What kind of area is STCC (Springfield Tech) in? and a commute from Holyoke (Worcester: apartments, crime)

[Bear17]

I was wondering if anyone had any info on what kind of area Springfield Technical Community College is in (crime and traffic wise)? I'm looking to most likely go here for college next year and I would get an apartment in a neighboring town. From what I've heard both Springfield and Holyoke aren't to great (someone I knew actually got shot at in Holyoke, I don't know what area), and any input would be greatly appreciated. If anyone has gone to STCC and has input on the actual school, classes, and most of the people you encounter, I'd really like to know as well.

I've considered living in the Devonshire Apartments in Holyoke, which so far sounds like a nice place. So basically I would just take I-91 south to STCC for a regular commute. Google Earth said it would take 13 minutes. Any input on if this would be an easy commute, or if not then a different apartment in a neighboring area, would be appreciated.

[lprovo]

The best way to evaluate any college (community or 4 year) is to visit the campus. Your post does not sound very authentic as community colleges are most frequently chosen by local students who are familiar with the area and community. Holyoke Community College (broken link) is right in your neighborhood and is located on a very nice campus away from the city, but close to I-91. STCC is a short distance away in Springfield and is in a more urban location.

[Bear17]

Well at the moment I live in central MA and I am familiar with the worcester area and all surrounding towns, along with the Amherst/Northampton area. Basically I just want to move closer to both STCC and the Northampton area. So would this be an ok place to go? It seems like Holyoke is the center between the two places (Northampton and Springfield).

[TheTransientTranny]

Well, I graduated from STCC with an A.S. Information Technology degree. The degree isn't worth the piece of paper that it's printed on. The campus is pretty, and I think it's cool that STCC used to be a military base (fort?) that General George Washington frequented. Still, I think it's a bit of a stretch when the professors there like to talk about how "STCC is one of the best community colleges in this area". And, don't even get me started on how crappy their "Career Center" is.

[mamom1]

Do you NEED to go to stcc? Why not go to HCC in Holyoke instead if you want to live in Holyoke? They have some similar programs. Where are the devonshire apartments you mentioned? What street? I worked in Holyoke for four years and, yes, there are some nice areas but overall I don't think I would live there JMO.

[Bear17]

Nope I don't need to go there, I'd be open to looking into other colleges as well (in the same area). I'm going for computer science so if HCC has a lot of that then it could be a possibility. Basically it comes down to whether its a safe area or not, and what the people are like that I'd be around everyday.

Devonshire apartments is on 50 Holy Family Road in Holyoke.

Also, thanks for the info TheTransientTranny, much appreciated.

[mommytotwo]

Well, let's just put it this way....

When I put in my aunts address in my navigation system, it brings me right past STCC. Just after I pass it, I remind myself never to use the navigation system again. The area is horrible. OMG, I do not even like driving through there.

The campus seems ok though, I did get dropped off there to inquire about their nursing program, and the campus was nice enough.

My brother goes there, and doesn't have a problem.

Really, though, if you are going to live in Holyoke you may as well look into HCC. If anything, to save gas.

I wouldn't come from Worcester just to go to STCC or HCC though, what about Quinsigamond?

[TheTransientTranny]

I had my wife read my last comment in this thread, and she recommended that I add to this thread something that I had totally forgotten about. But, listen folks, you NEED to know this about STCC. I mean, I don't want to break the hearts of those that are not yet attending STCC but have already signed up.

If you do not have a parking pass ON the STCC campus, you are ASKING FOR TROUBLE. In the 2 to 2 1/2 years I went there my Kia was broken into TWICE. Where I parked was this: if you go out the STCC gates, take a left, then an immediate right you are now into an area that is run over by thugs. If you go on down that street and take a right, you will see more vehicles (likely owned by STCC students that didn't have parking passes) that are just ASKING to be robbed.

Why do I say that? Because the campus police do a very poor job of monitoring the campus and the area around the campus. The police of springfield are pathetic at responding to things like vehicles being broken into. That was back in 2001-2003 when I went to school there, and it's unlikely that things have changed much.

The first time I was broken into (on that back street) the back passenger window of my vehicle was smashed and a cheap radio that came with the vehicle was stolen, along with some cheap tools. The second time the thugs must have been pissed at me because this time I had a nice radio (that I took with me, hahahahahah), so they ripped my rearview window off and helped themselves to my lunch. They could have at least left a note complimenting my wife's cooking skills.

I do have to say, to, for the other guy thinking of going to STCC for Computer Science. Save your money. Buy the Michael Meyer's book for A+, read the thing and get your A+ certificate. You will have a better chance of landing a computer-oriented job. If you're dead set on going for Computer Science, head straight on over to the UMass campus. They do have a pretty strong Computer Science program, and you WILL land a computer programming (or whatever emphasis you're wanting) if you get a BSCS there.

[Bear17]

Well from the two posts above I'm not to crazy about going to STCC now lol (well, I wasn't in the first place), but at least it seems like as long as I am on campus all should be well. Thank you very much for the info, its definitely stuff I need to be aware of. I definitely could live without having my car broken into, so if I do end up going to STCC I'll definitely get the parking pass on campus.

In reply to mommytotwo, I would consider Quinsigamond but I'm set on living close to the Amherst/Northampton area. I think I'll look into HCC a bit, any info on what HCC and the surrounding area is like would also be appreciated.

And mamon1, if you know how the area around Devonshire Apartments is I'd definitely like to know, so far I've read good things (50 Holy Family Road).

[mamom1]

I looked up that street on a map and recognize the area but don't remember there being apartments there. They must be back from the street. Anyway, the area is not bad. It's just minutes from the Holyoke mall and I-91.

As far as STCC and HCC, I took a class at STCC approx. 15 years ago and I graduated from HCC in 2001. I would definately choose HCC anyday. It is in a nicer area, and has a nice campus. I enjoyed most of my professors and it was affordable. It is just minutes from the apartments you were talking about and the mall too. I used to go to the mall when I had a long break in between classes.

STCC is right in the middle of the city. The streets surrounding the campus are not the nicest to be walking down. I think it was a few weeks ago, there was something on the news about a body being found in a wooded area near the campus. The campus is right down the street from a police station, but it still doesn't feel very safe.

Hope this helps