Going to grad school in Springfield MA, where should I live? (Boston: apartments, lofts)

[dlynn2307]

What areas would you recommend a 20 something yr old female grad student to live in if attending school in Springfield? I will be moving here in August but have not had the opportunity to visit yet. I would like to narrow down my options to perhaps my top two choices so the housing search will be easier once I arrive, since I will only have a week to look and decide. Any insight will be extremely helpful! Both an apartment or a house will work for me.

Northampton is definitely a consideration for me but would like some other suggestions as well since it is a bit pricey. I do not mind a commute (no more than 30 mins to Springfield) if a commute that long is even doable during snow and winter. I am from the south so I have never even seen or driven in snow. How much extra time would a 30 minute commute in the summer take during a snowy winter? Also, I would like to live in an area with younger people my age and nearby restaurants, shopping, and nightlife is a must. The more city feel the better. I would also like to get everyone's opinion on what its like living in the Hartford CT area and how bad of a commute it would be to Springfield.

I would greatly appreciate a description of the areas in and around Springfield (Northampton,Easthampton,Longmeadow, East Longmeadow, Holyoke, Chicopee, Hartford, West Springfield...and everything else you feel I should know about) to get a better feel of what they are like so I can try to narrow it down and decide which areas are right for me. Listing unsafe and rundown areas to definately avoid will also be extremely helpful! Please help with anything you can!! Thanks!

[goldenage1]

i grew up in West Springfield. Here are the areas I would suggest: Easthampton, West Springfield, the eastern edge of Springfield (Indian Orchard), Wilbraham, Ludlow, Longmeadow, East Longmeadow or Agawam (to the extent you can find apartments). I would avoid the downtown areas of Holyoke and Chicopee, but the part of Chicopee around Westover is OK, but not very visually attractive. There are some renovated lofts in Springfield, but some are noisy with the bar crowds. If this option appeals, search the forum on specific places.

[goolsbyjazz]

Originally Posted by goldenage1

i grew up in West Springfield. Here are the areas I would suggest: Easthampton, West Springfield, the eastern edge of Springfield (Indian Orchard), Wilbraham, Ludlow, Longmeadow, East Longmeadow or Agawam (to the extent you can find apartments). I would avoid the downtown areas of Holyoke and Chicopee, but the part of Chicopee around Westover is OK, but not very visually attractive. There are some renovated lofts in Springfield, but some are noisy with the bar crowds. If this option appeals, search the forum on specific places.

I grew up in Springfield and goldenage1 has given some very good suggestions. It would help to know which school you will be attending: AIC, Springfield College, Westfield State, Western New England? Although I no longer live there my family and I were there for a visit last year.
I don't want to disparage the city, but it did not remind me of the place where I grew up. A lot has changed.
Northampton is nice, but it is a bit of a drive to have to make, especially in the winter. I attended the University of Mass in Amherst and commuted daily from Springfield. While I loved driving, especially when I got to the Northampton/Amherst area, there were days when it began to wear on me. I would suggest you live someplace closer to where you'll be attending school.

In any event, good luck and please continue to research the area and ask questions. By the way, one of the things I loved about growing up there was its close proximity to Boston (1 1/2 hours), New York (3 hours) and Hartford, Ct (30 mins). You won't be far from the city at all! If you don't live in the Northeast already be prepared to encounter beautiful scenery, culture and history!

Good luck!

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by goolsbyjazz

It would help to know which school you will be attending: AIC, Springfield College, Westfield State, Western New England?

I was also going to suggest that the school may have an off-campus housing office which has lists of apartments. One thing to be aware of is that many older buildings were not designed for air-conditioning. So, if you are going to be there through summer, look for a place with central A/C.

[tigerclaws]

AC is not that big of a thing if you have a fan. Good Heat ofcourse is an absolute requirement during the fall/winter months.

[SummerFall]

Based on crime and quality of life issues, I would advise you to check out West Springfield, Chicopee, Agawam, or Ludlow first. If you want to live in Springfield, stay out of the north and south end, the square. and the lower part of Forest Park area..like lower Belmont Ave, lower Dickinson street area, etc.

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by SummerFall

Based on crime and quality of life issues, I would advise you to check out West Springfield, Chicopee, Agawam, or Ludlow first.

Ludlow is the area most convenient to Western New England, AIC and Springfield College.

[western mass and love it]

I don't see how ludlow is the most convenient,I would look East Forest park,16 acres or East Longmeadow if going to any of the above schools. Coming from Ludlow is all city driving and going all the was acros town.

[goolsbyjazz]

Originally Posted by western mass and love it

I don't see how ludlow is the most convenient,I would look East Forest park,16 acres or East Longmeadow if going to any of the above schools. Coming from Ludlow is all city driving and going all the was acros town.

I agree!