Moving to Western Mass (Northampton, Easthampton: real estate, house, school district)

[DakotaJo]

Hi ~ my husband and I have just sold our house and are moving to Western Mass - will temporarily reside with his parents, but we've been looking at real estate and have had our eye on a few properties for quite some time. We are hoping that more will hit the market after winter starts to fade. We are considering Westhampton and Southampton, as we love the outdoor activity and the idea of living outside of NoHo. We have also looked at S. Hadley, but property seems more pricey. We have a daughter who is a toddler - school is in the distant future. In general, we know W. Mass has good schools ~ we have been told that S'hampton is a good school district (but also feeds into the same H.S. as W'hampton). My husband will be relocating, and I will be searching for a job ~ any particular information about Westhampton would be helpful (schools, commutes, residents, etc). Any preferences of the two towns, or other recommendations? Thanks

[in_newengland]

Westhampton is absolutely gorgeous. Southampton is gorgeous too but it has more of a (how do I say it?) redneck feel to it while Westhampton has more of an upper middle class feel.

Westhampton is somewhat isolated and out in the hills. This doesn't matter much in summer but in winter that trek down rte 66 to Northampton can be treacherous and you feel more out of it in Westhampton. I guess I would say that Westhampton is quite a way out and a longer drive but it's probably worth it for the quality of life.

[willdufauve]

Try looking at Huntington, to be thorough, just a little further up rte 66.

[girlandpup]

Originally Posted by in_newengland

Westhampton is absolutely gorgeous. Southampton is gorgeous too but it has more of a (how do I say it?) redneck feel to it while Westhampton has more of an upper middle class feel.

Westhampton is somewhat isolated and out in the hills. This doesn't matter much in summer but in winter that trek down rte 66 to Northampton can be treacherous and you feel more out of it in Westhampton. I guess I would say that Westhampton is quite a way out and a longer drive but it's probably worth it for the quality of life.

What about Easthampton?

[in_newengland]

Originally Posted by girlandpup

What about Easthampton?

Op wants a good school system.