5 things to know about living in Burlington
Though farming was once the town’s main industry, more recently Burlington has been know as a technology hub.
Burlington was once a town where farming was the main industry – but things have changed in the 21st century, turning the town 12 miles northwest of Boston into a technology hub. In fact, Microsoft just announced it is moving about 300 employees from Kendall Square to Burlington.
The town has also seen changes in the food scene recently, and The Boston Globe thinks its offerings are on par with the South End.
1. You’ll live in…
… a mid-century ranch home or a Colonial. In a 2013 article, the Globe referred to Burlington as a “boom town’’ because a massive expansion occurred between 1955 and 1965 after Route 128 was constructed. The Globe noted that most of the town’s homes were built during this period in the ranch or split-entry style.
Though there is little room left now to build more homes in town, the Globe said, “Much of the new construction in town occurs as developers buy the ranches and split entries that were built in the late 1960s and early 1970s and raze them to make way for sprawling center-hall Colonials.’’
2. You’ll pay…
… about the same median price as in Boston (but probably for a single-family home rather than a condo). The Zillow Home Value Index puts the median home price in Burlington at $462,500, while Boston’s is $478,000. Prices have gone up in town 7.2 percent over the last year and are expected to increase another 1.3 percent in the next year.
For $400,000 to $500,000 you can get a single-family ranch-style home around 1,500 square feet. Burlington’s WalkScore is a 28, so a car is necessary for most of the town, through the Wynnmere, Woods Corner, and Town Center neighborhoods all get slightly higher scores.
3. You’ll hang out…
… at the Burlington Mall. It’s an upscale mall with over 185 stores and a huge food court featuring Chick-Fil-A, Cheesecake Factory, Legal Seafood, Rainforest Café, and more. It is one of the top rated things to do on TripAdvisor in town and, in fact, “Paul Blart: Mall Cop’’ was even filmed here.
If shopping isn’t your thing, you could spend some time at Kings Bowling, which describes itself as a “classy bowling joint.’’ It also does not serve your typical bowling alley food, but instead has a wide selection of appetizers, pizza, salads, wraps, burgers, and entrées.
If you are feeling a little more adventurous, you can go to Flight Experience, which is a Boeing-run airplane flight simulator that even has some programs for children.
For when you get hungry, there are plenty of chain restaurants to choose from in and around the mall, but if you’re in the mood for a new experience, there is a plethora to choose from. The Globe wrote, “Over the past year, notable chefs and restaurateurs have traveled up the interstate to open establishments in Burlington,’’ calling the area “an emerging culinary destination.’’
4. Your kids will…
… go to pretty good schools. Most of the public schools in town get an average or above average 1-10 GreatSchools rating, with Burlington High School getting a 6. Only one school received below a 5.
Along with trips to the mall or bowling, you can take your kids to the ice skating rink in town, the Burlington Ice Palace, or the AMC Burlington Cinema.
5. You’ll love…
… Mary Cummings Park. It is a public park with over 200 acres of space and plenty of activities throughout the year. There are picnic areas, walking paths, and playing fields. Nature walks are offered once a month on a Saturday. The trails are available to run, walk, snowshoe, cross country ski and more.
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