What is it really like living in Springfield? (Holyoke, Amherst: crime, hotel)

[bigelow120]

I will be moving to Springfield this June for work purposes, and it seems like there's a lot of conflicting information on the internet on what the culture is like there, safety, neighborhoods etc.

Either that, or the information is at least a decade old and seems dated.

So- to current/past residents or just those who have spent a little time there, what is it really like in Springfield?

Is it actually as dangerous as people make it out to be?

What is the "feel" or culture there like?

I have a 21 year old daughter moving with me, any considerations to keep in mind for a young-er adult moving there as well? Thanks in advance!

[tovarisch]

If you're going to be working there, do you have to live there, too? Or can you pick one of the surrounding communities?

[mdovell]

I'll pm you. Been here five years

[bizcuit]

If you could post back about what you are looking for in a community and your budget, there are a number of us living in Western MA who could give you some insight.

FWIW, I work in Springfield, but live in Northampton. Working from home full time right now because of covid, but even without the shutdown, most weeks I work from home 2-3 days and go into the office on the other days. My commute time is about 30-35 minutes each way, so not terrible.

[masssachoicetts]

Its not that bad and outside Springfield its nice.. towns like Amherst and Northhampton are really nice. Western MA isnt dreary and depressing like upstate NY or PA.

[bigelow120]

Thank you for the PM, was super informative!

To all: we have various reasons of needing to live within the metro area there.

So, confined to Springfield, (and also bearing in mind the current world situation), we aren't too big on high price anything. Like to keep it simple, hoping to find good low-key corner stores or grocery stores in the area.

I think my daughter is a little worried about making new friends there...I honestly don't know what to tell her as it's been many years since I was in my 20s and I don't know what the feel of the area is like. She has a liver condition so no drinking for her either (so bars are off the table...if you ask me I think that's not such a bad thing!)

Is the city the kind of place one shouldn't walk around after dark in?

Also...any places in Sfield or nearby communities you think would just be good to know about, as a new comer, for whatever reason?

Thanks again everyone!

[tovarisch]

I think you'll need to define what you mean by the metro area: only within city limits? Or some of the surrounding towns? (That's really the same as my earlier question.) mdovell is indeed a good source for info.

[bigelow120]

Originally Posted by tovarisch

I think you'll need to define what you mean by the metro area: only within city limits? Or some of the surrounding towns? (That's really the same as my earlier question.) mdovell is indeed a good source for info.

Definitely within city limits.

[BostonBornMassMade]

Originally Posted by bigelow120

Definitely within city limits.

Ehh... there’s decent neighborhoods it’s just a lousy city overall with a crime problem. That being said there’s some beautiful houses for affordable prices and at least two universities. Not a blighted city at all. Just done areas around downtown. Strong Puerto Rican influences. The universities could be nice socially for your daughter and depending on her style Amherst or Hartford could provide social outings/circles. Could really be economically depressed after COVID. It likely will be, hopefully that new casino stays open.

[missionhill]

In Springfield, Forest Park is a really good city park for walking and closeby nature access. Adjacent neighborhood of the same name is historically the best in town.

A great hangout scene for students and human beings in general awaits you 11 miles to the north in Amherst and Northampton. Both towns have coffee shops, bookstores, a youthful scene, many places to hang out, and a nice paved bike path connecting the two. For hiking there's the Holyoke range. Mount Holyoke (the mountain) is very nice and has the original part of a 19th century hotel at the summit where you can take in the view from the verandah and see what the guest rooms looked like. You can drive up if you want but it's a nice hike. There's a visitor center with info on hikes in the range at the notch along route 116. The Mt Tom reservation in Holyoke is good too although I like the Mt Holyoke views the best. Mt Tom had a hotel at the summit once too but not a trace remains.

Good college art museums at Amherst College, Smith College and Mount Holyoke college (in South Hadley). Hartford, Springfield's higher profile urban cousin 22 miles down I-91, has a first class art museum, the Wadsworth Athenaeum.

Pho Saigon in Forest Park is excellent Vietnamese, and Satay in West Springfield has great Thai. Both budget friendly. Panjabi Tadka on Main Street in Springfield is some of the best Indian food, a little more expensive.

Gateway City Arts in Holyoke has some really interesting stuff going on like art exhibitions and shows, and the Calvin/Pearl Street in Northampton always have great shows.