How's West Springfield? (Boston, Chicopee, Westfield: real estate, buy, elementary schools)

[hmw74]

We are relocating to Springfield area in a month or so. Most of people seem to agree that Springfield itself is not the best place to live. I am wondering how is West Springfield? Is it a safe/nice to place to live? I am also considering Enfield, CT.

thanks for your help!

[holden125]

West Springfield is a pretty nice town and (compared to the immediate Boston area) very affordable. The schools are supposed to be so-so. I knew some people there and they thought several of the elementary schools were quite good but the high school was not as strong. The best regarded districts in that area are Longmeadow and East Longmeadow, but those towns can be a bit more expensive. Still a bargain compared to anything inside 128.

I think Mass. income and property taxes will both be lower than Connecticut but if others have a different experience feel free to correct me.

[mamom1]

Parts of W.Springfield are ok. I personally wouldn't buy real estate there but it depends on what you are looking for. If you want a nice area with decent schools then I would look into Agawam, Southwick, Longmeadow, E.Longmeadow, Ludlow, Belchertown, parts of Westfield are good. Some of those communities can be expensive though. If you want Connecticut, parts of Enfield are nice, Suffield is nice but can be expensive.

I personally would stay away from Springfield(lived there for six years), Chicopee, Holyoke, parts of W.Spfld and parts of Westfield