how do I get to Orange,MA ? (Springfield, Amherst: how much, houses)

[infinitecore]

Hi everyone. I'm trying to visit some people in Orange, MA. I'm from NYC and I have no familiarity with MA. Driving all the way doesn't appear too bad but I prefer to keep my car at home if it's the first time I'm in a geographic area.

I'm looking to plan a trip via bus/train/taxi.

Any efficient/cheap recommendations?

[in_newengland]

Yikes. Orange is a very out of the way place to get to. All I can think of is Amtrak to Springfield and then Greyhound bus to Greenfield and then someone picks you up and takes you to Orange. If it hasn't changed, the bus terminal in Springfield is SCARY. as in dangerous, bad section of town. Then the idea of bumping along on a bus all the way to Greenfield (maybe an hour or so depending on how much the bus stops along the way--that's assuming there IS a bus to Greenfield.)

I hope someone else has a better idea.

[infinitecore]

Originally Posted by in_newengland

Yikes. Orange is a very out of the way place to get to.

(maybe an hour or so depending on how much the bus stops along the way--that's assuming there IS a bus to Greenfield.)

How "bad" is this place? Is it highly isolated with nothing around it except for trees, animals, and mountains?

And do you know much a taxi ride costs between Greenfield and Orange?

[in_newengland]

It's out in the middle of nowhere. I was only there once or twice, that's how remote it is. I think it used to be a small mill town way back when and I would imagine it's still pretty run down. There wouldn't be any mountains out there and I don't know about animals. Last time I was there it was kind of creepy, like a deserted old town that's seen better days -- and it's better days weren't that good.

I don't know how much a taxi would cost from Greenfield to Orange -- I mean NO ONE goes to Orange. There aren't many businesses (if any) in Orange -- it reminded me of a ghost town. I don't mean to insult and Orangees, but that's how it seemed to me and I'm a small town person not a city person. You could probably check it out on Google.

[MiamiDice]

Orange is a nice quite place. I go there to relax & fish. As for Springfield, as long as you go in the daylight, you should be okay.

[infinitecore]

Originally Posted by in_newengland

I don't know how much a taxi would cost from Greenfield to Orange -- I mean NO ONE goes to Orange. There aren't many businesses (if any) in Orange -- it reminded me of a ghost town. I don't mean to insult and Orangees, but that's how it seemed to me and I'm a small town person not a city person. You could probably check it out on Google.

Can you give me some info on the type of people living there? If it's a ghost town as you say, then why do people live there?

I'm not too hot about this location either and I'm already aware that nothing about it is desirable but I actually have some business to attend to, in Orange. Depending on how it turns out, I might end up there on permanent relocation.

[holden125]

It is very rural and I don't know how you'd get there without driving as it's over an hour from Springfield, and 20 miles even from Greenfield, so I imagine a taxi would be very expensive. There is also a train to Amherst, but that is still 20 miles from Orange as well. It might be easiest just to drive up; it's under 4 hours. Very easy too. From NYC, you could take 95 North and then 91 North at New Haven. Keep going, then take Route 2 East from Greenfield and it goes direct to Orange.

Or you'd take the Hutchinson Parkway North to 684 North, then take 84 East and get on 91 North in Hartford. Follow Route 2 East same as above.

The area is very rural and it's pretty but there's not much there. People do live there, just not all that many. It's not a ghost town in the sense of every building is abandoned, but it is a very sleepy rural village. A bit different from NYC.

The bus terminal in Springfield is not the greatest but I've used it and it's not that terrifying, at least to me.

[in_newengland]

Can you give me some info on the type of people living there? If it's a ghost town as you say, then why do people live there?

It just seems spooky to me out there, not everyone will feel the same. It's really remote and it's north of the Quabbin Reservoir where there is deep forest all around. You do a lot of driving if you live out there because there is nothing closeby and it's up and down rte 202 and rte 2 all the time. It seemed to me that the only people living out there were the people who grew up there although I checked out the town's website last night and they do seem to be improving their town and having a few things going on.

HOWEVER, most of the places they refer to on the website are nowhere near them so that's deceiving. Like McCusker's Market (sp) That's out by Shelburne Falls which is way out past the other side of Greenfield, probably an hour's drive to the west. If they are near Barre and Petersham, people do live in those places and they are pretty (for lack of a better word) "civilized." I don't know about Barre (pronounced BARRY) but Petersham (pronounced PETERSAM) has a lovely old fashioned town center and although it used to be mostly a place that people would just use as a summer cottage type of place, now more people seem to be living there year round. They have a wonderful old country store and it's busy with residents coming and going.

Houses will be cheaper but you're stuck out in the middle of nowhere, really remote and isolated, and to me that can get creepy. To each his own though.

[mommytotwo]

LOL
Do yourself a favor and take your car, if you haven't been already.
I've been to Orange once, and I agree, the ride was creepy. I was mad and out for a drive. I went all the way up 202, it was dark and foggy and I hardly saw any other cars, just thick forests and a few towns i've never heard of even though i am a native of springfield. When I got to the gas station at 202 and 2, i turned around and headed home.
the bus station in sprinfield isn't that bad! Esp. for someone coming from NYC. I've brought my senior citizen in-laws to the train station in spfld. I would NOT, however go to the bus station at night alone under any circumstances.
I know you new yorkers probably prefer to avoid it, but take your car! Buy or borrow a GPS if possible.

[Keamo]

I have lived in orange for 22 years, and it is quite relaxing. Not as much entertainment as some of the bigger towns, but there is enough to do. If you need any help on getting around orange let me know.