Belchertown (Springfield, Amherst, Northampton: house, buying, good schools)

[England]

Anyone living in Belchertown, love the place have visited plenty of times in the past on business from England would like some more info on the place cheers

[winnie]

I lived the next town over for 3 years.

I like Belchertown, it is nice and quiet but easy access to Springfield, Hartford, Amherst and Northampton.

They put in a large grocery store on rte 9, there are a few good resturants up there off 9 too. There is also a Walmart the next town over for more shopping. They are/are supposed to put a Home Depot there too.

The housing went up there a bit but it is still cheaper than some of the other towns closer to Springfield. Good schools, many outdoor activities like horseback riding, 4 wheeling and hiking.

Anything specific you want to know??? I can't think of any serious negatives about the place...I would move back if given the opportunity.

If you like Belchertown you may also like Ware and Granby. Southern areas of Hadley are very nice as well. Be sure to check out The Hangar in Amerst for great wings (It might be called Wings - not sure) and there are too many great resturants in the area to mention in one post.

Oh there is one small issue tho. If you buy a house be really scrupulous about the septic, all homes there have to pass the title 5 standards, many older homes in Belchertown and Granby do fail. But it is up to the owner to correct the problem, the house generally cannot be sold without a passing grade. Also, if you buy land ask if there is ledge in the area. It can really increase the cost of building your home. I personally would go with a newer home there vs building your own or buying an older home. Just a thought.