What's difference between Florence, Easthampton, Northampton? (Holyoke, South Hadley: apartments, rental, condos)

[Hubcap_halo]

Hello,

I'm considering relocating to one of these towns. I've heard Northampton is great, but hear rents are cheaper in Florence and Easthampton.

What is the major difference between these towns?

I just want to live simply and cheaply. $650 in rent for studio would be fine. I'm an ad copywriter but I'd do any kind of part time work just to be able to live.

Is this doable?

[theh]

Technically, Florence is a section of Northampton. It's a safe, quiet, suburban-like area. Apartments are generally cheaper than the rest of Northampton because it's located on the outskirts, a bit away from Smith College and the downtown area. You may also want to try Leeds, which is right next to Florence and has similar rental rates and the same atmosphere. I think Leeds may also be another section of Northampton. Yes, you can find a studio there for $650 or less.

Easthampton is like a sister of Northampton. It's similar, but it has it's differences. The downtown area in Easthampton is smaller than Northampton's downtown, but it has some nice shops. It's not quite as alive as Northampton, but it's certainly not dead either. They have the Easthampton Art Walk every month downtown (Art Walk Easthampton -- Second Saturday each Month) and every Thursday evening local musicians perform in the common. Easthampton is also very cheap and you could easily find a studio for less than $650. We are renting a large one-bedroom apartment in Easthampton for only $675, which I think is about average for the town.

[lprovo]

Northampton is a vibrant and diverse community with a very active downtown shopping/restaurant/nightclub district and many rental options available (condos, homes, complexes, etc).

Florence is very charming with a much quieter pace, probably more suited to a quieter lifestyle. Because it is a suburb, rents are lower, but apartments are not as numerous as in Northampton. It's really 5 minutes from downtown and connected by the bike path as well.

Easthampton is in a period of growth, much of which has stemmed from the high rents (both commercial and residential) in Northampton, and it's ability to transform itself from its blue-collar, factory beginnings to a haven for artists and young professionals. Rents are somewhat lower, but may be harder to find. The Manhan Rail Trail, is poised to join Northampton's bike path, making the entire area very interconnected.

[ChrisA70]

All 3 are great places, I love them all... Nothing negative at all.

[VlyRoadKid]

Northampton, though "vibrant" and having lots to do, pays for it with some nasty traffic and parking problems. Also, the cultural scene (IMO) is not what it was back in the 1980's and early '90's, at least the music scene. I've lived there in different locations and loved it as a single party-type, but wouldn't want to raise kids there, mainly due to the crowding and traffic.

Easthampton did NOT appeal to me at all; it seems cut-off, somehow...as if at the end of a long, desolate road. There are some nice houses (Victorians, mostly) and a posh prep school there, but not much else.

Florence CAN be nice, depending on where you live (as in not down by the old factories). Up near the center is okay, or out near Look Park. There's even a decent town "swimming hole" there, though it's crowded and muddy.

For access to the culture of N'ton and yet countryside (for biking, walking), try Haydenville, Whately, Hatfield or South Hadley (though prices are higher, due to Mt. Holyoke). From any of those towns, it's a 5-10 min. drive to downtown Noho.