What is your opinion of Northampton, MA? (Boston, Springfield: apartments, rentals)

[Terry Ray]

I've been searching and searching for a new place to move and continue college. I think I've done it and will plan a trip out there. In the meantime, what are your opinions of the town? Is it affordable? I will be going to college so I don't want rent to be over $1000 a month obviously. What is it like...cost of living compared to Boston? I want some place with seasons and snow (Yay!!) laid-back, but still full of entertainment and opportunity. Affordable to live in and close enough to go into a bigger city if needed. This is an opinion post so please don't argue with each other (in the event i get more than one response)

[Three_seven_eleven]

I would say that if you want the things you are looking for... then Noho is a good choice. I live south of Northampton but I go there often for the food and entertainment. Great little shops too.

[missionhill]

My opinion of Northampton is very favorable. It's been a happening place now since the 1970s and no sign of slowing down. Has a very walkable core with cafes, restaurants, shops, bars--in short, a scene. Affordable compared to Boston or New York (but what's not so affordable is the college tuition in the area--even U-Mass is expensive relative to other public universities.) Full of entertainment and social opportunity (career opportunity not so much)--gay friendly and has a significant lesbian community. Snow, yes. Hiking, biking, and other forms of recreation easily available in the scenic Connecticut valley setting. Amherst, a bike ride away on the very scenic Norwottuck rail trail, is student central and a really nice college town. 3 hrs by bus or car to New York, 2 to Boston.

[willdufauve]

The shining star of western Massachusetts. Generally tolerant, friendly, diverse, artsy, international, but not snooty,

@ Halfway between NYC and Boston, down I-91 you're in Hartford, up I-91 to Bratt (Brattleboro, VT).

No place is perfect, but Northampton is one of the best. After you've been there a while it's hard to leave.

[ctman1987]

I agree with all the above posters. Northampton has a great pedestrian friendly downtown filled with many locally owned and operated shops, restaurants, coffee houses, etc. The area thrives on college students which is great because young blood is definitly needed in southern New England these days. Having Amherst, UMASS, Mt. Holyoke, Hampshire and Smith all in the area is awesome.

Plus youll get snow in Northampton but you wont be bombarded with it like in northern New England.

[michael49]

Noho sounds like a good choice for you.

Rents can be pricey, but there are plenty of roomate situations. The city has a great liberal vibe and lots of neat places to eat and have a coffee. Its always great for people watching. Only 90min to Boston, close to VT. Great area for biking, hiking, camping. Springfield is your closest "city", but its a dump, IMO.

[Terry Ray]

Thank you to everyone who has responded. I'm feeling more and more content with my choice. Can any one tell me about the types of apartment rentals in the city as well as job opportunities? I hear that the economy in the area is not booming but I'm just aiming to do something like serve coffee while im in school. Is the nearest airport in Amherst? Im planning on visiting the first week of March (what will the weather be like?) and was wondering if anyone had a suggestion on a place to stay. Thanks again!!

[michael49]

Originally Posted by Terry Ray

Thank you to everyone who has responded. I'm feeling more and more content with my choice. Can any one tell me about the types of apartment rentals in the city as well as job opportunities? I hear that the economy in the area is not booming but I'm just aiming to do something like serve coffee while im in school. Is the nearest airport in Amherst? Im planning on visiting the first week of March (what will the weather be like?) and was wondering if anyone had a suggestion on a place to stay. Thanks again!!

The best appt rentals are cool old buildings that have been refurbished into apartment, IMO. Check out the Hampshire Daily Gazette...
News and Information from Northampton, MA by the Daily Hampshire Gazette

Also, when you visit Noho there are always postings for rentals/roomates around town. Check the bulletin board in Thornes Market (the noho mall) on the first floor.

If you stay in Hadley (there are several hotels) you will be midway between Amherst and Noho. Hadley is where all of the chain stores are (EMS, Whole foods, Walmart , Target, Best Buy, etc and the sad Hampshire Mall) - much cooler stores in Noho; although I do love the Panera in Hadley.

There are several coffee places in noho and Amherst. My favorite is the Woodstar Cafe in noho (best ginger/mollases cookies on the planet), Haymarket in noho, Amherst Coffee and Rao's coffee in Amherst. Definitely checkout Haymarket and Woodstar - very cool places.

The nearest real airport is Bradley, which is north of Hartford. Its about a 35-40 minute drive to noho from there. The weather in March is highly variable; its not usually the best month weather wise - it usually starts to warm up and get nice in April.

[in_newengland]

The closest airport is Bradley International in Windsor Locks, CT.
I don't know about places to stay.
Most of the rentals are apartments in older houses.
There are lots of little restaurants and coffee shops so you can get a job working in one of them.
March is mud month. In early March it could do anything -- most probably it will be in the 40s or 50s and it could snow or it could just be gray and raw.

[Terry Ray]

just wondering, are there any smaller or cheaper (or both) towns right outside northampton? so i can live for less but still be close to the city.