New England, Worcester is the site of a diverse and pioneering economy. The city has evolved from its heavy manufacturing past to new directions in economic enterprise. Biotechnology is a major enterprise within Worcester, as are eight colleges and a state university medical school.

Worcester is predominantly residential in character. More than 1200 acres of city-owned parkland are found within its 38 square miles. Rolling hills, the historic Blackstone River, numerous lakes and 54 parks, New England’s largest urban wildlife sanctuary, a redeveloped downtown and many multicultural neighborhoods comprise the local landscape.

Worcester’s parklands are among the oldest in the nation, its free public library one of America’s oldest, its acclaimed music festival the nation’s oldest, and its art museum a gem rivaling those of major urban centers. Worcester is a city proud of its past and secure in its future. For other town tours visit http://www.virtualhomes.com . For towns in MA visit http://www.ma-virtualhomes.com . For MA relocation information go to http://www.relocationma.com . For a MA MLS map search visit http://www.virtualhomesmls.com .

Duration : 0:5:37

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Technorati Tags: americantowns, condos, Estate, homes, houses, land, MA, massachusetts, Real, Worcester

http://www.maldenmarealestate.com — Tour Malden, MA neighborhoods, condominium developments, subdivisions, schools, landmarks, recreational areas, and town offices.

Malden, Massachusetts boasts a rich history spanning more than three centuries, from its origins as a small settlement called Mystic Side to the modern, energetic city of today.

Residents state proudly that Malden has always been at the heart of things; the city has borne writers and industrialists, revolutionaries and governors, actors and artists. From Elisha Converse to John Volpe, from Walter Brennan to Louise Stokes to Frank Stella, Maldonians have participated in every facet of American culture.

Even now, Malden is at the heart of an innovative New England economy. Just ten minutes from downtown Boston, Malden is situated in close proximity to metropolitan Boston’s major arteries and interstates. Residents enjoy direct access to one of the world’s busiest international airports, and the city is serviced by both commuter rail and the MBTA Orange Line.

Some of America’s best universities are within a stone’s throw, as are many of the world’s best high-tech and medical research facilities. The city is only minutes away from some of New England’s great beaches. Amidst all this activity, Malden has tenaciously preserved its colonial heritage and neighborly small-town traditions.

Malden enjoys an active business community, a downtown in the process of rejuvenation, a fine system of parks and playgrounds and a variety of social, cultural and fraternal organizations. To loyal residents and newcomers alike, Malden offers the best of both worlds; ready availability to the cultural nexus of the big city and the familiar feel of a small town. For other town tours visit http://www.virtualhomes.com . For towns in MA visit http://www.ma-virtualhomes.com . For MA relocation information go to http://www.relocationma.com . For a MA MLS map search visit http://www.virtualhomesmls.com .

Duration : 0:3:7

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Technorati Tags: americantowns, condos, Estate, homes, houses, land, MA, Malden, massachusetts, Real

http://www.raynhammarealestate.com — Tour Raynham, MA neighborhoods, condominium developments, subdivisions, schools, landmarks, recreational areas, and town offices.

Raynham, Massachusetts established in 1731, was once part of the city of Taunton. Known as the site of the earliest successful iron works, Raynham continues today as a thriving, successful community. It is primarily a suburban bedroom community, but because of its location at the crossroads of Routes 24, 44, 104, 138 and Interstate 495, Raynham is fast becoming a commercial center as well.

Raynham offers a variety of recreational programs and facilities for both children and adults. The town’s 200-acre Borden Colony complex has many fields for soccer, baseball and softball plus acres of forest and farmlands for passive recreation. Johnson’s Pond is open to the public for fishing, picnicking and boating. Raynham has always been proud of its school system and the quality education it provides for its children. For other town tours visit http://www.virtualhomes.com . For towns in MA visit http://www.ma-virtualhomes.com . For MA relocation information go to http://www.relocationma.com . For a MA MLS map search visit http://www.virtualhomesmls.com .

Duration : 0:4:24

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Technorati Tags: americantowns, condos, Estate, homes, houses, land, MA, massachusetts, Raynham, Real

http://www.northboromarealestate.com Tour Northborough, MA neighborhoods, condominium developments, subdivisions, schools, landmarks, recreational areas, and town offices.

Northborough, Massachusetts was originally part of the Town of Marlborough, then Westborough. It became a separate town with the right of representation at the Great and General Court of Boston in 1775.

Early civic activity in Northborough revolved around its churches, then known as “meeting houses”. Northborough’s first meeting house was built on land given by Captain James Eager in 1776; the First Congregational Unitarian Church stands in its place today. The legally elected officers of the town were the church “tithing men” and town ministers were the arbiters of both town and family life. Though Northborough has grown and changed considerably in the nearly 250 years since its founding, a significant historical district at the town center provides a living reminder of the community’s colonial past.

Today, Northborough operates under its own home rule charter. The town is governed by a five-member select board and the town meeting membership of registered voters. Though primarily residential in nature today, Northborough also hosts a burgeoning research and development-oriented industrial park. For other town tours visit http://www.virtualhomes.com . For towns in MA visit http://www.ma-virtualhomes.com . For MA relocation information go to http://www.relocationma.com . For a MA MLS map search visit http://www.virtualhomesmls.com .

Duration : 0:2:2

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Technorati Tags: americantowns, condos, Estate, homes, houses, land, MA, massachusetts, Northborough, Real