Springfield MA, whats wrong with it?

[Coem]

Springfield's problem is that the two demographics of people that usually move in and gentrify cities like this won't come to Springfield. One is these are the college/post-college young, educated single people. This group won't come to Springfield because towns very close by like Northampton are already magnets for this demographic. The other demographic are yuppies who work in Boston and look for cheap housing to fix up. They won't come to Springfield because it's just a bit too far from Boston and cities like Providence and Lowell are more attractive alternatives to this group.

The only way Springfield will be gentrified is to find some sort of niche that isn't already taken up by other places in New England. Perhaps Springfield can try to attract gays and become the gay capital of the area... but then this is already sort of fulfilled by Northampton (again) and Provincetown. I don't know... perhaps Springfield's time has just passed.

[lms400]

Springfield is generally corrupt. They are a disaster area for schools as well as finances. It's crazy.

[renault]

Originally Posted by twiggy

Springfield MA, whats wrong with it?

White Non-Hispanic (48.8%)
Hispanic (27.2%)
Black (21.0%)
Other race (16.4%)

[Xenos]

Springfield lost the manufacturing jobs a long time ago, and never replaced them. Does not have a University or other employer to bring in the middle and upper middle class. All that is left is one insurance company, the state, and some local colleges.

If the sea levels rise and Boston and New York sink under the waves, then maybe people and employers will relocate there. Other than that, who knows what might revive the place?