How Suburban Jungle helped turn lifestyle priorities into the right town
When Ellen and her husband started talking about moving back to Massachusetts, it wasn’t about upgrading square footage or chasing the perfect listing. It was about something deeper: family, clarity, and choosing a place that would support the life they were building. With three young boys under five, Ellen knew this next move couldn’t be temporary. It had to be right.
A Decision Rooted in Family
Ellen and her husband both grew up in Massachusetts, but had spent nearly a decade building their lives in New York and New Jersey. Moving back was always part of the plan, but the timing never felt right.
That changed after a family loss.
Following her grandfather’s funeral, Ellen and her husband found themselves surrounded by extended family back home in Massachusetts. On the long drive back home, a drive they were all too familiar with, the conversation shifted from one day to what are we waiting for? And they didn’t wait – the next day, Ellen’s husband confirmed with work that location flexibility was possible, and suddenly, the decision was real. They were moving back to Massachusetts. The question, now, was where.
So Many Towns, So Much at Stake
Moving back to Massachusetts meant starting fresh – not just in a new house, but in a new community. Together, Ellen and her husband mapped out their must-haves, including A+ public schools, plenty of outdoor space, proximity to major transportation, and easy access to Boston and Providence. They also wanted to ensure they were in an active, welcoming community with plenty of young families.
“We wanted the right town,” Ellen said. “Not just a house that worked.”
But with so many options and the emotional weight of making a “forever” decision with three young children, the couple knew they needed help.
“I remember thinking, isn’t there someone to help with this?” she said. “Not just finding a house, but helping you choose a town?”
That search led them to Suburban Jungle and their Strategist Barbara Hirsch.
During the first call with Barbara, Ellen spent nearly two hours talking through priorities, trade-offs, and real-life logistics. Together, they translated lifestyle goals into town characteristics, from schools to overall vibe to housing inventory, lot sizes, commute realities, and candidly talked through what would and wouldn’t work.
“Barbara was incredibly honest,” Ellen shared. “It felt like she really understood who we were and could describe towns in a way that actually made sense to us.”
By the end of the call, they had narrowed their search from more than a dozen towns to five.
| READ MORE New Year, New Town: 4 Signs It’s Time to Move to the Suburbs From Barre to Bagels: Living Your Lifestyle In the Suburbs The Complete Guide to Living In Needham, MA |
Narrowing the Field
With insights from Barbara shaping the search, Ellen was then connected via Barbara to a local partner real estate agent who specialized in their target towns, and the family dove in. They immediately developed a strong connection with their agent and felt relieved to have that piece of the puzzle provided to them via Suburban Jungle as well; one less thing to research. Over several intense weekends, Ellen and her husband toured homes across the region, often traveling back and forth in a single day. As they visited town after town, patterns emerged. Some places were great, just not right for them. Others had strong schools but limited land. A few felt too large or too segmented to offer the sense of community they wanted. But eventually, the list narrowed to two Boston suburbs.
Trusting the Process — and their Gut
Early on, they toured a house in Medfield that stuck with them. It checked nearly every box. But at the time, it felt just out of reach. They continued looking and even made an offer on another house. But something didn’t feel right.
“I remember saying, we need to pull this offer,” Ellen said. “This isn’t the house.”
As soon as they stepped back, the answer became clear. They couldn’t stop thinking about that first Medfield house. They loved the property, the town, and the overall energy of Medfield.
“It was winter, and people were still outside — walking, biking, just living,” she said. “It felt good.”
So they made an offer – and after some negotiation, they got their forever house.
Life After the Move to Medfield
Now, settled in their new suburban home, Ellen describes the move as “the best decision we ever made.” Life in Medfield has brought exactly what they hoped for: neighbors with kids the same age, an active outdoor culture, and a community that makes everyday life feel easy. Their home sits near a popular rail trail, perfect for walks, bike rides, and stroller outings. Seasonal events, downtown gatherings, and simple moments, like sledding in their own backyard, have confirmed they chose the right ‘burb to call “home.”
“We feel more at home here than anywhere we’ve ever lived,” Ellen said.
Advice for Families Considering a Similar Move
Looking back, Ellen credits the process — not luck — for the outcome. Her advice:
- Do the work upfront. Be honest about what matters most.
- Choose the town before the house. Lifestyle and community comes first.
- Trust the experts. Let professionals guide you.
- Follow your gut. Data matters, but feelings matter too.
- Commit when you’re ready. Momentum is important in moving decisions.
“This wasn’t just a move,” Ellen said. “It was an investment in our family and our future.” Finding Medfield, she added, changed everything. The stress of uncertainty was replaced by confidence, connection, and a sense of belonging.
“When you find the right place,” she said, “you just know.”
For more client stories, visit Suburban Jungle’s blog page on our website.
Ready to find the right place for you and your family? Schedule your free initial strategy call today.
