What kind of area is STCC (Springfield Tech) in? and a commute from Holyoke - Massachusetts (MA) - Page 2 - City-Data Forum

TheTransientTranny · 10-08-2008, 06:25 PM

Hey, Bear17. I would do as ma(mom)1 says, and forget about STCC. It's a somewhat cute, if not overrated campus (and really very small), but I think the education is overrated there. Yes, we all know that education is what you make of it, but that is only true to a certain point. Looking back on my IT education there, I don't think they had the most competent instructors. A lot of my fellow students, dare I say this, may not have been admitted into HCC. I picked STCC for the wrong reasons, but we all learn differently.

Bear17 · 10-09-2008, 10:05 AM

Thanks guys, you've been extremely helpful

jeffw · 10-11-2008, 07:41 AM

stcc has some great programs and is very cheap compaired to other college options. i went there some years back and have been doing just fine with my peice of paper.

the parking sucks.... on campus is safest if you can get it, i think its seniors first. that area is ruff for sure.

living in holyoke is not much better, if you go to stcc live in west springfield, agawam, both very close and much better than holyoke.

Hcc is a good choice as well its a 4 year school for the most part.

westfield state is a great school as well and living in westfield is uber safe no bad choices.

umass worcester, or amherst are good choices as well, amherst is very safe and lots of housing options.

stcc is fine live in west springfield go to housing more west of the river and its safe. agawam is all good no bad areas.

Good luck in your choices.

Bear17 · 10-13-2008, 10:40 PM

Thanks for the additional info

brother Al · 10-15-2008, 06:37 AM

STCC is a good Community College and it is located inside the former US Armory Headquarters.Beyond that, Springfield is a Dead City. Even though the PD & a brand new, multi million dollar Federal Building is just a few blocks away, drugs & crime are rampant in the area.If you do go there, here's several thing to remember#1 always lock your doors when driving.#2 Always make sure you put all CDs, electronics, bags, backpacks, boxes, everything in the trunk & don't leave spare change anywhere in sight.#3 Don't stop at the nearby gas station, Walgreens, or other stores. You are likely to regret it.#4 Always keep a large stick or club handy.#5 Dialing 911 is a wasted call in Springfield. Not enough Cops, waay too many Robbers.

Bear17 · 10-20-2008, 07:36 AM

Well one things clear, Springfield isn't the nicest place on earth... lol. Thanks for the added info brother Al.

westernmass101 · 05-07-2009, 06:17 PM

Avoid Springfield Technical College Area. I have a cousin who is female and has to be escorted by either security or guy friends just to feel safe. Traffic isn't the best either.
As for school choices, the college is great for technical fields as a start off. But I think maybe you should look into other area colleges like HCC. The worst case scenario would be if you go to STCC and than transfer to other colleges nearby.

As in terms of living. Springfield has the highest taxes. The state controlled the city for awhile because of there financial troubles. How to increase revenue would be increase taxes. They also have a tax on trash, so keep in mind with that. Springfield is also known for being crime ridden. It seems like everyday theres a crime. But, most of it is usually related to drugs and gangs.

Holyoke is not bad in terms of crime. It actually has improved. Your friend may of been at the wrong place at the wrong time situation, which I am sorry to hear. Not everywhere is bad in Holyoke, so also keep in mind with that. The apartments you were looking at are considered to be really good.

But in terms of convinenace. If you plan on goign to STCC you may want to fin somewhere closer. Holyoke is out of the way, but still close. Chicopee would probably be your best bet. t's relatively the safest community in the metro-area. The cost of livign is affordable and close to STCC. Transportation wise: find the part of Chicopee that is closest to Springfield (downtown Chicopee). However, northern Chicopee (Fairview) you could hit up I-391 and continue down until you reach I-91 (Springfield), than take I-291 to STCC/ Armory. But, as I said downtown Chicopee would be your best bet since you could immediatly take I-391 and the travel time would be reduced significantly. Try looking at the redevelopment of the mills (particularly Ames) they offer affordable housing and I believe they also have plans for student housing.

Good Luck!

western mass and love it · 05-08-2009, 03:11 AM

wow i had no idea Springfield was such a bad place,i better tell my family and friends so they can get out, wouldn't want them to get hurt or anything.i went to STCC and parked all over(mostly on state street or over by the blue eagle on worthington)it is a safe enough area. i have been to walgreens,gotten gas at the shell station and even had lunch at the burger king.and wouldn't you know it i am still alive.and i did not even have my big stick or club handy.go to the campus,walk around and get feel for the area your self,it is not as bad as people make it out to be.they way Springfield is portrayed here you would think there were bodies just piled up on street corners and burned up cars littered all over the streets.