What about Amherst? (Springfield, Holyoke, Northampton: condo, low crime, houses)

[tkln]

I have read a lot of the threads on this forum and was wondering what everyone thinks about the Amherst area? We are from NYC, so almost ANYWHERE is cheaper than we are, and the area seems really beautiful, with nice homes, good schools and a low crime rate...is there a lot to do, with regards to restaurants and shopping? Not just big box stores, but small mom and pop places?

We love the cold and snow, so that's just a plus to us.

Thanks for any info!

[Dragondog]

If from NYC the Amherst-Northampton area would be a good fit-
Lots of great ethnic restuarants, great Colleges nearby- and both towns have charming Main Streets with cafes, coffee houses and more.

Prices for homes and condo's would be much less then the NYC area.
Big box stores are not extensive- you will find near Northampton Walmart and home depot- but not much beyond that.

Shopping in both towns has great to offer-smaller specialty shops and botiques, rather then Target, etc.

The closest Mall is at Ingleside in Holyoke 16 miles or so down I 91 from Northampton.

The Pioneer valley is very progressive-

[ontheroad]

As a former NYC resident, I lived in the Pioneer Valley and loved it. I frequented Amherst (as my daughter attended Hampshire College) but lived first in Williamsburg, later in Shutesbury.

The Pioneer Valley is among my most favourite for culture, ease of living, ample supply of product and produce (food, books, clothing) and an absence of box-stores.

Saturday market in Northampton a plus; ethnic food available (to eat out or make at home); some of the best second-hand bookstores; great flea markets all year round and more.

However, while cost of living is perhaps lower than NYC, I also earned far less as a director of programs (in Springfield) than I did at a NYC university medical school. I did not feel deprived, but made accommodations for the change in life-style.

[winnie]

Gotta love Amherst area!

Would recommend looking at Hadley as an actual place to live, or Belchertown. You will save some $$$.