North Adams/ MCLA (Boston, Williamstown: real estate, apartments, dorms)

[Radiojoe315]

I am in the college search. I am going to be a HS Senior this upcoming school year. I recently learned about Mass. College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) which is in North Adams, Mass.

I was wondering anyone could tell me anything about the area? I am completely unfamiliar with details about the area (obviously I have researched the college). But being from the Jersey shore my knowledge about the area is VERY limited. How is it? I will be getting up for a campus visit this fall, but I wanted information ahead of time. How urban/rural is it really? How college friendly is the area? Are things easily accessible being it is isn't likely that I will bring a car. Any information on the area is appreciated!

[Radiojoe315]

I guess nobody can give any input?

[madevelopment]

I live in North Adams and also own real estate around the college campus. North Adams is a clean city which is in the process of undergoing a transformation into a cultural arts destination. Everything you could possibly want / need is within walking distance of the campus. It is a safe campus and community and the Berkshire region has lots to offer. I have rented apartments to students from MCLA for years and find them to be very respectful and fine tenants. I am sure you will find your trip up for the campus visit to be a pleasurable one.

[ontheroad]

I don't live in North Adams--but have visited recently, and I do live in the general area. If you want small town, you may really enjoy the area, and it is in close enough proximity to several larger towns (Williamstown the closest) but if you are looking for an active college social life--you might find it too small and isolated.

The area around North Adams is beautiful (the Mohawk Trail, rte 2) but I think the town needs about another 2-5-10 years to really get on its feet.

[wheelz]

The winter in North Adams can be a little tough and the town is a little run down and out of the way from most of what MA has to offer, The people are down to earth and the housing is cheaper and I personally think it's a pretty decent place but it does need to be spruced up a little. It will take a long time before they are at the same pace as the more eastern towns go but I don't really see that being a bad thing. If you like the outdoors and small town America, you will more than likely enjoy most of what the North Adams area has to offer. I have never spent a lot of time there but from the outside looking in, I would describe it as an old mill town.

[Radiojoe315]

Interesting. I am not sure exactly how I feel about the rural factor. But it is on my list colleges to visit and consider.

Thanks!

[missgolightly]

Well I certainly hope you didn't end up coming here. North Adams is a town in DESPERATE need of repair and a boost in its economy. The college is seriously lacking academically, and good luck if you'd ever like to transfer out. They say the dorms are newly renovated, but they are still in somewhat disrepair, and if something in your room is broken, learn to live with it because most likely the maintenance staff will never get around to it. Unless you're looking for a party school in a VERY rural area...look elsewhere.

[Radiojoe315]

Thank you for the input. I didn't even wind up applying to MCLA. I developed a very small college list instead. I applied to Lyndon State College in Vermont. and was accepted. As well as to Emerson in Boston. I am leaning towards Emerson in Boston.

Thanks again for your input!

[willdufauve]

Emerson, by a mile.

[missgolightly]

Emerson is AMAZING, but unless you have a lot of money to put into your tuition, or are planning on being deep in debt upon graduating college, I'd look elsewhere. They are on the list of the ten colleges in the US with the worst financial aid. Good luck with whichever school you choose!