Wilmington

North Wilmington attracts homebuyers with its slow pace and convenient location, just under 20 miles from Boston. Though the neighborhood is primarily residential, there are a few shops, restaurants, schools and parks nearby. North Wilmington has a CAP Index crime score of 1, which is significantly lower than the national average of 4. “It’s just one of those small communities that still feels really homey, and everybody knows each other and helps each other out,” says Lauren O’Brien, a Realtor with Leading Edge Real Estate, who has decades of experience in the area. The neighborhood is close to Interstate 93, Route 125 and Wilmington’s commuter rail station into Boston. After a day in the city, North Wilmington locals can return to their quiet homes, tucked away on secluded roads. Between Target and Elia’s Country Store, which carries homemade soups and other prepared foods, groceries are covered in North Wilmington. Market Basket, Walmart and Stop & Shop are also available within 4-mile drives from the center of the neighborhood. Dining options are found near the Target, between I-93 and Route 125. The Habit Burger Grill serves up classic American fare, while Panchos Cantina has authentic Durango bowls and margaritas. For a meal and an activity, K1 Speed has an electric go-kart course, complete with its Paddock Lounge restaurant and bar. As the only K1 location in Greater Boston, visitors come from all over the area. Forest and conservation areas, small bodies of water and recreational parks surround North Wilmington. On the northern sector of the neighborhood, mountain bikers, hikers and birdwatchers head to Wilmington Town Forest. One of its more popular wooded paths leads up a hill to a water tower and the highest peak of the area, where Boston can be spotted in the distance on a clear day. During the summer, Silver Lake Town Beach, about 4 miles away, has a swimming spot with lifeguards, a fishing dock and an adjacent park with sand volleyball and a playground. Residents have just about 4-mile proximity to the Harold Parker State Forest, which is a popular destination for summer sleepaway camps, as well as land and water activities for a day visit. North Wilmington residents can participate in town-wide events just a few miles south, without having to deal with the resulting rush of traffic at home. “They have a cute gazebo area in the center of town where they host a fabulous Fourth of July celebration every year,” O’Brien says. “And, they have a Horribles Parade for Halloween. There are lots of youth and adult programs.” Restaurants downtown will also host live music events, such as relaxed jazz and piano at Tremezzo Ristorante. Sundays during the summer mean socializing at the farmers market, about 3 miles away near Wilmington High School. North Wilmington’s streets branch out from each other sporadically, not quite following a grid. Sidewalks are uncommon, and sizeable front lawns often separate properties from the main roads. Cape Cods, ranch styles and colonials constitute most of the area’s architecture. Single-family homes typically sell between $650,000 and around $1 million, though outliers pop up on either end of the range. Starter homes on the more affordable end tend to be ranch styles and Capes, providing 1,500 square feet and one or two bedrooms. Pricier options will likely net a four- or five-bedroom, updated home measuring at over 3,000 square feet. With more demand and low inventory, the competition continues to increase. “The housing market, despite the interest rates, is still super hot,” O’Brien says. “If a home is priced accurately, sellers are still getting multiple offers at over asking.” Students may begin at the Wildwood Early Childhood Center, which earns a B-minus grade on Niche, before starting first grade at Woburn Street Elementary School, which has a B-plus. North Intermediate School, for fourth and fifth grade, and Wilmington Middle School both have B-plus grades, as well. Wilmington High School scores an A-minus and features facilities that were updated in 2014. Students here have many extracurricular options, including robotics and mock trial clubs. Faith-based, private education is available at Abundant Life Christian School and Learning Center for prekindergarten through eighth grade. Phillips Academy Andover sits about 6 miles away and is ranked the No. 1 best private high school in the state and No. 4 in the country by Niche. There are numerous transit options for the under-20-mile trip into Downtown Boston. The Wilmington Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (T) station is just a few miles south, providing 30-minute rides into Boston’s North Station. I-93 passes through the neighborhood for those who prefer to drive into the city or to Boston Logan International Airport, which is about 20 miles away. This interstate leads to Lawrence General Hospital, as well, which is the most popular medical hub within about 10 miles. Christian churches are also accessible in the Wilmington area, while synagogues and a masjid can be found to the north in Andover.