Need info on Western MA!!! (Worcester, Springfield: real estate, houses, crime)

[Daniel_T]

Hey all, I was born in Southbridge but moved away when I was one. Don't remember anything about the city. Can anyone tell we what Southbridge is like?

My mom is from Springfield and says it was a pit then and I know it sure is now. Are conditions improving in the city or are things getting worse? Also, what are Palmer, Worcester, Ware, and Hampden like? I have family who live or have lived in those areas.

Oh, and there is an area in Springfield that was once called Winchester Square. Does anyone know what it is called today, and what is that area like? My grandmother had a restauarant there.

[katzenfreund]

hi there! I am fairly new to the area, so can't answer much, but I do go to Southbridge quite a bit and hear that the town has improved a lot. There is a new art gallery, a new upscale restaurant and an irish pub in a building called the Cannery on Crane Street. Also close by is a nice little coffee shop, in the Flatiron building. The library in Southbridge is very nice and well stocked and they have a fun theater group, the Gateway Players. Also there is another nice restaurant, The Vienna.... overall from what I hear, things are expected to get better in town.

[in_newengland]

Hi, I'm originally from WMass so I can tell you some things. I think Springfield is getting even worse. Palmer is still run down but they may get a gambling casino so things could look up. Ware never changes, not a great place either. Hampden is gorgeous -- upscale and well kept.

[Daniel_T]

Thanks for the comment. Yeah, I haven't heard to many nice things about Springfield. My mom says it was nasty when she was growing up and it's still nasty now. such a shame.

[ocean7breeze]

Springfield is pretty bad now. Don't know too much about Palmer, Ware or Southbridge. However, Hampden is nice. Nice houses, and small town.

[willdufauve]

There's plenty of crime in Springfield, for sure, but great real estate opportunities.

There are good things going on in the schools. Springfield Public Schools is a leader in teacher training and innovative in-house professional development. The union troubles/lawsuit are behind them. There are excellent innovative small programs and really dedicated teachers, a newly elected Mayor, and the SPS Superintendent will be replaced end of this school year.